Cambridge candidates share why they're running in this municipal election

Accountability, finances, future growth and ensuring people are heard are among some of the reasons people have decided to run for office in Cambridge, Ont.

Change will also come to Cambridge council this fall as three current councillors are not seeking their seats again:

• Ward 3 Coun. Mike Mann opted not to run in the election.
• Ward 4 Coun. Jan Liggett is running for mayor.
• Ward 5 Coun. Pam Wolf is running for regional council.

The municipal election will be held on Monday, Oct. 24 and to help people in Cambridge get to know the people running, CBC Kitchener-Waterloo asked all candidates to answer a survey that listed their top three reasons for running.

Click on the links below to read what your local candidates have to say:

• Mayor.
• Ward 1.
• Ward 2.
• Ward 3.
• Ward 4.
• Ward 5.
• Ward 6.
• Ward 7.
• Ward 8.
• How to vote in Cambridge.

The responses are in alphabetical order by last name.

Mayor

There are four candidates for mayor in Cambridge:

• Cody Botelho.
• Randy Carter.
• Jan Liggett.
• Kathryn McGarry (incumbent).

Cody Botelho says his top three reasons for running are:

• Accountability and transparency.
• How the city is dealing with addiction and crime.
• Leadership.

Botelho ran in the 2018 municipal election in Cambridge's Ward 7 and then also in the 2020 by-election in the same ward.

He says he feels the current mayor and council "lack accountability and transparency." He said there wasn't enough public consultation before approving a consumption and treatment site at 150 Main Str. in downtown Galt.

Botelho says the city should not "enable addiction or normalize the criminality in our city" and that council should be working "against crime."

He also said the city has a lack of leadership "as shown with some of the improvements on Dickson Street."

"Our mayor and council spent thousands of dollars on a light up sign because Toronto had one. Our mayor and council also spent thousands of dollars to paint a crosswalk because Kitchener did it. Our mayor and council fail to understand symbolism if they believe walking on a symbol is empowering to people rather than insulting. We need a mayor and council that think for themselves," he said.

"I want voters and [the] public to know that I will work hard for them, I won't be spending my time at state dinners with the prime minister and foreign dignitaries."

Randy Carter says his top three reasons for running for mayor are:

• To increase access to affordable housing.
• A realistic plan for the drug addiction problem.
• Listening to the people and keeping everyone informed.

Jan Liggett says her top three reasons for running for mayor are:

• Concerns residents are being ignored.
• Mental health, addiction and homelessness.
• Respect for taxpayers' money.

Liggett says she has a "deep concern with the pattern of ignoring resident and taxpayer voices" by council.

"We must re-discover the spirit and substance of listening to and hearing from each other, the satisfaction and joy of acting as a unified and informed community," Liggett said.

Liggett says as a councillor for eight years, she thinks there are other ways to deal with the mental health, addiction and homelessness crisis in the city and said there's an "urgent need to wrap our heads around mandatory rehab and mental health treatment through the courts."

"Funding is key, and it will be my job representing Cambridge to advocate at every level of government to provide sufficient and timely funding to resolve these problems," she said, adding she'd press the region, provincial and federal governments to fund services currently in place, "identify gaps that demand action, and advocate to meet the increasing pressure for public services as our population grows."

When it comes to taxpayers' money, Liggett says there needs to be accountability, consultation, protection of the environment, economic growth, innovation and respectful development.

"I know how it feels to pay taxes and entrust my elected officials to spend it wisely. I live in Cambridge and I am invested in Cambridge in the true sense of the word," she said.

"I believe in being optimistic about our future, and in being prepped for the negative and then being wowed by the positive."

Kathryn McGarry is the incumbent and offered three themes for her bid to be re-elected:

• A more prosperous future.
• A more affordable Cambridge.
• A more connected Cambridge.

She noted this is a "critical time" for the city and she thinks "experience and seasoned leadership is needed to steer Cambridge out of the pandemic."

She said in the most recent term of council, she worked to bring jobs and businesses to the city and also worked to save people money, including by merging the city's electricity utility company with Brantford's.

