The Converged Citizen - October 22, 2014.

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CONVERGED CITIZEN VOTE

VOLUME X ISSUE 4

NEWS

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OCTOBER 23, 2014

Local advocates fight for urban chickens Eugenio Mendoza Citizen Staff Reporter Some Windsor residents say urban chicken coops should be allowed on private property.

Experts say having chickens would be a safe and healthy alternative to store-bought products and cite an overabundance of Genetically Modified Organisms in store foods as a good reason for Windsorites to want more locally grown food.

Susan Rideout says she only buys eggs from a friend with a chicken coop. Although she would not consider having a coop of her own, she says allowing them to be built in the city would benefit the community.

“I think we just have to adapt to times, I mean that’s why we have councillors and people on city council to try and help us make the right decision for our environment and our neighbourhoods.” said Rideout.

Cyclist struck in Windsor Taylor Busch CP Editor

Photo by Angelica Haggert A Windsor chicken owner feeds her backyard chickens Saturday Oct. 18.

One of the leading advocates for urban chicken coops, Steve Green, said he has gone before city council many times. in an attempt to have hens legalized.

Last year the mayor broke a tie vote that resulted in the denial of Green’s request.

Green, who owns the Downtown Windsor Farmer’s Market, said he thinks he was rejected because of misconceptions about owning hens.

“I think keeping urban hens is a very sustainable way to produce some of your own

food,” said Green. “It’s a great way to teach children where their food comes from.”

In recent years urban chicken coops have become a major topic of discussion among

SEE COOP PAGE 10

A 19-year-old cyclist was rushed to hospital following an accident that occurred near Holy Names High School around 7:30 p.m. last Thursday.

Witnesses who were present at the scene said the driver of the black minivan likely could not see the male as he crossed the intersection of Dominion Boulevard and Northwood Street due to poor lighting.

Residents said this is not the first time a pedestrian has been struck at this intersection, which is a concern considering the number of students who use it each day.

Rema Elgarousha, 14, was the first person to reach the scene.

Moments before the crash happened she watched her friend climb into another black minivan that took off in the direction

SEE CYCLIST PAGE 10

Increase in crime has downtown employees talking Anthony Sheardown Citizen Staff Reporter

While some employees in downtown Windsor are concerned about their personal safety and the safety of their business, others are not.

Recently there has been a shooting at the Boom Boom Room, a club on Ouellette Avenue, where an employee was shot in the back.

Pizza Pizza is located across the street from the

Boom Boom Room. They are open late on Friday and Saturday nights and have customers coming in from the bars and clubs. On Oct 4, when the shooting took place outside of the Boom Boom Room, Pizza Pizza was open, but had to close and evacuate all their customers at the request of Windsor Police.

“I actually don’t feel afraid at all because crime is everywhere,” said Humira Malik, an employee of Pizza Pizza.

Photo by Anthony Sheardown Boom Boom Room located on Ouellette Ave. is seen in this photo taken Oct 17.

“Crime is everywhere, not just in downtown. It just happens more often down here because people are intoxicated. They don’t think before they do something.”

Malik says she does not fear for the safety of Pizza Pizza employees and customers.

“No one is stupid enough to hit a business, especially with our kind of name, it is a big company,” said Malik.

SEE CRIME PAGE 10

NEWS

OCTOBER 23, 2014

Bookfest Windsor returns for 13th year Shelbey Hernandez Entertainment Editor

Bookfest Windsor will begin its thirteenth year with a four-day event starting Friday, Oct. 23.

Sarah Jarvis, co-chair for Bookfest Windsor, said it is a great event for people to attend because it allows residents to talk to their favourite authors in a comfortable setting.

“It’s so much fun and people love the fact that they have easy access to the authors,” said Jarvis. “At some other events, they can be very formal, but at this one, it’s very relaxed. People discover new

CONVERGED CITIZEN2

writers and they hang out with their friends. They can have a glass of wine or beer at the Capitol Theatre so it’s just a really relaxed fun day.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Capitol Theatre. Thursday and Friday will be free, but tickets for Saturday can be bought at the door or online at www.bookf e s t w i n d s o r. c o m / t i c k e t s .

Attendees can expect to pay $20 on Saturday and $40 on Sunday. Discounts for students will be available.

For more information about the event, you can visit the Bookfest Windsor website at www.bookfestwindsor.com/

Hadfield touches down in Windsor

Downtown farmers market sees a successful season

Josh Teixera Citizen Staff Reporter

This year has brought much success for the many vendors at the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market.

Vendors arrived at the Charles Clark Square on a damp Saturday morning in October to the sight of many customers with smiles on their faces. The vendors too, were happy to share this year’s success.

“We did extremely well,” said Leslie Balsillie of the Fruit Wagon. “It’s our first year here and we’re very happy. It’s been great right from the beginning right ‘till the end so it hasn’t slowed down at all. We found that we’ve really picked up customers as we went along and by the end most of the customers we had were repeat customers so we were very happy with that.”

Throughout the season there were also some appearances by food celebrities.

“Bob Blumer, host of the Food Network's The Surreal Gourmet, loves our jam,” said Balsillie. He came to our booth and he had some of our jam for breakfast and he really enjoyed it.”

Vendors say the market strives to connect Windsorites with food providers of surrounding areas by promoting local, fresh and in-season food accessibility.

“The Windsor market’s been very good this year,” said Grace LaSorda of Zone 6 Gardeners. “The market committee’s worked really hard and we’ve got a lot of new people coming.”

Profits are important for the vendors and they were happy to discuss them.

“We have quite a bit of expense because all of our stuff is hand-harvested and

packed so we are priced at a level where we can be profitable,” said LaSorda. “We appreciate all the work the market committee does for it and the market dollar program’s been very successful.”

Some business owners were newcomers to the market in 2014 and were pleased to have been part of this year’s market.

“We did fantastic,” said Greg Martin of La Sila Bakery & Pizzeria. “This is our first year with it and it’s been phenomenal so we’re going to come back every year. Some days we do better here than we do at our store front which is great.”

The Downtown Windsor Farmer’s Market completed its third season and was held every Saturday from May 31 to Oct. 11 at Charles Clark Square from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Marijuana advocates gather in local park Kenny Bullock Citizen Staff Reporter

Photo by Erik Zarins Chris Hadfield plays his guitar at Windsor Star’s Green Bean Café. He recently played with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra at Capitol Theatre.

Erik Zarins Citizen Staff Reporter Canadian retired astronaut Chris Hadfield came to Windsor last weekend.

The astronaut who touched many hearts with his breathtaking photos posted online from the International Space Station is promoting both his new book You Are Here and his guest appearance with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.

Hadfield had previously been on the International Space Station for six months in 2012. He was the first Canadian to command the ISS and the first Canadian to walk in space. Back on planet Earth, he was at the Windsor

Star’s Green Bean Café to meet and greet fans.

“My first understanding of aviation was when I was four years old and my family took me to the Windsor Air Show. That was when I knew I wanted to become who I am today,” said Hadfield.

On board the ISS via livestream he sang “Is Somebody Singing” along with 700,000 Canadian elementary students.

“I’ve played music my whole life and I believe that music is a wonderful intuitive language,” said Hadfield.

His next stop on the tour will be Calgary on Oct. 26 at Indigo Signal Hill.

The fight for marijuana legalization marches through Windsor.

The second annual Marijuana March was held at David Croll Park Sept. 27.

Attendees were permitted to smoke in the area without fear of being arrested for possession. Before the march, several people came to speak and entertain.

One of the entertainers, comedian Jon Peladeau, is an advocate for weed. In his comedy act, which also was a speech, he asked everyone in the park to gather around near the Windsor Cenotaph.

During the act, he emphasized that many people had come for a protest and yet no one was being violent, storming city hall or disrespecting authority. The only police involvement during the event was cruisers following marchers as they went around downtown Windsor.

The organizer of the march said he disagrees with marijuana prohibition.

“It’s an individual choice and I feel the decision to

Photo by Ryan Brough Marijuana March organizer, Alex Newman waves a pot flag as he leads the march down Goyeau street in Windsor, Ont. on Sept. 27. smoke marijuana, or not, should be in the hands of the people, not the government,” said Alex Newman.

Newman headed the march waving a pot leaf flag. He screamed into a megaphone “if you want it legalized, make some noise!” Some of those walking down Wyandotte, Victoria and Riverside were chanting their desire for legalization.

Different signs were carried by participants. Most were related to the cause, but a few endorsed the election of

upcoming prime ministerial candidate, Justin Trudeau.

“People should really open up their eyes and maybe even their hearts to the idea of people smoking marijuana recreationally,” said Peladeau.

Peladeau said during his speech there are many people in Windsor he sees smoking for peaceful and medicinal reasons. Acknowledging the illegal activities which occur because of it, he still said many people would benefit from legalization.

Vote 2014

CONVERGED CITIZEN3 OCTOBER 23, 2014

Editor’s Note An election period provides journalism students with valuable reporting and writing opportunities. From event coverage to issue discussion to candidate profiles, the students have seized this opportunity to produce this special Vote 2014 issue.

However, it should be noted that the sheer number of candidates in Windsor-Essex and multiple events taking place simultaneously, plus candidates' schedules themselves made it likely that some would not receive coverage from our much smaller reporting team. These decisions were made at random; no bias in favour of, or opposition to, any candidate should be interpreted, nor was it intended.

Social media debate proves a success Shelbey Hernandez Associate Managing Editor A social media inspired debate called Vote Now, Vote Then, attracted over 250 attendees.

The debate was held at The Foundry Pub Oct. 15 and began at 7 p.m. The debate consisted of 10 of the 12 mayoral candidates and was broken up into three rounds of questions. The first round consisted of questions that were created during the Your City, Your Ideas summer event hosted by YKNOT Windsor-Essex. The second round consisted of questions that were submitted through social media prior to, and during, the debate.

