Compiled by Lattitia Taylor and Hiroaki Sakai
Idris Ben-Tahir
Background: Idris Ben-Tahir, 67, was born in what is now India. He moved to Canada in 1960 and spent the last 32 years living in Somerset Ward. He is currently an information scientist, but once worked as a federal civil servant. In 2006, he ran for the federal Conservative nomination for the Ottawa-Centre riding, but lost to Keith Fountain.
Main campaign issues: Ben-Tahir says he is greatly concerned about unemployment and poverty in Ottawa. He says he has donated 25 per cent of his monthly net salary to charity even though he retired from civil servant.
Ben-Tahir’s plan for Somerset ward is based on the letters A-B-C: amiable, beautiful, and clean. He says he would wipe out the recent nasty parking situation in downtown by increasing parking lots and decreasing tolls. He also says he would bring back a beautiful view of Ottawa by planting seeds each season. And he says he would like to clean up Ottawa, literally and figuratively.
On running: “I am not undertaking that I am a well-to-do person but I hold sympathy for those in financial difficulties.”
Karen Dawe
Background: Karen Dawe, 48, was born in Cobourg, Ont. She is a grandmother of two who has spent the last eight years in Somerset Ward. At the same time, she is a social activist.
Dawe says she is an ardent advocate for Ottawa’s homeless. From 2004 to late 2005, she took part in the homeless action strike (a rally from city hall to Elgin Street and protest for humane solution to homelessness.) And even now she says she is on the way to exert influence on government policy from a human rights perspective.
Main campaign issues: Dawe says she is eager for change in Somerset Ward. She says she wants to change the government welfare policy which does not fully benefit the citizens. She says she thinks the citizens of Ottawa are kept out of the municipal decision making process. She would like to bring back control to the citizens and see clear-cut improvements in the city’s welfare system, particularly the Children’s Aid Society.
On running: “We need change, our public resources are not being allocated in the interest of our community.”
George Guirguis
Background: George Guirguis, 33, is a mechanical engineer. He has been a member of the Multicultural Association for four years and is active in fighting to bring back affordable housing and to eliminate discrimination in the Social Housing Registry. Guirguis has also volunteered to help survivors of domestic abuse and worked with all levels of governments in Ottawa.
Main campaign issues: Guirguis is an avid supporter of a clean and safe downtown Ottawa. He says it is the foundation of a strong and healthy community. Addressing discrimination and unfair practices in the Social Housing Registry is also important to Guirguis, who thinks all seniors deserve to be respected by city council.
If elected, Guirguis will aim to improve the vitality of downtown Ottawa. He says Chinatown and Preston Street are great assets to Ottawa and will work to energize and rejuvenate these important areas. In addition, Guirguis says he plans to restore dignity and respectable quality of life standards to those living in senior housing units.
On running: “City council needs new blood and new ideas. It is time for change.”
Diane Holmes
Background: Diane Holmes has represented Centretown on regional and city councils since 1982. She was re-elected in 2003 as the city councillor for Somerset Ward. A mother of three, Holmes has donated much of her time to volunteer work in the past including Centretown Citizens’ Community Association, Heritage Ottawa, Ottawa Crime-Prevention Council and FCM’s National Housing Committee.
Main campaign issues: Holmes says one of her main interests is to protect healthy downtown residential and commercial communities. She says she believes it is important to make residents feel secure and comfortable in their neighbourhoods.
Currently, Holmes is working to get more people of all ages and incomes living downtown in order to support retail streets and services. She claims new developments have to respect good urban design principles and says a reduction in traffic will also make downtown streets safer and more walkable. She says more resources are needed for frontline staff in all the city services to add to the quality of life such as noise, litter, graffiti and personal safety. If re-elected Holmes says she will strive for by-law enforcement to be more streamlined and effective.
On running: “I have and always will be a strong voice on city council for downtown Ottawa.”
Luc Lapointe
Background: Luc Lapointe is a father of three children and three step-children. He currently works in public relations and owns two restaurants in downtown Ottawa and has been involved in community activities with the not-for-profit sector. Lapointe’s experience involves lobbying governments and the private sector, along with 12 years of political experience at all levels of government.
Main campaign issues: Lapointe’s prime concern is Ottawa’s crime and safety, which he believes needs a more integrated approach. Over the past few weeks, he says, residents of Ottawa have seen an increase in violent crime. Lapointe says city council has been soft on crime and the situation is getting out of hand.
If elected, Lapointe will personally lobby the provincial government to bring in tougher criminal sentences. In addition, he will help to ensure programs are introduced to help with re-integration. Lapointe understands the need for a balanced approach to crime prevention as a former employer of people that had completed their sentencing.
On running: “My campaign will focus on positive change for the people of Somerset Ward. I’ve always come up with innovative and creative issues. It’s not about blaming the other level of government or dividing communities, you have to create partnerships and make sure it’s a win-win for everybody.”