"I will continue to respect your tax dollars with efficient and effective city services. 2019 saw the lowest tax increase in 10 years and taxes have been kept as low as possible," she said.

McGarry says she wants to work with other levels of government to get more funding for services to address homelessness, addiction and mental health issues, sports and recreation facilities and upstream prevention in youth. 

"Equity, diversity and inclusion are core values and I commit to continuing the journey of true reconciliation. A safer community is a connected community," she said.

McGarry, who sat as a Liberal member of provincial parliament in the riding of Cambridge, said she's also a long-time volunteer and has been recognized with a women of distinction award, the Bernice Adams Special trustee award and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee pin.

"My vision is to continue to create an exciting, prosperous and dynamic Cambridge as it has one of Ontario's hottest economies, was named as one of the top 20 most beautiful Canadian cities and needs more free, fun, interactive activities (placemaking) for our families."

The full panel discussion with Cambridge's mayoral candidates can be found here.

Ward 1

There are four candidates in Ward 1 of Cambridge:

• Paul Brown.
• Donna Reid (incumbent).
• Helen Shwery.
• Erick Taylor.

Paul Brown did not respond to CBC K-W's survey.

Donna Reid says her top three reasons for seeking re-election are:

• To work toward a better future.
• She enjoys the job and helping people.
• It's an honour to serve the community.

Reid said the city, like others in the province and country, are facing serious issues when it comes to addictions, mental health and homelessness.

"The solutions for our vulnerable residents on these circumstances is complex," she said. "I feel my experence will help coucil manage these difficult circumstances."

Reid said the city is expected to grow between now and 2050 and it's important to plan for that growth.

"As we grow and build new housing, new industries and new businesses, we must be mindful to protect our precious heritage buildings and spaces," she said.

Helen Shwery said her top three reasons for running in this election are:

• To freeze residential and business property taxes for the next three years.
• To cut red tape, unnecessary fees and studies to allow developers and builders to build more quickly.
• To give police adequate resources required to fight crime.

Shwery says she's the daughter of immigrant parents and she grew up on a farm. She's a mother, grandmother, business owner, former audit and fraud specialist "and fed-up taxpayer." 

She says she's concerned about "increasing crime rates on our streets."

"I believe talk is cheap and we need more action. I believe public servants are just that, servants, and need to start acting that way," she said.

Erick Taylor did not respond to CBC K-W's survey.

Ward 2

There are three candidates in Ward 2:

• Mike Devine (incumbent).
• Piyush Nanda.
• Matt Rogers.

Mike Devine did not respond to CBC K-W's survey.

Piyush Nanda, a chemical engineer, says he's running to make sure people's voices and concerns are heard at city hall.

He wants "to provide a fresh new perspective on the way issues are resolved at city hall. I bring years of experience as an engineer and the perspective I bring includes an analytical and logical approach to solving age-old problems."

He said he's calm, disciplined and passionate about serving the community.

"I bring a unique perspective to solve the problems of the city to make it a better place to live," Nanda said.

Matt Rogers says his top three reasons for running in this election are:

• He enjoys politics and has a passion for it.
• Communication between council and the community.
• Issues need to be dealt with more quickly.

Rogers describes himself, not as a politician: "I'm your neighbour."

He said he's grown up in the city and Hespeler is his home. He also describes himself as a "young, energetic and deeply passionate individual."

"Over the years, I've been involved in politics in a number of ways. Not because I disagreed with something going on, not because I grew up in a political family (politics was seldom discussed), but because I enjoyed [it]," he wrote.

He said he wants to give back to the community.

"I can communicate with the community in a way that people will understand. As much as I would be an elected official, I refuse to act as though I need to worry about re-election. By definition, I am supposed to represent my community and do what is best for it. This is what I'll do," he said.

He said he feels as though there are issues in the city not being addressed quickly enough by the current council.

"If elected, I will do everything in my power to get stuff done quicker, while still maintaining or even improving the level of public engagement," he said.

Ward 3

The current councillor in Ward 3, Mike Mann, is not seeking re-election, so there will be a new face representing this part of Cambridge.