According to Jon Liedtke, the moderator for the debate, there were over 75 questions submitted through social media. The last round was a lightning round where candidates were given white boards and asked to answer the questions with either yes, no or maybe.

Liedtke said there were many ways this debate was more interactive and interesting for youth compared to other debates. The lightning round, he said, made it so the audience could understand clearly what each candidate plans to do if elected mayor. “typically at debates, you don’t get to see definitive answers like that with hard facts,” said Liedtke. “It’s a lot of platitudes and conver-

few drinks, letting your hair down, so to speak.”

Although the debate was seen as a success, one attendee said she didn’t think the candidates had enough time to talk and as a result, she felt many questions were hardly answered.

Keren Escobar, a University of Windsor social work student, said that before the debate began, she wanted to vote for either Millson or Horwitz. But after the debate, she said she wanted to vote for either Dilkens or Raymond Poisson because she felt Horwitz and Millson weren’t giving suffiPhoto by Ryan Brough From left is Steve Gavrilldis, Robin Easterbrook, Mike Tessier, Drew Dilkens, Jaysen A, Sylvestre, cient answers to the questions.

John Millson at the mayoral debate at the Foundry Pub Wednesday Oct. 8.

“It was either that they and Horwitz) sation so I think a lot of the had the same results as the was especially important to (Millson referred back to their life demographic that was there, first, but for the last vote, the debate.

“The reason why we’re experiences and employment younger people…they were Dilkens won with Millson having the debate at the experiences, but weren’t proable to figure out what these close behind.

Liedtke said because of the Foundry is because we’re viding me with information candidates actually wanted or what they are actually different results, it is a per- bringing public debate back as to what their plan would fect time to start talking to the pub. That’s where tra- be for our city,” said Escobar. going to do.”

The debate also included about using ranked voting ditional political debates “A lot of the times, they just said weren’t answering the quesmock voting. There were instead of the current first began,” three times when the audi- past the post method, which Sauro.“Traditional campaign tions and that was frustratence would vote for their he said isn’t the best method strategies, polling, going ing.”

One of Escobar’s main condoor-to-door, canvassing, preferred mayoral candidate, of voting. cerns going into the debate Missy Sauro, a representa- that doesn’t work for us. once before the debate “The idea was to allow was poverty reduction in began, once after the first tive for Pathway to Potential round and once at the end of and Windsor Essex Youth these candidates to engage Windsor which she said only Advising City Councillors, with a demographic that Poisson touched on. the event.

Liedtke said he can only The first and second set of partnered with Liedtke to they’re really not seeing,” votes was first past the post, plan and organize the debate. said Liedtke.“It’s one thing hope this debate will spark but the third set was ranked She said one of the great to have a Twitter account as a younger generations to take voting. Based on 98 votes in things about the debate was candidate and to put up a an interest in the voting the first round, John Millson having it entirely run by post every now and then, but process. He said if youth won, with Drew Dilkens in those who understand what it’s another to be in front of want to make a change, all second and Larry Horwitz in entices younger generations that demographic where they they need to do now is go to third. The second set of votes to vote. She said the location feel comfortable having a the polls and cast a vote.

Vote 2014

CONVERGED CITIZEN4 OCTOBER 23, 2014

Denise Ghanam aims for council Madison Duggan Citizen Staff Reporter Harley Davidson motorcycle rider, singer, wife, leader, these are just a few of the titles this candidate boasts.

Denise Claire Ghanam was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and moved to Windsor with her husband in her early twenties. She is the youngest of six. You can find her at her local choir, on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, or what she’s passionate about most, running for Councillor of Ward 1 in Windsor.

“As a kid, some people dream of being an astronaut but me, I dreamt of being Prime Minister,” said Ghanam.

Ghanam enjoys being involved in her community, but more than that, she believes she knows what the people want. She credits her family dinners as a kid for her ability to listen to what people want.

“I say that my consensusbuilding skills came from the family dinner table because dad would announce the topic of the day and you had to go around the table and

everybody would give their opinion,” Ghanam recalls.

“Of course being the youngest, I always had to go last, so in order to come up with something original to say I got very good at listening carefully to everyone else and taking a little bit of this and a little bit of that and putting it together to come up with sort of a compromised position.”

Ghanam claims to bring vision, drive and ambition to Ward 1. One of her passions is meeting new people. She goes door to door in the ward to ask the people what they want and get a firsthand look at people’s needs.

“I think a common misconception is that when you’re knocking on their door you’re convincing them to vote for you, and you’re not.

You’re there to do two things: to see if they’ve already made their decision – if it’s not for you, that’s great and thanks for your time – and if it is for you that’s wonderful, now I want to make sure I get you to the polls.

Most people, even at this point are still undecided,” she said.

Ghanam said that coming up with the funds to run is one of her greater challenges but it is possible. “The good news is there’s people who have faith in me and see that I have some skills to bring to the table so they are willing to help me by supporting me financially.”

“Denise is such a positive person and I would love to see a woman be councillor of Ward 1,” said Marlene Dugal, local resident.

Aside from politics, Ghanam runs her own business, visits her three children who live in Ottawa, New Zealand and Halifax volunteers for multiple boards and societies and plays basketball.

“I wish I was just a few inches taller. Then I would be able to sink baskets,” said Ghanam.

She fears most not living up to her potential. “When you’ve been given a lot of gifts, there’s a certain view on you that you should use them for the greater good. If you are someone that has vision and energy you should use them to make the world a better place.”

McKenzie applies personal touch Sean Frame Managing Editor “Knocking on 7,000 doors seems like a lot of work but at the end of the day it is an amazing experience.”

Kieran Mckenzie is running in Windsor’s upcoming municipal election for Ward 9 councilor. He has dedicated most, if not all, of his spare time to campaigning. Mckenzie’s goal is to meet at least 95 per cent of the people living in his ward before October 27. With 45 minutes of daylight left on a day in October, he treks on to reach his goal. With each neighbuorhood he visits and each new person he meets, he feels a sense of accomplishment and fills in the Ward 9 map with a blue highlighter.

Mckenzie says he gets most of his excitement while campaigning from talking politics, and the odd time when someone’s cat runs out the door. But when the day is finished and the political chatter and cat wrangling comes to a halt,

Mckenzie heads to his favourite place in Ward 9: his home.

Mckenzie and his wife Jessie have a 20 month-old little girl named Liv. At this point in his life, Mckenzie says his daughter is the main reason he gets up in the morning and works as hard as he can.

“My wife… I love her very much and while I am campaigning I miss my family very much I am away from home more than I have been in the past,” said Mckenzie. “I look forward to coming home every single day. As much as it has been a great experience, coming home after a long day of campaigning and seeing my family is what encourages me to be a better person than I am and be involved in the community. This is part of the example I want to leave behind for my daughter.”

As a child Mckenzie was encourage to be involved in the community. He grew up on Windsor’s east side play-

ing baseball, and was a member of the Windsor Y Dolphins Competitive Swim team.

Kieran’s father Lawrence and his mother Lorraine were involved in various organization looking to improve Windsor’s community. Over the years Lawrence Mckenzie ran in the municipal election in Montreal and in the last provincial election for an NDP nomination in North London Centre. Mckenzie’s sister is currently running for school board trustee in Toronto, so one might say he has politics in his blood.

When he was very young he had dreams of being an astronaut and never would’ve thought he would be in politics. Mckenzie went to the University of Windsor and completed his honours in political science. He also obtained his firefighter level one and two certification, but in the end he decided

SEE PAGE 5

Photo by Ryan Brough Mayoral candidate Drew Dilkens is seen standing in front of his campaign headquarters on Howard Avenue.

Dilkens wants to keep moving forward Ryan Brough Photo Editor “Continue to move the city forward or go back to the 1980s when Mr. Millson was mayor?”

Drew Dilkens was born in Windsor in 1972. In Grade 9 at Massey High School, he ran for class president and never looked back. Dilkens was also a member of the swim team through high school, which is where his passion for the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre was born.

Dilkens eventually became the Chair of the Committee that oversaw development and construction of the swimming and diving complex.

When Dilkens was younger, he remembers helping his uncle, Marty Goldberg, who later became the councillor of Ward 1, the same ward Dilkens currently serves.

“I remember helping him in the 1980s. Handing out brochures and going door to door you kind of catch a bug. I caught the bug when I was young and here I am,” says Dilkens. He has been the Ward 1 city councillor for the last eight years and is now running for mayor.

Dilkens has a long list of community involvement, having been a part of more than 15 different groups and organizations, including the Windsor Police Auxiliary, where he was a staff sergeant.

One of the common con-

cerns being brought up during this election is regional transit.

There is no bus that can get residents from Lasalle to Essex. With places in the county like Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens and Point Pelee National Park, there are many places people can’t reach by using public transit.

Dilkens insists he is all for regional transit.

“I’m a regional thinker, in 2008 I stood up at city council and said let’s have a discussion related to regional government,” said Dilkens. Since then, there have been no plans moved forward for regional transit. In fact, since then, the Town of Tecumseh has developed their own transit system.

Only about 42 per cent of voters cast a ballot in the last mayoral election. Dilkens talked about being discouraged when going door-todoor.

“It can be tiring as a candidate when you’re knocking on doors and you spend hours visiting people knowing that in at least one in two homes people aren’t going to vote anyway,” said Dilkens.

As the election is less than a month away, some factors indicate the race between Millson and Dilkens is neck and neck.

But no matter how close they are in the rankings, Dilkens’ confidence remains strong.

“This election is a clear choice. We’ve come too far as a city to go backwards at this point.”

Vote 2014 FROM PAGE 4 to follow in his fathers footsteps and is trying to better Windsor’s community. He

Kieran McKenzie now works as a legislative assistant at the office of Brian Masse M.P. He explained the experience he has gained over the last 10 years of working there has given him the ability to serve better for the community.

