- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

And then there are the newcomers. Every one of these candidates is running for office for the first time, and we are grateful for everything they bring to the table.

Thank you for your courage in going to the Chamber all candidates meeting to answer questions in a full room, with a television audience. Then you were brave enough to face the cameras at the second all candidates meeting, something even two of the incumbents were unwilling to do.

Let me start with what these eight candidates have in common. Every one has chosen to make Owen Sound (or the municipality right next door) their home, and each one is contributing to Owen Sound already in their own way.

All the new candidates believe that there are things that could be better in this city, that they might be able to help those things happen, and that being on council might be their way to help.

They may differ in their vision for the city, their values and priorities, their temperaments, and even their view of the role of council.

Meghan Robertson has been sitting on the the Community Services Committee and the Operations Committee for the past five years, getting to know how the city operates. She sees the long game – community building for our children's future.

Jon Farmer has been attending council meetings virtually, reading reports and meeting with current and former councillors for at least the past year. He sees the power of collaboration, drawing on the strengths in this community to solve its complex problems.

Jeff Caldwell is a researcher by nature, and found plenty of reading in City reports, minutes and policies, and the analysis of others who have been digging through the records.

Their homework shows in the responses these folks give when asked questions – by Rebound, fellow citizens or at all candidates meetings. Any of them would hit the ground running; the first council meeting would hold few surprises for them.

Suneet Kukreja's work at Settlement Services and teaching at Georgian College give her a unique perspective among candidates for council. Kukreja wants to help make Owen Sound a welcoming place for youth and newcomers, and to bring the doctors, healthcare professionals and daycare they will need.

Al Douglas is a retired Owen Sound firefighter. He realized he had much more to learn about the city when he became a candidate. He asks questions, is willing to learn and change his mind if necessary.

Melanie Middlebro' has been involved in local party politics, and at the first all candidates meeting she was honest in admitting she has “lots to learn about municipal government”. Middlebro' believes that the municipal council's role is to “set conditions to promote growth and entice investment”.

Robert Galbraith wants to be the voice of the “average working person” on Owen Sound council. He too believes in growth – a stronger tax base, with taxpayers a priority.

Jasmine Schnarr has focussed her campaign on a single issue – the unsheltered in Owen Sound – using her own and her friends' experience of homelessness to highlight the urgent issue in the city.

As a voter, you will decide who will best represent us. They're applying for a job – and you are the one doing the hiring.

We encourage you to contact the candidates if you have any further questions. View their statements and all candidates meetings.