There are five people vying for the seat:

• Michele Braniff.
• Tracy Hipel.
• Belinda Karahalios.
• Corey Kimpson.
• Nate Whalen.

Michele Braniff says her top three reasons for running in this election are:

• To bring experience and skill to the job.
• Love of the city.
• To support strong citizen leadership, participation and engagement.

Braniff may be a familiar name to people because she previously ran as a Green candidate in the 2021 federal election. She has worked as a lawyer, mediator, entrepreneur and professor at both the community college and university levels.  As well, she managed family counselling and mental health programs for a non-profit organization.

She says she's running to be a city councillor because people deserve someone who is prepared to "do the hard work to thoroughly understand our challenges."

She says she's studied best practices from cities around the world and wants to see the best in her own city. That includes thinking about parks, playground, sidewalks, bike lanes, recreation, aging in place and ensuring walkable communities.

"Social impact makes a city welcoming, friendly and safe and we often do not notice the key elements until the neighbourhood or city core becomes too noisy, too busy or uninviting," she said.

"I am the only candidate with the experience and training to implement evidence-based policy reform with a focus and vision that is practical, measurable and attainable," she said.

Braniff noted she has sat on citizen advisory committees and says she wants to make it "easier for citizens to connect to the city."

She said most people she's spoken to during this campaign don't want big promises.

"I think they want honest answers with a vision for the future which is attainable based on specific, measurable and realistic action items. It is not enough to talk about lowering taxes," she said.

"Too often, social problems are not recognized until there is a crisis; reacting to a crisis is often poorly planned, over-simplified and inefficient. A more effective response is upstream thinking, which is about exploring the cause of the problem and putting in place preventative measures, such as early childhood education, youth programs or age-friendly design features."

Tracy Hipel did not respond to CBC K-W's survey.

Belinda Karahalios says the top three reasons she's running for council are:

• To implement a property tax freeze.
• To engage and champion the community and oppose a consumption and treatment site.
• Transparent and accountable government.

Karahalios, who was elected as a Progressive Conservative MPP for Cambridge in 2018 and then sat as an independent MPP until this past spring, says the most recent city council has driven up the cost of living "at a historic rate" and she doesn't want to see more tax hikes.

She says she opposes the consumption and treatment site in the Galt core. She also says council decisions "should not be made behind closed doors."

"Constituents and their representatives should not be silenced, defamed, smeared, or attacked for wanting to debate policy proposals based on the facts and questioning whether ideological top-down proposals are having the intended results — whether that is a new development, a drug injection site, or a new transportation solution," she said.

"I will not be bullied into voting against my conscience or turning a blind eye from doing the right thing."

Corey Kimpson says her top three reasons to run for council are:

• To provide the community with a strong, positive voice at city hall.
• To bring a unique perspective to the council table.
• Communication and collaboration.

Kimpson is a long-time volunteer with various organizations in the city as well as a business owner.

"I bring a unique outlook and a diverse lived experience to the table," she said.

"I am a strong believer in communication and collaboration. By providing regular updates and opportunities for community members to share their thoughts and concerns, we can work together to build a Cambridge we are proud of."

She considers herself to be "open, approachable and committed to building relationships with other members of council, city staff and community members."

"I see incredible value and benefit when we work together and I have proven experience in advocacy and action," she said.

Nate Whalen says the top three reasons why he's running in this election are:

• Affordability.
• To work on solving the homelessness crisis.
• Ensuring Preston "is a thriving, wonderful place to live."

Whalen says he started his campaign because he want people to live in a city they can "actually afford." 

"I'm worried about cost of living, where we pay more of our hard earned money on property taxes than neighbouring cities, and more and more people are just one payment away from losing their homes, not to mention buying or renting becoming more expensive," he said.

He said he feels like taxes are increasing but people are getting fewer services.

"All while we have rampant homelessness, crime, and addictions challenges. We need stronger leadership at city hall," he said.

He said the city needs to help those experiencing homelessness and the current emergency shelters don't provide "the most healing environment" for people. While it's the region's job to deliver housing and emergency shelter services, he says Cambridge could step up and support the expansion or relocation of The Bridges shelter to provide more wraparound services in one place.