“Give yourself every opportunity not to have any

regrets,” he said with pride in his voice. “There is nothing worse than looking back and saying ‘Oh jeez I wish I would have done this and if I would have said this, things would have been different.'”

If you go to Kieran’s social media pages they are full of support and wishes for good luck.

Paul Synnott writes “Congratulations Kieran McKenzie, a strong start to the campaign trail, only 6000 more houses to go now!”

Donn Merrifield wrote “Best of luck my friend.

Seriously don’t raise my taxes. I know where to find you.”

Mckenzie said campaigning and jogging are a lot a like, and that mental games are involved in both practices. He said, there are mental demons

CONVERGED CITIZEN5 OCTOBER 23, 2014

that tell you “you have done enough and you can stop now”, this is demotivating for Mckenzie but doesn’t let it get to his head.

Broadcasting is another one of Kieran’s hobbies. He is a producer and co-host on CJAM’s award winning radio program Rose City Politics and helps with the television broadcast of Lancer’s football. He said the opportunity to work in sports broadcasting was a dream come true. It is true Kieran has his toes dipped in many different pools so the question remains, what does he want to be remembered for?

“I would like to be remembered as someone who was passionate about his community and who loved his family and was a good man.”

Daniel William Speal, 48 is running for Windsor’s Ward 7 council in his first campaign and was the first in line to file his candidacy papers in 2014.

He is married with two children and has been running his own company for 25 years which he believes will be an asset if he’s selected. Speal lived in Kingsville before moving to Windsor and has lived in Ward 7 for 41 years.

Speal went to local schools Parkview Public School, St. A campaign sign on a Ward 7 Anne’s Catholic School and Windsor.

St. Clair College. Speal decid- lar types or residents. “Some ed to run for his ward this very basic services are lacking to assist the growing number election.

His Windsor Power & Light of seniors. Some will come as company was first contracted the neighbourhoods grow and in 1994 and started out small there are enough people to as a proprietorship. As a busi- support retail,” said Speal.

Speal repeatedly mentions nessman, Speal says he wants to change what he sees in busi- helping improve life for the seniors in the ward. Caring for nesses around his ward.

“I see a lack of pride and will those in his ward no matter the to create opportunity in our age, gender or physicality type city,” he says. “Windsor is is something he wants to unique. Only our own original speak about.

“I suggest we need a walk-in ideas will bring investment and jobs that stay.” Speal clinic as seniors are suffering searches for a way to make long commutes for care,” said Speal. that happen.

“Everything I suggest “We need to attract and retain citizens in this neigh- requires people, especially bourhood,” said Speal. “We young families to ensure our have a need viable businesses to serv- neighbourhoods ice citizens and additional res- future.” Speal believes he can idents to share costs and con- make Windsor a peaceful, strong community to live in trol our taxes.”

Speal looks to help particu- for families with new genera-

Bobby-Jo Keats Associate Managing Editor

Maria Fernandes appears to know a thing or two about what it takes to be successful.

Running her immigration and family law practice for over 14 years, the humble, softspoken wife and mother of three is a candidate running for Windsor’s Ward 10. With degrees in nursing, education and law, Fernandes believes determination and commitment are the keys to success.

Fernandes was born in Northern Portugal, but when she was two, her family settled down in Amherstburg.

Working from the age of 12, she developed a strong work ethic. After high school she was a nursing assistant at Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital until graduating as a registered nurse and working at a Detroit hospital. She studied at the University of Windsor for 11 years and earned her masters at Wayne State University. In her mid-20s, she moved to Windsor where she has lived ever since.

“I loved being a student. I enjoyed being on campus.

The beginning of fall espePhoto by Ryan Turczyniak cially, when the trees start lawn promotes Dan Speal, in changing colour. I think ‘gosh I should be going back tions to come. to campus.’ It’s still in the Ward 7 resident Jordan back of my mind because I Quaqish said stores in the area was there for so long. It was would like to see an improve- a great school and a great ment. experience.”

“It’d affect the whole comShortly thereafter, she ‘fell munity for sure, it would bring into’ studying law.

Her in a lot of money for the friends told her since she ward,” said Quaqish. ‘liked to argue’ she should Quaqish has lived in Ward 7 become a lawyer. A week for nine years and has not seen later, she passed the law a lot of changes. school entrance exam at “A lot of progress can be Wayne State University, made. Everything is the same, no improvements on anything,” said Quaqish. “I’d like to see some modern day technology reach our area for sure.”

Residents and politicians have a few more weeks until the municipal election comes up, giving time for those living in the ward to think about who they want to run their ward and how they can change it for the better.

Building a strong community Ryan Turczyniak Sports Editor

Candidate believes in determination and commitment

receiving scholarships and being accepted to numerous universities, before attending law school in Windsor where she has now been practicing law for 15 years.

The immigration side of her practice varies, from refugee matters to bringing in businesses.

Fernandes believes immigration law is a nice counterbalance to the family law side of her practice.

“It is draining at times because even when you have a win, you don’t have a win.”

At the end of the day you have a family that has been torn apart. When it comes to immigration, when you have a win, you really have a win.”

Despite her career, Fernandes says the best job in the world is being a mother.

She and her husband strive to set a good example for their children, David, 13, Emily, 7, and Matthew, 6.

Her father taught her about hard work and resourcefulness and her mother always encouraged her education, encouraging her to be prepared for anything.

While attending the U of W, Fernandes participated in debates, discussed the needs of students and eventually started a family and practice, always knowing she would return to the world of politics and says now feels like ‘the right time.’

“It doesn’t matter if you decide to be a journalist or you decide to be a lawyer or you decide to be a judge or you decide to be a candidate running in a ward, you have to be dedicated and committed to what you’re doing to be successful at it.”

Vote 2014

CONVERGED CITIZEN6 OCTOBER 23, 2014

Mudslinging: Some students don’t think municipal effective or elections concern them inefective?

Caleb Workman Citizen Staff Reporter

Shelbey Hernandez Associate Managing Editor

“Throw plenty of dirt and some of it will be sure to stick.”

It’s been more than two centuries since the Barber of Seville promoted dirty campaigning and 100 years since it morphed into mudslinging.

But when candidates spend their time belittling their opponents, it begs the question: when they do throw dirt, does it really stick? Or are candidates better served when they wash their hands of mudslinging altogether?

The mudslinging in Windsor began near the end of August, when The Windsor Star reported Ward 7 candidate Angelo Marignaniwas making allegations about IrekKusmierczyk’s rental home. Later on, The Windsor Star reported that Larry Horwitz accused current council of leaving Windsor in a deficit. There were further reports regarding John Millson’s call for transparency which led Drew Dilkens to publicize a private email correspondence between Millson and current mayor Eddie Francis. The Windsor Star also reported Millson saying Dilkens had no actual infrastructure spending plan and that Dilkens never bothered to return phone calls from people who said their houses were flooded.

According to Television Advertising in Canadian Elections: The Attack Mode, 1993, over 50 per cent of the 1993 Canadian federal television campaign advertisements were negative. Authors of the book suggest mudslinging may steer people away from certain candidates since people find negative comments easier to remember and more interesting than positive ones.

Other sources suggest negative campaigning is ineffective, causing people to veer away from those who engage in dirty tactics.

University of Windsor political science student Mohammad Akbar said mudslinging campaigns may be effective, but only temporarily.

“When people start slinging the mud and complaining about other candidates… that’s why people start disengaging,” said Akbar. “They don’t want to hear all the gossip and the drama. They want to see a vision and they want to see positivity, to an extent.”

Akbar also said mudslinging hurts democracy as a whole.

He said by engaging in mudslinging, candidates are ruining the relationships they have with each other and the relationships they have with the public. He said there are better ways to reach out. If candidates are worried about getting votes, they should work harder to reach out to the public and to present the issues rather than engage in verbal attacks against their competition.

Howard Pawley, a retired University of Windsor political science professor and former Manitoba premier, says there are no positives to mudslinging. He says those who engage in mudslinging just make themselves look bad and prove that they have no actual vision. Pawley says he hasn’t noticed much mudslinging in Windsor. For him, mudslinging is making negative comments about a candidate that have nothing to do with their ability to run a city. So when Horwitz claimed Windsor is in a deficit, Pawley said this was not mudslinging. However, Pawley has noticed other people are losing interest in voting because they see certain comments as attacks.

Pawley has noticed the candidates are not talking about the issues as much as they should.

“I think that in the Windsor elections, there has been insufficient discussion of the critical and important” said Pawley.“I feel that that is not taking place as it should (and) I think it’s important that people have choices.”

It would appear that slinging mud in the short-term does stick. However, in the longterm, candidates may want to consider this: when slinging mud, don’t be surprised if the wind picks it up and slings it right back.

With the upcoming mayoral elections, many students say they are excluded at the municipal levels and the final outcome doesn’t affect them.

Saverio Posa, 22, is a liberal studies student at the University of Windsor.

“I let the people who have a desire for that have their involvement and I just pay my taxes. I feel like once I get a little bit older and start worrying about my finances a little more then I’ll start worrying about it a little more.”

Posa is from the U.S. and said it is interesting in

Windsor because although there are many students who shy away from voting, it doesn’t necessarily make them voiceless.

“If you look at the city from a point of employment, job opportunities are very scarce,” Posa said.

He said if there was a politician who offered more job opportunities he would definitely follow the mayoral running more closely.

Another student who is in the accelerated paralegal program also said she will not be voting.

“I would be more likely to vote if the politicians provided more information with what

they were going to do with the city,” said Rebecca Sarkis, 21.

Sarkis said social media needs to have more information on campaigns and issues before voting because it is much easier than going out and getting a paper to find the information.

Sarkis said one thing she wants to see from the mayor’s office and council is that they improve driving conditions in the area, especially for people coming from the county.

Students said they will be more likely to get involved with the elections if more effort is put into informing them of issues that concern them.

