“Haldimand First” came about naturally. It reflects why I am running for mayor and how I believe Haldimand County should be led.

I ran for mayor in 2022 and came within 166 votes of being elected. Throughout that campaign, I spoke with residents and business owners across the county about what they expected from their municipal government. The message was clear: listen, make responsible decisions, stand up for Haldimand, and remember who government is there to serve.

Every decision should begin with a simple question: Is this right for Haldimand? Will it improve conditions for our residents, businesses, and visitors?

Haldimand First means no special interest group, friend, donor, developer, organization, or personal relationship receives priority over the interests of the county. The mayor works for the people of Haldimand, and every decision must reflect that responsibility.

It also means standing up for Haldimand when dealing with other levels of government. We need strong and productive relationships with the province and federal government. I will always do what is right for our county and make sure our position is heard.

Haldimand First also reflects how I feel about this county. I was born and raised here. I have built businesses, invested, volunteered, and I am raising my children here. Haldimand is home, and in my mind, it is the best municipality in the country.

We should not measure ourselves against other municipalities. Haldimand should set the standard that others look to and measure themselves against. To lean on a common saying: We are not keeping up with the Jones’. We are the Jones’.

That means actively promoting Haldimand as a first-rate community to live, work, visit, invest, and build a business. We need to help existing businesses grow, attract new employers, compete for family physicians and health-care professionals, and secure investment from other levels of government.

We also need to give our young people reasons to return home after completing school or training. They should be able to build careers, find housing, raise families, and see a future for themselves here.

Haldimand should be the desired destination for families, businesses, investors, visitors, health-care professionals, and our own young people.

That is what Haldimand First means to me, and it is the standard I will bring to the mayor’s office.