He said the city owns empty buildings that could be turned into temporary housing to get people off the streets and out of parks.

He also wants to see Preston thrive, with a new vision for the downtown core, where there are empty storefronts.

"We have to be very careful about developing responsibly for the future growth of our city, while also protecting our heritage atmosphere in Preston," he said.

Whalen, 28, is a husband, homeowner and worked in banking before recently starting his second business.

He also noted he:

• Believes in ensuring the city is inclusive and diverse, and where people of all walks of life feel they belong.
• Cares about the environment and building a city that's resilient to climate change and rising energy costs into the future.
• Wants to see the city do more to recruit doctors and nurses to live and work in Cambridge and advocate to the provincial government about health-care resources and doing more for seniors.

Ward 4

There will be a new councillor in Ward 4 as current councillor, Jan Liggett, is seeking the mayor's seat in this election.

There are four people running for this seat:

• Ross Earnshaw.
• Barbara Harrington.
• Usman Lalva.
• Clifford Vanclief.

Ross Earnshaw says his top three reasons for running in this election are:

• To advocate for more affordable housing.
• To provide more support and resources for people experiencing homelessness.
• To advocate for "thoughtful, responsible development."

Earnshaw says his legal career has spanned more than 40 years and through that work, he learned to listen, advocate and mediate.

He says there's a need for housing options in the city "from emergency shelters and supportive housing all the way to home ownership."

"I believe we must increase the number of affordable options and pursue creative approaches to encourage construction of affordable and supportive housing projects, including encouragement for organizations that are devoted to addressing the need for housing in our city," he said.

He said the city needs to help the growing number of people experiencing homelessness while also keeping in mind the safety of people who want to spend time in the downtown cores.

"We need to provide more for those seeking help with their mental health, make sure everyone feels safe in their community, and address the lack of supportive and affordable housing," he said.

When it comes to the city's growth, he says he will advocate for "thoughtful, responsible development that will accommodate the growth we expect, protect the heritage we cherish, create pleasant, walkable neighbourhoods, reduce traffic and congestion on our busy roads and through our neighbourhoods, and cut out the truck traffic coming through our downtown to support a vibrant core."

Barbara Harrington says her top three reasons for running in this election are:

• To see positive change so council will "work together in a more cohesive manner."
• Affordable housing.
• To embrace diversity, equality, and inclusion.

"We need to improve and utilize our parks more as an inclusive community. We need to promote growth and development in ways that will be a benefit for all people within Cambridge," she said.

She said like elsewhere in the province, Cambridge has an affordable housing issue. She said while big homes and condo towers can be nice, the city needs to encourage developers to go beyond just one and two bedrooms. 

"We need units for families and make more rental units. We need to gain more support from the provincial government for supportive and transitional housing for our high acuity citizens," Harrington said. "We need to bring everyone together."

Harrington, whose family is Indigenous, said she also wants to see more inclusively in local multicultural festivals to celebrate everyone.

Harrington has lived in Cambridge all her life, and 20 years in Ward 4. She has worked various positions from lead hand to quality assurance to shipper/receiver and office assistant in her work and says she's "very experienced at multitasking."

"I cannot stand dishonesty, fakes, collusion, or misleading information, you will never get that from me. I am not afraid to speak up and stand up," she said.

Usman Lalva did not respond to CBC K-W's survey.

Clifford Vanclief says his top three reasons for running in this election are:

• To bring board and committee experience to council.
• To bring life experiences in foster care, homelessness and business success to the job.
• To be a leader.

Vanclief says he's been "passionately involved" with the city, interest groups, business development and sports and recreation for 15 years.

"I have been very active in the community through our business, support of the downtown core areas, youth engagement and community interests," he said. " I have been able to overcome many life challenges to be successful as a husband, father, business owner, community leader and landlord."

He says Ward 4 needs someone "who can bridge the gap and unite near neighbours and businesses and those in need in a fashion that is successful for everyone."

Ward 5

There will be a new face representing Ward 5 after this election as current councillor, Pam Wolf, is seeking a seat at regional council. 