Vote 2014

CONVERGED CITIZEN7 OCTOBER 23, 2014

Windsor students struggle with the power to vote Ashley Ann Mentley Citizen Staff Reporter Many University of Windsor students have strong concerns about the city, but mixed feelings about voting in the upcoming election.

Megan Sinclair, 20, and Lisan DeNijs, 19, are both third-year concurrent education students who moved to Windsor to attend the university. They have slightly different views on it, but both acknowledge the importance of being involved with voting.

DeNijs moved from Muirkirk, Ont. to earn her

teaching certificate and said she plans to vote on Oct. 27 and wants other students to do the same.

“It’s our future,” she said.

“If we want these issues dealt with we need to pick someone who will take care of them.”

DeNijs is concerned about the amount of construction, job opportunities and the accessibility of the city for students. She already does not see a future for herself in Windsor.

“I wouldn’t want to get a job here,” she said. “I want to get a job in a city where I can have a family and I don’t feel like

Millson’s platform, implement change Dan Gray Managing Editor A people person with a plan and a promise. A father, entrepreneur and former city councillor. More experiences, more time and more ideas to dedicate to a city he once led.

From under a bushy white mustache a beaming smile meets anyone that John Millson encounters. That smile and his happy-go-lucky attitude backs up his claims of who he is when you strip back all the politics; someone who wants to help people.

Green and white placards form a makeshift wall in a headquarters that is otherwise sparse. Volunteers man a front desk, a bunch of tables put together. Maps hang off the walls showing every section of the city.

Since Grade 9, John Millson has shown signs of being a forward thinking business person. At the time, he opened up a shop inside the cafeteria at J. L. Forster secondary school to sell school supplies and gym wear. He’s moved forward from that point, serving Windsor as a councillor and then mayor.

He said he left politics years ago for family reasons. Now his kids are grown up and spread all across the world from Dubai, UAE to his youngest who still works right here in Windsor.

“It’s an opportunity for me once again to come back, I just didn’t like what I saw as far as the candidates that had

their name going forward,” said Millson. “No one I felt had the experience to do the job and I know I do.”

Millson believes his current resume, which highlights his experience as President of Windsor Raceway and owner of his own business shows reasons he is fit to lead. One of his businesses was responsible for bringing contracts from the oil sands back to Windsor for local companies to fill. Our tool and die industry is a highly-skilled relatively untapped resource this city should be exploiting.

Expand those companies past working for the automotive industry and get a younger workforce involved.

Including St. Clair College in the training of the workers and the University in training the engineers helps keep young people in Windsor.

Doing this would accomplish another goal, growing our small businesses into big ones.

Millson says if he is elected he will be open and transparent. He is looking to bring a change to city hall by making what is old new again. Using his age and experience he will attempt to revitalize a city like he did a raceway and use his ability as a people person to move forward from here.

“I just like people and am concerned about people, if I had one thing, I’m concerned about people and want to work shoulder to shoulder with them.”

Windsor is the place for that.

It’s all construction or factory jobs.”

Sinclair, who is originally from Mississauga, Ont., said student safety and unemployment are her primary concerns.

“There have recently been three instances around of sex offenders,” Sinclair said.

“That’s kind of unnerving.”

Despite Sinclair’s concerns about safety, she said that overall she enjoys the city.

Like her classmate, though, she is not optimistic about finding a job in Windsor when she graduates in 2016. A

report published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives that analyzed Statistics Canada employment data identified Windsor as a “hotspot” where the unemployment levels are over 20 per cent.

Sinclair said she does not plan to vote in the upcoming municipal election because she has too much school work to focus on.

Keeping young people in Windsor and the lack of jobs across the city are points of concern for many of the residents. With more than 20,000 post-secondary students in the

city both Sinclair and DeNijs recognize the importance of voting.

“If students don’t vote, there’s a whole slew of people whose opinions don’t count,” Sinclair said. “It’s weird, because it does affect us.

Maybe if the city had more influence on issues at the university, then I would vote.”

“It’s our right and not enough young people make use of it,” said DeNijs. She said she hopes to help elect a mayor who will make Windsor a better place for students and recent graduates.

Wright to highlight city Tecumseh Macguigan Photo Editor Joey Wright is about to enter a new stage in life.

The 23-year-old Windsor native just finished performing in a local adaptation of Othello in September amidst campaigning for council in Ward 5. By 3 p.m. one Friday in October, Wright had already been interviewed for TV by students at St. Clair College, video profiled by the communications program at the University of Windsor, and sat down at the Manchester Pub downtown for the opportunity to talk about what he likes about Windsor.

Wright is not only running in Ward 5, but also lives there, which is stereo-typically an area thought to be avoided.

Clearly Wright sees something in the area.

“I think that there is a lot that Ward 5 has to offer,” says Wright. “There are a lot of nice little neighbourhoods, a lot of nice houses, we have the Ford Test Track... we have three schools... I think that the stigma that exists of Drouillard and Seminole is just that, a stigma.”

Wright says he believes in a “Windsor made for Windsorites.”

He thinks water slides are fun, but the bus ride getting to the water park can be a different story. Wright relies solely on the bus for transportation, the only candidate to do so.

But while every politician has their platform, it doesn’t

Photo by Sean Frame Joey Wright listens to questions from the public at the Gino Marcus Complex Centre on Oct. 16. always speak to who they are or what they like. While drinking a Coke, Wright delved into more detail about who he is.

Wright saw and experienced bullying against gay and straight students while attending Walkerville High School.

Instead of simply accepting the bullying, Wright led a coalition that lobbied the Greater Essex County District School Board to create the area’s first ever Gay-StraightAlliance in 2009.

“Since Walkerville established a GSA there has been one at every public high school in the county,” said Wright. “It’s a student-run organization and its sole purpose is to provide a safe space for everybody, not just members of the LGBT community.”

Following high school Wright moved into his own

home in Ward 5, performed in the Kordazone theater, and spends his days enjoying Windsor. Dining at the Twisted Apron, going to bars downtown and walking the trails of Ojibway Park as well.

Wright says he truly loves Windsor and all that it has to offer. He hopes to make Windsor not only a great place for visitors, but also a great place for Windsorites.

“People come to Windsor and they only go downtown,” says Wright. “New pools are nice but I want people to see the rest of the city. Ten years ago people would say ‘oh don’t go to Walkerville, but now it’s one of the nicest parts of the city. With the right work that could happen in Ward 5 and many other neighbourhoods that some consider undesirable or just not worth going to.”

Vote 2014

CONVERGED CITIZEN8 OCTOBER 23, 2014

A new voice Aaron Sanders Citizen Staff Reporter

Photo by Justin Prince Monica Brander looks through her vegetable stand at the Midtown Farmer’s Market in Windsor on Sept. 25.

Bortolin runs for a second time Justin Prince Citizen Staff Reporter On a cool fall afternoon in Windsor, Ont., just four days after the end of summer, children were kicking a soccer ball around the Midtown Farmer’s Market in Ward 3.

The smell of fresh cut grass and tomato sauce flooded the market, held in the parking lot of Rino’s Kitchen and Ale House.

Rino Bortolin, the owner of the restaurant since it opened about four years ago, was outside speaking with vendors, Monica and Brian Brandner, the owners of Brandner Farms. Inside about eight people sat at the tables, in the three-story brick house.

Upstairs is Bortolin’s campaign and restaurant office.

It’s warm and stuffy, with a Ward 3 map and an old Phogfest poster from 2009 on the ceiling. More boxes filled with office supplies are stuffed into the corner.

Bortolin’s son Jack, wearing an Italian soccer jersey, follows him into the office and sits at the computer. His father bought him a comic book from the market down below.

“The theme (of the restaurant) is a very casual pub fare with a focus on local,” said Bortolin. “People often say ‘it feels like we’re eating at a friends house.’ We often say it’s like eating at a house party or on the weekend.”

Bortolin says he’s been working in the industry since

he was 13 years old. While he was a student at Catholic Central High School, his friend’s mother got him a job at a banquet hall. He originally loved the job because he has a little more spending money. But as the years went on, his interest in the hospitality business grew. By the time he was part of the school’s second graduating class in 1990, he was working parttime in a few different restaurants.

As he went from washing dishes to cooking the food, he was also studying in the University of Windsor’s Philosophy program. By the time he got his degree, his career was thriving in the culinary arts.

Bortolin isn’t just a restaurant owner. He’s running for Windsor city council for the second time. Bortolin finished in the middle of the pack in the 2010 municipal election.

But according to the City of Windsor’s website, the ward also had one of the lowest turnouts in the city’s last elections, with only 35 per cent of residents putting in their ballots.

Bortolin got just 435 votes, while Valentinis has 2,342.

“I did everything with limited help (last time),” he said, bringing in a fresh printout of platform cards. “I had a couple of good friends volunteering, but the campaign was 100 per cent on my shoulders. This year, we have a team.”

With Valentinis not running

for re-election, a person Bortolin says he respects, this year’s election is different.

According to Bortolin’s website, the platform for his campaign has seven main points, ranging from attracting people back downtown to better transit systems to higher standards for properties and bylaw enforcement.

Bortolin, the head of the culinary tourism steering committee for Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island, says his platform is similar to what it was in 2010.

“I decided to run again just because of the same reasons we ran last time,” Bortolin said. “We wanted to bring a new fresh perspective to this area. I live in the area and I have a business here, so I have a lot invested in this community.”

As the day winds down, Bortolin gets up from the table and sits down next to his son. He has a lot of work to do he says, as he starts typing on the computer. His son moves over as he continues to read his comic book.

The market outside is starting to pack up, as a group of crafters carry a table across the street to their minivan. The street next to the parking lot is under construction, with orange traffic cones sitting on the edge of the grass.

Soon, the sun will set on another busy day in the race for Ward 3.

Residents of Ward 2 are looking for a councilor to be their voice and one candidate thinks he can be the answer.

When any Windsorite approaches John Elliott, they’re approaching a person whose calm, friendly and businesslike demeanor is well known in Ward 2.

His daily routine is as follows: around 10 a.m. he goes door-to-door with his wife Tammy. At the same time, his phone is ringing with people requesting lawn signs. At 3 p.m., Elliott goes to work at Sandwich Teen Action Group, a recreational facility for teens. Inside his office at STAG, he’s surrounded by framed awards and accolades.

During his 27 year stay in Windsor’s west end, he’s been the executive director of STAG for 21 years.

Sometimes, he leaves it to volunteers to take over STAG in his absence.

Around 5:30 p.m. , Elliott is back going door-to-door for another two and a half hours.

When 8 p.m. hits, he returns to his office at STAG where he finishes up business in a half hour’s time and thus, the end of another business day for STAG and John Elliott.

Elliott feels confident as he runs for Ward 2 councillor for the second time. The 2010 election was his first, and he lost to Ron Jones by only three votes. In that election, his campaign crew had no experience and went door to door to around 4000 houses. For this year’s campaign, Elliott and his crew have taken his

knowledge of the last election and he believes it has improved his planning.

Robert Renaud, 20, has been going to STAG for the last 10 years. He believes that Elliott has brought the neighbourhood together.

“This community needs a voice and who else to speak for us than John?,” Renaud said. “All the events he has done were to benefit the kids and families in the community in order to keep us off the streets.”

Elliott has also coached the Assumption High School girls basketball team. He encourages voters to check his resume, consider his community work and talk to people around the ward.

“I’ve done a lot in the city,but people should concentrate on what I’ve done in the community to make it better,” Elliott said. “To help the families and their kids and to volunteer within my powers. It is my true calling and that calling is to serve.”

Should Elliott win the Ward 2 councillor position, he would consider it an opportunity for the west community residents to have their voices heard. Elliott said that he would make decisions that are close to home.

“This community will have someone that’s in city council that will be their voice,” said Elliott. “I’m homegrown here, I live here, I raise my kids here and it’s home. ” A husband, father to five kids and community worker, he’s got his name on the ballot for Ward 2 councillor.The municipal election on Oct. 27 will determine if Elliott’s campaign plans come to fruitition.

Bachetti dreams of leading Tecumseh Erik Zarins Citizen Staff Reporter The town of Tecumseh has created opportunities for those looking for “The Canadian Dream.” Restaurants, shopping centres, medical services, a skateboard park and the WFCU Centre are all within reach.

Joe Bachetti is quick to point out the perks of Tecumseh life.

He has represented Ward 3 in

Tecumseh for over 20 years since he became a municipal councilor in 1994.

His community involvement is well documented. He is an affiliate member of several organizations including the Tecumseh Area Historical Society, and was recently awarded the “Vocational Service Award” by The Rotary Club of Windsor – Roseland

SEE PAGE 9

CONVERGED CITIZEN9

Vote 2014

OCTOBER 23, 2014

LaSalle candidate speaks out Taylor Busch CP Editor Growing up in a single parent home has its challenges. In many cases, children are forced to grow up quickly and take responsibility for their family years before their peers. Adrien Bezaire was no exception. After his father died, Bezaire says his mother continued to raise nine children on her own despite having a low income. But Bezaire credits his rough childhood for making him the man he is today and the right candidate to lead LaSalle.

Adrien Bezaire is a retired firefighter and former trustee for the French Catholic school board, who has participated in many efforts to improve the town of LaSalle over the years. Though he first ran for office more than 10 years ago, Bezaire says he still gets a rush from politics and a chance to help his community.

“Some people ask me why I’m running in this election so I tell them my mother always taught us to take care of our neighbours,” said Bezaire. “She would say, ‘sometimes you don’t need to be rewarded, just knowing you’ve done something for the people is enough,’ and she was right.”

Bezaire says if he is elected he

will bring his experience as a resident, firefighter and elected official to the council. He believes he can freeze property taxes by controlling expenses and reducing wasteful spending.

Adrien Bezaire During his time as a firefighter, Bezaire says he mentored many men beneath him. Mike Wiley was one of these men. He is now working full time for the department as Bezaire’s replacement.

Wiley says Bezaire has the experience and knowledge LaSalle residents are looking for in their next mayor.

“As someone who has worked for the town of LaSalle for many years, it’s not like he doesn’t know how to be a councilor,” said Wiley.

“I don’t think not being a councilor will hinder him in any way. The people who know him will tell you he knows what he’s doing.”

During his time on the school board, Bezaire said he personally

handled budgets over $100,000 and successfully increased enrollment in his schools. He said his career as a firefighter taught him how to keep calm in trying situations and trained him to be on call 24 hours a day. As a resident, Bezaire says he saw the town of LaSalle grow from 8,000 people to more than 25,000 people and knows what it will take to keep growing in the future.

Bezaire said he is confident he will win the election based on the number of residents who have told him they want a change. He plans to continue speaking with LaSalle residents and businesses up to Election Day. “When I become mayor, it will be a success story for all young people to look at and say ‘no matter what life deals you, you need to believe in yourself you can go a long way.’”

3 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT BEZAIRE Favourite Sports Team: Denver Broncos Favourite genre of music: Rock and Roll Favourite Hobby: Fishing at his cottage

FROM PAGE 8

for achieving excellence in vocation and outstanding service to his community.

Bachetti says he knows his way around town, and why wouldn’t he? Born in 1966 during the “year the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup” he has lived in WindsorEssex all his life. Bachetti said his interests in politics started after he graduated from the University of Windsor.

“I wanted to see the community grow and back then, the sidewalks and roads were a major concern. Now the roads and sidewalks of today are in much better condition. And I’ve always had a passion with working with kids.”

According to Bachetti, working simultaneously as a politician and a principal is not as difficult as it seems.

“It’s complementary to running a school and running a town. When you’re a teacher or principal, it makes you become a better politician because you’re able to talk to everybody about their everyday concerns like a neighbourhood dispute.”

So what does he do when he’s not taking care of classroom kids and residents of the town?

Bachetii said his hobbies include cycling, running, 5K runs, and participating in dragon boat races as a member of the “Rack Pack Team”. He really enjoys the open space and different seasons of events in Tecumseh.

The most unique thing about Bachetti is his vision on how to persuade people into moving into Windsor or Tecumseh.

“If you’re from Toronto it would be an easy sell…Our housing market is one of the most economic in this area.

You can get yourself a mansion on the Riverside Drive.”

“You also have a close proximity to another large international market such as Detroit, Michigan across the border. In terms of network and job market opportunities, you’re in the hub of this area.”

This year while Bachetti served as chairman of the Tecumseh Corn Festival and co-chairman of the Art of Eating and Wine Festival, Tecumseh was named 2014’s “Best Festival City in the Province” by Festival Events Ontario. He has also created a personal motto to ensure better living and building his community.

“As an elected financial steward of a municipality, doing what is right rather than personal gain is critical.”

Ron Rogers shows his true colours Shelbey Hernandez Associate Managing Editor The first physical feature that stands out would be his black-framed glasses. They are the studious, no-nonsense kind of glasses that many people wear, but only certain people can pull off. He is 60, although his black hair with only whispers of grey suggests otherwise. Yet, despite his hair and his overly-serious glasses, there is a hidden side to this mayoral candidate for Essex.

“I call him my Clark Kent,” Carolyn Rogers says, laughing the same way a teenage girl does when she announces she has a boyfriend. “A lot of people say he looks like Clark Kent and I’m like, ‘Yes, he’s my Clark Kent. He’s my Superman.”

Inside his house, visitors see a more colourful, youthful and vibrant side of Ron Rogers.

His house rests on a hill overlooking the Colchester beach and boasts an abundance of

flower pots. The flowers match the highlighter sunsets which are painted across the sky from one end of the water’s edge to the other. It makes sense, though, considering Rogers has been a cochair for the Town of Essex’s Communities in Bloom committee for seven years where he also occasionally played the part of Bloomer, one of the CIB mascots.

“I think given that I’m very new to Essex County, I really admire his passion for the county…,” says Paul Tonon, a co-chair with Rogers on CIB. “I think that’s something that I’ve had rubbed off a little on me. He’s kind of contagious that way.”

Although he isn’t an actual superhero, Rogers tries to be involved in his community and in politics. He first became involved in politics in 1991, running for and winning the seat for Colchester South where he remained until 1999.

Six years later, he ran for the

same seat and was successful.

When he tried to run for mayor in 2010, though, he lost to Ron McDermott by 376 votes.

Rogers is also involved in the John R. Park Homestead advisory committee, the Windsor Essex Therapeutic Riding Association board of directors and the Access County Community Support Services board of directors.

Growing up, Rogers says his parents instilled in him a strong belief of community involvement. His father was very involved in the church and his mother would volunteer in cancer and blood donor clinics. Although he only lived in Colchester part-time when he was a kid, he and his older brother still had a love for it they just didn’t feel for Windsor.

“Being out in the country is much more appealing to me than living in the city,” says Rogers, looking towards the water. “I really have no desire

Photo by Shelbey Hernandez Essex mayoral candidate Ron Rogers speaks to a resident in McGregor while campaigning on Sept. 30. to live in a large city anymore. Upon returning to Windsor, he I enjoy the calm and the got a job at SKD. quiet.”

If he becomes mayor, Rogers Rogers attended W.D. Lowe says he wants to accelerate the High School and afterwards, 10-year road program which studied engineering at the he says has been going on for University of Windsor.

20 years. He also would like to “He knows everything, fix the flooding issues and to something of everything and fix the current infrastructure in what he doesn’t know he will the Town of Essex. find out…” says his wife of 25 Every person has someyears, Carolyn. “He built our thing that makes them difhouse, he can do plumbing, he ferent. In the case of Ron can do wiring he can do every- Rogers, voters will be thing and he will.” allowed to determine After university, Rogers whether to allow his hidspent three years out west. den colours to shine.