There are five people running in Ward 5:

• Naeem Awan.
• Mark Fisher.
• Amanda Maxwell.
• Jim Karahalios.
• Sheri Roberts.

Naeem Awan listed his three reasons for running for council as:

• Accountability concerns (financial, infrastructure, growth opportunities).
• Diversity — true representation of the communities.
• Bridging the gap among communities and solving the common people issues.

"I am running in the municipal election because of my strong belief that the city council must reflect the diversity of the city and represent the ideas, aspirations and stories of our diverse community," Awan said.

"I believe that a community or society can only achieve sustainable growth through an inclusive approach which includes news ideas, community well being and solutions to everyone's issues which the city council has been lacking in the past."

Mark Fisher did not respond to CBC K-W's survey.

Jim Karahalios says the top three reasons he's running in this election are:

• To offer a voice for change.
• Freezing property taxes.
• Transparency in decision making at city hall.

Karahalios, a lawyer who co-created the New Blue Party in Ontario, says he's a different kind of candidate who can offer "the right kind of change." 

He opposes the consumption and treatment site in Galt and said treatment options are needed instead.

He said council has hiked property taxes over the last five years.

"We need a freeze on residential property taxes in Cambridge not another tax hike," he said.

He also called for more transparency and says people will "know where I stand on matters" at council and he will seek feedback.

"West Galt taxpayers need a councillor who will challenge the status quo and not capitulate to the pressure that's placed on councillors to just go with the flow," he said. "That's the approach we need to fix Ward 5's traffic congestion, ensure safe and secure streets, and spend tax dollars wisely."

Amanda Maxwell listed her top three reasons for running in this election as:

• Development, particularly in downtown Galt.
• To give back to the community.
• To correct a disconnect between city hall and residents.

Maxwell says she's lived in Ward 5 since she was 4 years old and is now raising her three children in the community.

A realtor, she says her top issue is the development the city will see in the coming years, particularly in downtown Galt and along Hespeler Road.

"We have the opportunity to make our city truly dynamic. We need members of council who understand good development and make sure that proper guidelines are in place so we have cohesive development.  Currently the city is working on urban design guidelines for downtown Galt, but this is something that should have been in place long ago," she said.

She has sat on the Cambridge Public Library board and says she wants to continue to give back to the community.

"There is a disconnect between city hall and Cambridge residents. I want to bridge the gap by being transparent," she said. "It will allow residents to have their say and know what is happening, and more importantly why it's happening."

Sheri Roberts says the top three reasons she's running in this election are:

• To be accessible to residents.
• City growth.
• Community building.

Roberts says she would be accessible and available to listen to residents about their concerns.

"I will take the insight and advice from residents with me to council so the best decisions can be made that impact the whole community positively," she said.

"For too long, there has been divisiveness in politics as people become so entrenched in their own ideology. If we took the time to hear from one another, we would realize that we have a lot more in common than we thought."

She said her educational background (a degree in economics from McMaster University) along with her professional and volunteer experience in the social service sector and as a member of an advisory committee for the city, makes her "well qualified for the community building work required of a city councillor."

"We all want to live in a place we feel safe, heard, and where our families can thrive.  I will work towards that goal for our residents," she said.

Ward 6

There are five people running in Ward 6:

• Shannon Adshade (incumbent).
• Eian Campbell.
• Bill Conway.
• Adam Cooper.
• Kris Langford.

Shannon Adshade says his top three reasons for seeking re-election are:

• To continue work he's been part of on council.
• Speed limits.
• Transit, including the need for LRT and GO trains.

Adshade has been the councillor for the area for the last eight years and he says he understands the issues the city faces. 

"The number one issue I receive calls and emails about is dangerous speeding in our community. We need to continue to reduce the speed limits in our residential and school zones for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists," he said.

He says the city also needs to lobby the provincial and regional government to bring the LRT line and GO train service to the city, build more affordable housing and increase police presence in Cambridge, in particular in the downtown cores, to deter crime.

"As my campaign slogan states, I believe I bring leadership, experience and commitment to my role as a city councillor," he said.

Eian Campbell lists the top three reasons he's running in this election as:

• The homelessness crisis.
• Transportation infrastructure.
• Property tax increases.