CONVERGED CITIZEN10 Ward 5 all-candidates meeting Vote 2014

OCTOBER 23, 2014

FROM CYCLIST PAGE 1

Photo by Sean Frame (Photo by Sean Frame) Ward 5 candidates (left to right) Ed Sleiman, Randy Diestelmann,Joey Wright, Jon Middleton, Gary Kaschak, Sam Drakich and Gene Michael Leon Locknick answer questions at the Gino Marcus Complex on Oct. 16. to stand up and fight for what questions on the topic of Sean Frame I believe in or to stand up and speeding on roads to drug Managing Editor fight for what feels right, or addicts using strange jamming for what the residents of technology to which Sam 10 days before the election, Ward 5 need and deserve.”

Drakich answered “That Ward 5 candidates are After the question period, sounds like something for the attempting to show the com- where candidates were given RCMP.” munity why they are the right two minutes each to answer, With the question period choice. questions were opened up to over, the candidates were On Oct. 17 at the Gino and the floor. given a chance for a two Liz Marcus Community Upon the first question minute closing statement.

Complex candidates were from a Ward 5 resident, the During this time, candidate given a chance to state their audience member began to John Middleton took a few stance on the issues in their become hostile towards cur- verbal shots at Ed Sleiman. ward.

The candidates rent Ward 5 Councillor Ed “I have talked to residents explained their campaign in Sleiman. The attendee said who are not happy with the brief detail and were asked that every time he calls placement of the new fire stathree questions, which came Sleiman someone else tion,” said Middleton. “Mr. from the community and answers his phone and Sleiman voted to put that fire were prioritized. because of this he feels the station there. After the resiOne question directed communication is lacking. dents saw this, they were mad. towards all candidates was Although the statement was Mr Sleiman decided to do a “What have you done for our directed towards Sleiman, little dog and pony show at ward as a private citizen?” moderator Mary Medcalf city council for council to Within no time at all, the can- made the question about reconsider the vote. That is not didates answered with a communication with coun- right.” sense of pride in their voices. cilors.

After the closing statement Joey Wright answered with “When people email me, I the meeting was concluded. the story of how he took on get it on my Blackberry. When Attendees were given a the Greater Essex County people call me, I don’t get it chance to speak with the canDistrict School Board and immediately, it goes to the didates. created the first gay-straight city,” said Sleiman. “I never “Ward 5 is a large ward and alliance in Southwestern ever tried to neglect you in any I don’t think people realize Ontario. way.” this,” said Sleiman. “It goes “I am not one to sit back After Sleiman responded, he from Walker Road all the way and let people walk all over was only met with more hos- to Pillette. There is different me or the people I represent,” tility from the resident. concerns, my heart is at Ford said Wright. “My track Despite the setback, the candi- City, but the whole ward takes record is clear, I’m not scared dates moved on answering a lot of energy individually.”

FROM CRIME PAGE 1 She was sad to hear what happened to the victim of the shooting. She also said she thinks that the Boom Boom Room should lay low for a while and stop hosting big events, such as the upcoming Waka Flocka Flame concert this October.

“Honestly speaking, every

fight I’ve heard of has happened at the Boom Boom Room. So I honestly don’t know why they keep doing such things there,” said Malik.

Ljubica Cajan works at Tunnel Discount Convenience next door to the Boom Boom Room and she said the shooting has made her more concerned for her safety and the safety of her business.

“It is scary. I have to think of who is coming in the store,” said Cajan.

Cajan said that last year a fight broke out in front of her store and her window was broken. Cajan said she thinks the crime rate may be increasing in Windsor.

“It’s hard to say. You never know, but it does look like it is.”

of the intersection. Though she was turned away from the area when the accident happened, Elgarousha said she heard everything and knew someone had been hurt.

“I was walking to go to the mosque and all I heard was something that sounded like an accident,” said Elgarousha. “I started running towards it and I saw the guy and his bike on the ground. He wasn’t moving.”

Elgarousha said her immediate reaction was fear. Even after she realized her friend was not involved in the accident, she

FROM COOP PAGE 1 Windsor residents and has been brought up in multiple mayoral and councillor debates.

Another leading advocate for the legalization of urban chicken coops is Philippa Von Zirgenweidt. She said chicken coops are inexpensive, easy to build and are a great idea for low-income families.

“People have all sorts of ideas.

They think they’re scary, they think that there’s all sorts of problems and we need to talk about that first,” says Zirgenweidt Zirgenweidt said it is even more important to change the public’s perception of chickens than it is to change the bylaw.

Zirgenweidt says she is always

continued to be in distress when she saw that the man on the ground was not wearing a helmet.

Elgarousha added, “I feel bad for the driver and the guy who got hit by the car because he was probably hurt bad. He probably broke part of his body or something worse.”

EMS arrived on the scene quickly and took him by stretcher to a hospital for assessment.

Traffic was backed up on Dominion Boulevard past the Expressway for a time, but police were able to clear this quickly after the ambulance left.

asked if chickens bite, a rumour she says is not true.

“We live in a city where dogs are biting people on a fairly regular basis and yet we don’t have chickens. It sort of strikes me as bizarre that we can’t have these gentle animals but it’s perfectly okay to have dogs,” said Zirgenweidt.

In Kingston, residents are allowed to own up to six hens and keep them on their property, legal since Nov. 5, 2013.

Green and Von Zirgenweidt both said they don’t plan on taking further action to challenge the bylaw until the Oct. 27 elections when a new council and mayor will be appointed. Currently, housing a chicken within city limits is punishable by a fine of $100.

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Vote 2014

CONVERGED CITIZEN11 OCTOBER 23, 2014

Essex’s mayoral candidates fight to stay on top Caleb Workman Citizen Staff Reporter Essex residents are going to be making a decision about who will run the town for the next four years.

There are four candidates running for mayor, leaving townspeople with a lot to think about when determining the future development of Essex.

Essex is not a major industrial centre, but current Ward 3 councillor and mayoral candidate Bill Baker has plans to help the town grow in this area.

“We operate on a $35 million budget … Only $12.5 million is assessed from taxes.

Of that $12.5 million, 80 per cent is from residential based tax,” said Baker. “We need to focus on growing our industrial and commercial sectors.”

Baker said there needs to be more of a balance from assessed taxes. He said too much is being taken from the residential area and Essex needs to have more coming from the commercial sectors.

In order to do this, he believes Essex needs to create more jobs on an industrial and com-

mercial level, even in terms of youth jobs. Baker said Essex needs to have the land ready to build whatever is needed so that the town is ready for future development.

“If anyone comes and tells you it’s going to happen tomorrow, it’s not,” said Baker. “The problem is there have never been strategies to go for that so I want to create the strategies to do that.”

According to Baker, the focus of youth employment will be in the jobs involved with media convergence, journalism and the emerging technology centres. The big industry jobs are not available for youth yet, but the goods and services sectors need to be better so that youth are being encouraged to stay in the town while they go to school, and focus on landing careers in Essex.

Baker said it is important to have the youth involved in not only the elections, but the decision making processes of council. “[The youth] need to see the bridge between us who are here, and where they are, so they feel connected,” said Baker. “We need to reach out

and say, ‘What is it you need?’

This is not the old world, this is the current world and that is what I bring in terms of leadership, is the current world.”

Ron McDermott is running for his fourth term as mayor and does not think much needs to change.

“We just need to continue doing what we’ve been doing the past three terms that I’ve had,” said McDermott.

“Depending on how many new people we get, I need to get everyone on the same page. That’s the mayor’s job, to bring us all together.”

McDermott said he’s made one promise since he’s been involved in politics, which is that he’ll work his hardest for everybody. He said he and his council have been responsible for many projects in his past three terms, such as the sewage plant ,which made the construction of newer homes possible and the new twin pad arena. He said he is hoping to put up a new community centre in the next term if re-elected.

“We need to get our storefronts filled,” said McDermott. “That’s our number one goal if I’m re-elected

Photo by Caleb Workman Ron McDermott shows off his moustache at the Essex Red Raiders football game on Oct. 10 at Essex District High School. along with getting our infrastructure fixed in terms of drainage.”

McDermott said young people need to start voting now.

He said soldiers every day are sacrificing their lives in countries that don’t have the right to vote.

“We all want the kids to vote for us, but they should vote. If you don’t vote for me, vote, because it does mean something,” said McDermott.

Steve Bjorkman, who is on the board of directors of Essex’s Business Improvement Areas and run-

ning for Ward 1 council member in Essex, said the youth need to get involved if Essex wants to see change.

“Learn everything you can about these candidates. What you read in the paper is one thing, but if you can go somewhere where they are speaking in person you have an opportunity to ask a question that relates to your life,” said Bjorkman.

Also running for the position of mayor are candidates Ron Rogers, a former councillor in Essex, and editor and reporter Andy Comber.

Voting Student apathy in voting registration Kenny Bullock Citizen Staff Reporter

To increase voter turnout, politicians are trying online voting, closer locations for voting and more convincing promises.

They are going all out to increase the voter turnout. The question is, why is it so low?

The answer likely lies within the younger generation, more specifically the college and university students. Not all students refuse to vote, however many have reasons why they don’t.

Some students have a lot of interest in all things political but have their reasons why their interest lessens over time. One such St. Clair College is Corrine Trojansek, who used to be a diligent follower of all things political.

She said she will not be voting this year due to believing her vote doesn’t make any difference. The reason why she ceases to care or keep updated

is she has lost faith in Windsor’s government.

“Hundreds of millions of dollars have come out of the city’s pocket just to make this place a bigger deal to tourists,” said Trojansek.

One of the bigger problems that bring Trojansek apathy towards her city is the neglection of the homeless. She says she doesn’t feel safe to be downtown and it deters her from venturing downtown.

This is because she thinks many people downtown have or exhibit signs of mental illness and potential for violent action. Trojansek recalled a time where she would not give change to someone, but the woman was insistent. She tried walking away but then was getting threatened by the panhandler. After being followed for a block, Trojansek said she would call the police if not left alone immediately.

Trojansek admits she may not understand every view on the city situation, but said if politicians were more open

and transparent about their campaigns, this wouldn’t be a problem.

“I try to reserve my judgements,” said Trojansek. “I feel one must be properly educated in order to make political criticisms.”

She dislikes many politicians’ personalities because many aren’t very sociable during election time often then making false promises.

Trojansek doesn’t plan to stay in the City of Windsor and stated one of the major reasons is the state of its government.

On the other side of the spectrum, first-year University of Windsor student, Eric Hubberstey, currently volunteers at Windsor-West MP Brian Masse`s office. At Masse’s office, Hubberstey mails letters, sends e-mails and manages Brian’s e-mail account. In his opinion, politics is an essential part of society and people should really consider making it a bigger part of their lives.

“I think it’s important to follow them to at least an extent, especially matters that concern you and your city,” said Hubberstey.

“Voting is another important facet

of living in a democracy because it allows your voice and opinion to be heard”.

He said he does sometimes feel a single vote is pointless but isn’t deterred because his single vote means he wants to participate in his community.

“Government works best when everyone tells the truth,” said Hubberstey.

He admits this doesn’t always happen in politics of any level.

“It is misguided to not keep at least a small eye on government because everything that happens affects you in one way or another,” he said.

The latest record of voter turnout in Canada was the 2008 federal election standing at 37.4 per cent.

This is gravely lower than the 43.8 per cent turnout in 2004. The statistics show the descending interest in government by our young people, but the biggest question is what can be done to promote more interest in politics. Is this even possible, or will the turnout of young voters continue to descend into the depths?

Time will tell.

Sean Frame Managing Editor City of Windsor employees are registering electors who do not have fixed addresses.

On Oct. 16 Elections Windsor sent city employees to the Downtown Mission and the Salvation Army to help register voters for the upcoming municipal election for an hour at each location.

Ron Dunn director of development and community relations at the Windsor Downtown Mission, said the city took the initiative to send employees to help those with a more transient lifestyle.

“It’s fundamentally important for everyone to vote,” said Dunn. “For me, it’s about having the voting conversation with people who generally don’t get engaged in this type of process… Their vote is just as important as anyones.”

John Hilt was waiting in line to register. He said it we were all given the right to vote and our forefathers fought for that right and he will not give up that right under any circumstance.

Vote 2014

CONVERGED CITIZEN12 OCTOBER 23, 2014

Windsorites look to key municipal issues Millar Hill Citizen Staff Reporter Windsor residents are deciding what issues are significant to them as they prepare to vote in the upcoming municipal election.

A total of 54 candidates are running for ward councillor positions this year. Some residents have said they are hoping to see candidates focus on improving the transit system and local businesses.

According to 93.9 The River’s host Dan MacDonald, focusing on neighbourhoods is his biggest concern in this election. He said he believes local businesses need support and people need to become active in their communities in

order to have a thriving city.

“I vote for people who have benefited the community,” he said. “I vote for those who have made progress. Their track records show they’re active and working to make it a better place.”

Program coordinator at The AIDS Committee of Windsor, Colm Holmes, said upcoming councilors could be beneficial to local neighbourhoods by becoming active in them.

MacDonald wants to see more community involvement like street and park clean-ups.

Activities, he said, that bring people together and benefit the city.

“We need to take pride in what we have and take care of it,” said MacDonald.

“We want young people to

stay here and we want it to be a retirement destination.”

The city’s transportation system is also a major concern.

University of Windsor student Kyle Landry rides the bus every day to school. He said tax money should be put towards revamping the city’s transit system.

“I work with individuals that rely on Windsor transit. This is an issues I care to see improved,” said Holmes. “Public transportation is vital to our city and people that use it.”

The election is right around the corner. Advance voting stations will be available starting Oct.11, and election day is Oct. 27.

Many people think the race for mayor in the Town of Essex got more exciting when a fourth candidate, Bill Baker, threw his hat into the ring.

With a broad background in business, marketing and communications, and a solid track record implementing strategic business plans, Baker believes he’s the right man for the job.

Bill Baker was born in Windsor in 1956. After graduating from high school, Baker got a job at Chrysler working the line. Eventually, he enrolled in the business administration and marketing program at St. Clair College.

It was at St. Clair that Baker first became interested in politics, where he was elected as student council president.

“At that point I realized that the ability to network and use my skills to communicate with people were something that provided me with a kind of passion,” said Baker.

Baker put his political life on hold when he moved to Toronto to kick off his career in business. Baker currently works for Leamington District Memorial Hospital as the director of communications and public affairs.

Baker decided to return to his passion for politics in November 2010 when he was elected as Councillor of Ward

Justin Thompson Production Manager

Women have fought hard over the years to earn their right to vote and hold office around the world. Despite progress being made nationally, Remy Boulbol is one of only nine women running in Windsor’s municipal election.

“Gender equity is still something we cannot say is achieved,” said Boulbol. ”Whether it be in pay, whether it be in stature or treatment in the work place and just sort of general public reception.

Those things are not gone.”

Boulbol said that the perception of politics as an “Old Boy’s Club” can be intimidating. She believes that women do a lot and the more they do, the more that is expected of them.

Though her parents were both civil rights activists, Boulbol’s mother was her biggest inspiration. Boulbol was one of four children raised alone by her mother, a community health nurse that was constantly working to make things better. Boulbol is currently the Director for the Rose City Islamic Centre and has been doing non-profit work since graduating from Photo courtesy of Bill Baker Wayne State University in Bill Baker, Essex mayoral candidate, poses for a picture at the 1999.

Essex Transportation Museum.

Boulbol believes she can 3 in the Town of Essex. Baker Essex County to develop bou- best serve Ward 4 because she says he understands the public tique hotels in Harrow and the possesses empathy. Remy’s mother is Caucasian and her and private sectors of Windsor Town of Essex and Essex County and he Baker knows that sometimes father is African American, knows how important it is to people look for a family man Boulbol converted to Islam in have this understanding to be when they are electing offi- her 20s. She wears the tradian effective mayor. cials. He’s happily married to tional hijab, her personality “When you look at business, his wife Shelly Weepers, they outshines common stereothey like to focus and get have a daughter, Faith Baker types. She believes she can things done quickly,” Baker and three stepchildren. If you relate to the needs of residents said. “Sometimes government were to ask him what he was of different cultures, underdoesn’t work as fast… most proud of in his life, he standing those needs because Coming from the private sec- would smile and tell you it of her own cultural backtor, public sector and not-for- was marrying his wife and ground.

“Everybody is different,” profit allows me to understand starting his family. all areas and see where we Bill Baker wants to use his said Boulbol. “It’s just my perneed to go.” well-rounded background to sonality, it takes all kinds. And Baker has molded his may- improve the Town of Essex I just happen to have an outgooral platform around the and bring his community ing personality. There are plenty of other Muslim knowledge he gained from his together. time as councillor and said it “One of the most important women who might have an comes down to increasing things to becoming a leader is outgoing personality. You just Essex County’s revenue base. that there is no ‘I’ in leader,” might not notice it.”

Somebody once told Baker’s strategy for revenue says Baker. “You are the voice growth is well underway and in the community for what Boulbol, “Islam is like a big he has been working with the needs to be done and that’s circle and you’re a dot in the circle, but anywhere in the cirbusiness and winery sectors of what I want to focus on.”

Baker follows his political passion Klay Coyle Citizen Staff Reporter

Boulbol hopes for more female representation on council cle is fine. Maybe you’re over here and someone is over there but you’re in the circle and it’s fine.”

Jordan Renaud, 24, the president of local public relations firm Prometheus Communications was an acquaintance of Boulbol’s before her campaign and was impressed by her decision to run.

“Remy could be anywhere,” said Renaud. “She could be councilor, mayor, or spearheading another community building organization. Without a doubt, it will be at the forefront of the needs of others.”

Boulbol would like to be remembered as somebody who “did much” and as somebody who tried even if that impact was felt by only one person. She would also like to be remembered as a good mother.

In her home on Hall Avenue, the scent of incense burning fills the air; Boulbol has picked up her two daughters from school and made tacos for dinner after an exhausting day of campaigning. From the basement comes the screech of an electric drill as her husband installs a door.

Boulbol does not attempt to hide at hiding her love for Windsor. She views the city as a great place to raise a family, pay off a house, pay for her children’s educations and still be doing okay.

“I want Windsor to be a place where they(my children) want to stay – but not in my house,” joked Boulbol.

Boulbol believes the only way to improve Ward 4 is through resident input. She has had conversations with thousands of residents in Ward 4.

Boulbol also plans on supporting small businesses and investing in infrastructure.

She believes in utilizing the limited resources that are available to serve the greatest number of people possible.

One of her life mottos that she inherited from her mother is her idea of the perfect representation of the city of Windsor.

“Though we may not have much, we can certainly do much.”

NEWS

CONVERGED CITIZEN13 OCTOBER 23, 2014

Local influenza vaccination rates down four per cent

Photo by Rhiannon Lotze Dr. David Millinoff, a science teacher at Sandwich Secondary School, discusses immunization rates and why they are dropping.

Rhiannon Lotze Citizen Staff Reporter Local vaccination rates have been decreasing despite influenza killing 2000-8000 Canadians every year, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Based on information from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, influenza vaccination rates in Windsor and

Essex County have dropped from 2007 to 2012. The number of people who have had a flu shot at least once in their entire lives has dropped 3.9 per cent. The number of people vaccinated less than a year ago has dropped 6.9 per cent and the rate of people vaccinated between one and two years ago has dropped 2.4 per cent. Vaccination rates have also been dropping all across

Woman turns litter into ecofriendly art Melissa Amiouni Citizen Staff Reporter A graduate student at the University of Windsor is inspiring people to become more ecofriendly.

At an art show Oct. 19, Patricia Coates described her project and why she created it.

While a graduate student obtaining her masters in visual art at the University of Windsor, a former student told her about a project she had worked on for over 20 years, where she began planting oaks on a farm and restoring it into a habitat. This made Coates want to do more and she said the idea of creating life would be appropriate today in a consumer society. She began walking around Essex County and collected 2,000 acorns from oak trees.

“In our ecology, we seem to separate ourselves and dominate the ecology as opposed to living more sympathetically with it, so I collected the acorns then collected the cups off the street, off fast food dumpsters and planted them in it,” Coates said.

Coates participated in the

w.a.v.e.s. Festival on Sept. 26 and Sept. 27, she said the outcome was so successful it made her want to show more of her work.

“It is something that took a lot of time and I recently shared it with the public, with the people of Windsor in the w.a.v.e.s. festival and to my surprise so many people responded, kids responded, teenagers responded, They got the whole cup idea, it does have that impact,” Coates said.

Coates then displayed her art on Oct. 10 at the LeBelle Building for Visual Arts which didn’t cost her anything since she was a graduate from there. She displayed around 900 oaks for everyone to see.

Many said her art was inspiring.

Ron Dufault, a friend of Coates, said it is important for people to be more aware of their surroundings.

“I don’t think people take the time to think about where they live or how they live and by planting each individual tree it really makes you stop and think about the difference you can make,” Dufault said.

Coates said her art is ongoing and will continue to be. “(My work), this is a living work and this will exist beyond my life time,” Coates said.

Canada.

A poll conducted by Forum Research has found that only about 40 per cent of Canadians have been given a flu shot. The poll also discovered that the main reason for people not wanting vaccinations is because they do not trust the safety of the vaccines. According to the poll, other reasons included inconvenience, lack of availability and good health.

The terms vaccination and immunization are often thought to mean the same thing. However, vaccinations must be received once a year whereas immunizations must be taken once in a lifetime with booster shots taken periodically afterwards.

Another possible cause of low vaccination rates is prominent public figures portraying them negatively.

Celebrities like Jenny McCarthy have clouded the issue of the safety of vaccinations by saying that immu-

nizations are not safe, despite scientific evidence proving otherwise. Since many people think vaccinations and immunizations are the same thing, they do not receive either of them.

David Millinoff, 53, is a science teacher at Sandwich Secondary School but he has also worked as a virologist.

“The media seems to feel they are experts in public health issues… don’t go to the Internet as a source of information. Talk to public health officials,” Millinoff said.

According to him, almost all vaccinations are safe, with the exception of one or two unnamed ones.

While the exact cause of vaccination rates dropping is not known, the negative side effects of lower rates are. Josie Piruzza is a pharmacist at Shopper’s Drug Mart and understands the implications of decreasing immunization.

“I believe in the herd effect (herd immunity), which means

that you should vaccinate so you’re protecting everyone,” said Piruzza.

Herd immunity occurs when enough people in a community are immunized or vaccinated against a certain illness to prevent an outbreak from occurring if a few people do get sick.

When not enough people in a community are protected, the spread of disease becomes easier. Research conducted by UNICEF has found that Canada’s overall immunization rate is at 84 per cent. For herd immunity to be effective in Canada, immunization must be at 95 per cent. In terms of influenza vaccinations, Canada’s overall vaccination rate for 2013 was 29.3 per cent.

Canada has also seen a drop in the immunization rates for deadly and debilitating illnesses such as whooping cough, measles and polio, which are now reemerging into the general population.

Unregistered voters being sought by city

Photo by Victoria Parent On Oct. 16 Elections Windsor sent city employees to the Downtown Mission and the Salvation Army to help register voters for the upcoming municipal election for an hour at each location.

Ron Dunn director of development and community relations at the Windsor Downtown Mission, said the city took the initiative to send employees to help those with a more transient lifestyle.

NEWS

CONVERGED CITIZEN14 OCTOBER 23, 2014

Pumpkin patch’s last pick

Thankful for the turkey, not the excess Ashley Ann Mentley Citizen Staff Reporter

People pick their own pumpkins at McLeod Farm’s pick-your-own pumpkin patch on Sunday Oct. 12, 2014 in Cottam, Ont. Photo by Klay Coyle Klay Coyle Citizen Staff Reporter The sun's bright rays shine through the clouds, heating up the air on a surprisingly warm October day. Surrounded by endless walls of corn, a small field filled with pumpkins of many shapes and sizes is dotted with people. The unexpected weather has brought in families from all over Windsor and Essex County. It’s a tradition at McLeod Farms that has lasted for many years, but soon these fields will be empty.

McLeod Farms was established in 1980 when Murray and Helen McLeod bought the sprawling farmstead in Cottam. At the time, the fields were barren plots of land, uncared for and void of any crops. The McLeods got to work sowing seeds and soon after, colourful pumpkins dotted the landscape. Once the fruit was growing, corn was planted and the now-popular corn maze was carved out though the towering stalks.

The maze and pick-your-own pumpkin patch have been a popular family attraction for over 20 years, but this fall marks its last season.

McLeod Farms has always been run as a family business with the McLeod’s children sharing the workload. But as time went by, the children became adults, started families of their own and are finding it harder to make time for the farm. This is one of the main reasons that McLeod Farms is shutting down its pumpkin

growing operations and autumn events.

"Over the years we have been able to keep it going because we've had our children here, helping out on a Sunday if we need them, but they have children of their own now; life happens," said Helen McLeod, during a farm visit over the Thanksgiving weekend.

In most cases, people come for the family experience and even with part time workers to fill the empty spaces, it’s just not the same when all the McLeods aren’t there.

Ryan McLeod has been helping out his parents, together with his two siblings, Heather and Adam, for as long as he can remember. Now that he is older, he wants to be able to devote his free time to his own family.

“You work all week and you want to spend the weekend with your kids, and you can't do that if you're out here," said Ryan. "It's not just October either; it's all year round, pulling weeds and planting.

It's a pretty big time commitment."

Despite the amount of work, Ryan said he will miss a lot of things about working at the farm. He has made many connections over the years being there and enjoys seeing old friends when they come by to chat and catch up with the family. The entrepreneurial aspect of farm life is another thing Ryan has valued and the experience he gained has helped his own career.

The family going their own

way isn't the only problem that has taken root for the McLeod’s pumpkin business.

There are many variables that can affect pumpkin farming.

For example, too much rain caused problems for the McLeods this season. “We had to keep going in and keep planting the pumpkins because it would rain and the soil temperature wasn't warm, and the seed would rot," said Helen. "You couldn't even drive a tractor on the field because it was too wet, so we had to do it by hand."

Even with the end of their pick-your-own pumpkin patch and corn maze, McLeod Farms won't be closing down entirely. The McLeods will continue farming, but with crops that are easier on their land.

"Our farm has planted a pumpkin and berry crop for years. It takes a lot out of the soil even though we are putting in a lot of fertilizer," said Helen. "We need to rest that land and put in a crop that's not going to draw so much from it."

The McLeods have recently planted a new crop of strawberries and they also plan on planting soy beans to fill in their fields. This might be the last pumpkin harvest, but Helen and Ryan said they are both interested in making sure the grandkids still get to experience some sort of farming life. Even though their pumpkin picking days will be over, for the McLeods, it seems that farming will always run in the family.

According to a recent report, the average Canadian eats almost twice their recommended daily amount of calories and three times the fat in just one traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Health Canada says the average male aged 19-30 should consume around 2,700 calories and 80 grams of fat in one day. A report conducted by the Calorie Control Council found that at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, the average person “may consume more than 4,500 calories and a whopping 229 grams of fat from snacking and eating a traditional holiday dinner with turkey and all the fixings.”

Sara Grivas, 45, is a nutritionist in Livonia, Michigan.

She said tradition is one of the main reasons we overeat around the holidays.

“People connect food with family, love and childhood memories and they will often want to recreate those moments,” Grivas said.

Grivas also said what is unhealthy is not only the amount of food we eat, but also the types of food, the way the food is prepared and the amount of alcohol we drink, which in turn lowers our inhibitions and leads us to continue eating.

Former Petty Officer first class, Jeff Marcinkowski, of the U.S. Coastguard, is now a health food and lifestyle advocate. He said he believes it is commercials and the media that cause people to overeat around the holidays and such a routine can have a negative effect on a person’s mental state.

“Commercials and media get us geared up for the feast,” he said. But binging and overeating “may tend to push people into a slight depression because of the mind play which goes on with the individual. So the depression swing occurs: re-commitment to healthier life style happens, the individual gets more focused and lives healthy until the next binge which could be worse and the cycle intensifies.”

Photo by Matt LaVere Photography Sara Grivas, 45, is a nutritionist, student and mother. She said it's not always easy to make healthier choices, but the options are certainly available.

There are always healthier options to consider around the holidays, though as Grivas pointed out, the tradition of “breaking bread together” is an old and difficult one to change.

She suggested things such as going gluten free, choosing low-fat foods and eliminating processed foods.

“Oils, butters, cream, gravies – all these things can be substituted or eliminated for healthier options without jeopardizing taste,” she said.

Marcinkowski said the best way to enjoy a healthier holiday meal is to have an all-around healthier lifestyle.

“We can always establish new traditions over the holidays,” Marcinkowski said. “But the best way to do this is to eat healthier all the time. When you eat healthy on a regular basis and others know you do, it becomes easier to stay in the healthy mode.”

With holiday dinner parties, another cold winter and comfort food just around the corner, Grivas said Canadians can make small changes such as drinking more water and less alcohol, limiting the amount of snacks before dinner and trading in traditional dishes for low fat ones can help keep the holidays healthy.