Campbell says he believes all levels of government need to work together to develop a plan for homelessness.

"I believe the solution needs to include support services — medical, counselling, resume writing, job search — in one central area to enable these vulnerable citizens, easy access to assist them with their social needs," Campbell said.

Transportation infrastructure and timely infrastructure repairs is his second priority, but he said he also knows people are struggling with rising costs and "they need the city to be financially responsible with tax dollars received."

He is the director of operations for a barbecue company in Brantford and is a board member of CITT, which provides supply chain and logistics certification courses. Campbell says he has operational management and board member experience, which when "combined with my grassroot experiences within the city of Cambridge makes me the ideal candidate " for councillor.

Bill Conway says his top three reasons for running in this election are:

• To serve the community.
• Speaking up on "important issues, challenges and opportunities."
• To reduce homelessness and grow services and programs.

Conway says he's running to bring "new perspectives and new experiences in being an advocate for change and growth with positive outcomes for the city."

He says he wants to collaborate with the people and businesses in Ward 6, his fellow councillors and the mayor to solve problems.

"My focus will be on being a responsible steward of city assets and accountable spending of taxpayer's dollars; supporting and advocating for those working with the most vulnerable, development decisions that are sustainable and responsible [and] promoting our city's architecture and natural beauty including rivers, trails, parks for citizens and tourism," he said.

Conway, who has served on the Waterloo Catholic District School Board for eight years, says that coupled with his experience as a project manager for nearly 25 years at a local industrial automation company gives him the experience needed for the job.

Conway also wants to ensure there are services and programs to support the most vulnerable people in the city, including seniors and people experiencing homelessness.

Adam Cooper says the three reasons he's running in this election are:

• To prioritize the needs of the community.
• Dealing with mismanaged issues.
• To "return trust and honesty" to council.

Cooper said the city's residents need a council that understands "they serve the people and businesses" of Cambridge.

"There is a sense of frustration among residents who are feeling disillusioned with a council that minimizes and dismisses their legitimate concerns while forwarding their own personal agendas," he said.

Cooper, who has spoken out against the consumption and treatment site in downtown Galt, says he's heard concerns from people who "no longer feel safe walking [in] our downtown areas anymore to rampant drug-related crime and the social and human costs that go along with the failure of existing policies to effectively deal with these issues."

He said he'd work with all levels of government to find "effective and compassionate solutions" to these issues  "that do not sacrifice the rights and safety of the surrounding communities."

He said he wants to see a greater focus on public consultations and "respect for public opinion." 

"I have worked together with many community leaders and elected officials to be a strong voice for those that are feeling the significant social and financial effects of existing failing policies," he said.

"I believe in a safer, better Cambridge for all and will continue my work toward this goal when elected to council."

Kris Langford says the top three reasons he's running in this election are:

• There's been a failure of leadership at all levels of government.
• To deal with the crises of housing, affordability, environmental and opioid addiction.
• To give back to the community.

Langford says there's been a "failure of leadership at all levels of government. In Cambridge our council serves themselves and the interests of developers, not the everyday needs of the people."

There are multiple issues the city faces, Langford said, including housing, affordability, environmental and addictions. To address those issues, the city needs "progressive representatives willing to do the hard work and take bold action."

Langford, who is a former diver with the navy and now works in the trades, says "people not politicians" need to get elected.

"I understand that public service is supposed to be selfless not selfish," Langford said.

He said while knocking on doors, he's heard concerns about new high-rise developments, the closing of a community pool and speeding.

"These concerns are in addition to the housing, homeless, affordability and opioid crisis affecting the city," he said. "The city's food bank also requires a new building ASAP."

Ward 7

There are three people seeking the seat in Ward 7. They are:

• Manuel da Silva.
• Scott Hamilton (incumbent).
• Chris Sim.

Manuel da Silva says his top three reasons for running in this election are:

• It's important to be involved in the city.
• Growth and infrastructure.
• Homelessness, services and affordable housing.

Da Silva has been a school board trustee for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board since 2003 and says he is a person who "cares and wants to be involved in decision making with positive outcomes for our community."

"We as citizens have a responsibility to contribute and be involved. There [are] issues in our community that need to be addressed and I want to be a part of positive movements/change in this community," he said.

Scott Hamilton says his top three reasons for seeking re-election are:

• To help others.
• Working "to provide a positive, engaging, future-oriented vision for Cambridge."
• To make decisions based on research, expert advice, input from residents and a clear head.

Hamilton won a byelection in 2020 to become the councillor in Ward 7. He said given his previous volunteer and community involvement, including as an NDP candidate in the 2010 federal election, it was a natural fit to be councillor.

"I consider myself lucky to be able to listen to residents, think carefully and rationally about what changes might come, and make decisions that ensure that the future of Cambridge is a bright and prosperous one," he said.

He said when he ran in the byelection, he was told by people that Cambridge was a divided city. 

"After knocking on thousands of doors across the city, I can tell you that this isn't true. Although there's always discontent, contentious issues, and differing opinions, the Cambridge I've spoken to at doors is optimistic, hopeful, positive, and unified," he said.

That's a "perspective and voice that needs to be amplified at council," he said. 

He said he wants to work with other levels of government to address housing, homelessness, the opioid crisis, the economy and climate change.

"We need positivity, hope, and optimism, that's grounded in practical and rational pathways for action that can be accomplished by the city," he said.

"I never make policy decisions based on emotion. I never let the 'loudest voice in the room' sway me … I make decisions — especially when they affect Ward 7, and the entire city — by stepping back, thinking rationally, doing my research, speaking to local experts and front-line workers, 'sleeping on it', and then making policy decisions with a clear head that takes the complexities of the past, present, and future, into consideration."

Hamilton said he thinks his track record on council, although short, shows he listens and communicates.

Chris Sim has not yet filled out the CBC K-W survey.

Ward 8

There are four people seeking the seat in Ward 8:

• Nicholas Ermeta (incumbent).
• David Hood.
• Vandan Patel.
• Jack Perkes.

Vandan Patel says his top three reasons for running in this election are:

• The opioid crisis.
• Mental health concerns.
• Homelessness and a housing crisis.

Patel is a small business owner. He says he watched the city and local businesses face challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The community needs a strong leader with compassion and commitment," he said.

Patel says he strongly supports the consumption and treatment site after someone overdosed in his pizza shop on Dec. 17, 2019 and he was able to save the person's life.

"I realized life is more important than anything," he said.

Affordable housing is an issue important to Patel. He says Ward 8 has "proven" that low-income housing, and a diverse population with multi-family and single family homes can make up a community.

He says he'd advocate for federal money to build more housing options.

"With new developments occurring with the money, I focus on advocating affordable housing that could be the old Saginaw Golf Course," he said.

Jack Perkes says the top three reasons he's running in this election are:

• Bring youth voice to council.
• Create change in the community.
• Affordable housing and homelessness.

Perkes says he's running because he believes the city needs more young people and underrepresented populations to "step up, get involved and help create positive changes in our community."

He says by sharing his viewpoint on council, it will help people see situations in a new perspective, and one they may not have considered before.

The issue of affordable housing is top of mind for him.

"With an increase in homelessness due to problems like the lack of affordable housing, those living on the streets turn to crime in order to survive. This alone causes a series of issues for both residents and homeless alike which needs to be handled sooner than later," he said.

He says he will work to "ensure that the issue of affordable and attainable housing is at the forefront of the council's agenda."

Nicholas Ermeta and David Hood did not respond to CBC K-W's survey.

How to vote in Cambridge

Cambridge is allowing people to vote online or in-person. 

Internet voting is now open and closes Monday, Oct. 24 at 7:59 p.m.

On Monday, voting will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Each ward has four locations and people can attend any of the locations within their ward to vote.

People can also go to city hall at 50 Dickson St., which is a fully accessible voting location and where accessible voting devices such as hand-held touchpads, paddles and "sip and puff" assistive technology will be available to help people cast their ballot.

People can also arrange for at-home voting on election day through the city.

• City of Cambridge election page

Read more of CBC K-W's municipal election coverage: