Council Conversations

Cathy Burghardt-Jesson has been Mayor of Lucan Biddulph since 2014. She was first elected to local council in 2010. In her role as Mayor, she also sits on Middlesex County Council and has served as Warden of the County for three (3) terms (2020, 2021 & 2023). Cathy sits on a number of municipal committees both in Lucan and Middlesex. She is a Board member for the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service and also sits as a Board Member for the Ontario Good Roads Association. While Cathy is incredibly proud of the what she has been able to achieve and be involved with as a municipal leader, a couple of highlights for her is the successful Kraft Hockeyville campaign she chaired in Lucan in 2018. She is currently involved with Middlesex County and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in a project working with municipalities in Cambodia to champion and encourage women in leadership there. Personally, Cathy and her husband Kirk are retired small business owners. They are parents to four (4) adult men. Cathy enjoys yoga, swimming, crafting cooking and baking during her down time.You can follow/support Council Conversations on the following platforms.The podcast is now hosted on https://gingerpolitics.com/category/council-conversations/Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/councilconversationsLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Neil was first elected to Council in the 2018 Election, and was re-elected in the 2022 Election, representing the Listowel Ward of North Perth. Neil comes from a family with a long history of public service, his Great-Grandfather, Grandfather, and Father all served as Reeve of the Former Township of Greenock, and Neil is proud to follow in their footsteps.Neil lives in Listowel with his wife Amelia and their sons Everett, Duncan, and their daughter Meredith. Neil attended, and graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2010 and completed his post graduate studies at Conestoga College in 2011. In terms of community involvement, Neil is an active member at his church, and has been an active volunteer with Listowel Minor Hockey, Listowel Minor Baseball, and Listowel Minor Soccer. With his kids starting to play sports, in his spare time, Neil can probably be found on an ice rink, baseball diamond, or soccer field coaching their teams.Neil is passionate about ensuring that all residents have access to great services, and that their tax dollars are spent wisely, effectively and with them in mind. Finally, Neil decided to run for Council to give back to our community, and strives to make North Perth a great place to Live, Work, and Play. You can follow/support Council Conversations on the following platforms.The podcast is now hosted on https://gingerpolitics.com/category/council-conversations/Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/councilconversationsLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Chris Parker was born and raised in Tillsonburg, Chris is a second-term councillor for the Town of Tillsonburg. Chris attended Glendale High School in Tillsonburg and then attended Durham College where he got his diploma in Law and Security Administration. Chris is the alternate for Tillsonburg Town Council at Oxford County Council. He also serves on and chairs several boards and committees for the Town of Tillsonburg. He is: Chair of Recreation and Sports Advisory Committee Chair of the Affordable and Attainable Housing Committee Member of the Youth Engagement Committee Member of the Airport Advisory Committee Board Member of the Tillsonburg Non-Profit Housing CorporationWhen Chris is not serving the public, he is involved in recreation in the community, where he serves as President of the Tillsonburg Men’s Slo-Pitch League and Referee in Chief for the Tillsonburg Minor Hockey and South Oxford Minor Hockey associations. In his free time, Parker and his wife Rebecca enjoy road-tripping with their dog Teddy. You can follow/support Council Conversations on the following platforms.The podcast is now hosted on https://gingerpolitics.com/category/council-conversations/Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/councilconversationsLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Steve Salmons is President and CEO of Port Windsor (since 2018), Ontario’s third largest port. He has held several previous leadership roles including General Manager for the City of Windsor, Director of Community Services and Development at Lakeshore, and CEO of the Windsor Public Library. For several years, Steve was a senior advisor to several Cabinet Ministers in Ontario, including the Minister of Finance. He began his professional career as Manager of Branch Services and Operations for the Royal Bank of Canada. Steve is a lifelong resident of Windsor, graduating from the University of Windsor with undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Business (Labour Relations), and an MBA in Strategic Studies from the Odette School of Business, University of Windsor. Steve is also a graduate of the Policy Governance Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. Professionally, Steve serves on several Boards: Association of Canadian Ports Authorities (ACPA), Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC), and the Ontario Marine Council (OMC).You can follow/support Council Conversations on the following platforms.The podcast is now hosted on https://gingerpolitics.com/category/council-conversations/Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/councilconversationsLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Crystal Meloche is the proud first female Mayor of LaSalle, currently serving in her first term. With a passion for her community, she has dedicated over a decade of service to the Town of LaSalle. Crystal first ran for municipal office in 2010, securing a seat on the town council and serving two terms before being acclaimed as Deputy Mayor in 2018. Her leadership and commitment to her town led to her election as Mayor, where she continues to drive positive change and progress for LaSalle. Outside of her role as Mayor, Crystal has been a licensed realtor with Deerbrook Realty since 2005, helping clients find their dream homes while maintaining a strong connection to the LaSalle community. Her experience in real estate has been an asset in understanding the local economy and infrastructure, giving her a unique perspective as she serves the people of LaSalle. Crystal is a proud wife to her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and together they have two daughters, Alexis and Presley. As a family-oriented individual, Crystal understands the importance of building a strong, vibrant community where all families can thrive.A dedicated public servant, businesswoman, and mother, Crystal’s passion for LaSalle and her commitment to its future continues to inspire those around her.You can follow/support Council Conversations on the following platforms.The podcast is now hosted on https://gingerpolitics.com/category/council-conversations/Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/councilconversationsLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

A determined problem-solver, Andrew Dowie is driven to deliver tangible results for Windsor and Tecumseh. Andrew was elected as Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor—Tecumseh on June 2, 2022, and serves with the Progressive Conservative government caucus. He was appointed as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on March 28, 2024, and was previously the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Prior to his election, he was the Senior Engineer and Drainage Superintendent for the City of Windsor and was elected to represent the residents of Ward 1 on Tecumseh Town Council in the 2014 and 2018 elections. He also spent 12 years serving with the Essex County Library Board and 8 years serving with the Town of Tecumseh’s Committee of Adjustment.In 2018, Andrew was named to the Order of Honour of Professional Engineers Ontario and as a Fellow of Engineers Canada. He was also named in 2018 among the 40 Leaders Under 40 by Leadership Windsor-Essex, and in 2022 was awarded the Bar to the Medal of Merit from Scouts Canada in recognition of his continuing service as Group Commissioner for the 35th Tecumseh Scout Group.Andrew’s passion for life includes spending time with his wife Mary, and their adventures include healthy doses of canoe tripping, hiking, and kayaking throughout Ontario from Hillman Marsh to Quetico and at many points between.You can follow/support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/Councilconvo or http://twitter.com/frazier_fathersThe podcast is now hosted on https://gingerpolitics.com/category/council-conversations/Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/councilconversationsLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Fred was raised in South Windsor where he attended Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School and Holy Names Catholic High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (combined honours History/Political Science) from Western University in 2003 and studied at the University of Windsor, earning both a Master of Arts degree (History) in 2006 and a Bachelor of Education degree in 2009.Prior to being elected to Windsor City Council in 2014, Fred worked in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. He has extensive management experience having been the Director of Business Development for the region’s largest automotive retailer group and currently serving as the Executive Director of the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County.Fred and his wife Carolyn reside in Ward 1 in the City of Windsor. He is a three-term City Councillor, re-elected in 2018 and 2022 on a platform that placed taxpayers first, while working to build stronger neighbourhoods. As a councillor, Fred has been a strong proponent of fiscal responsibility at City Hall. He has also focused on job creation in the region; holding the line on property taxes; continuing to decrease the City’s debt, increasing its financial reserves; and investing in our roads, sewers and parks infrastructure. Fred believes in a strong and vibrant City of Windsor with a quality of life that is second to none.You can follow/support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/Councilconvo or http://twitter.com/frazier_fathersThe podcast is now hosted on https://gingerpolitics.com/category/council-conversations/Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/councilconversationsLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Morgaine is a first term Central Elgin councillor in the ward her family has called home for eight generations. She lives in Sparta with her children - Elliot, Robin, and Sage.As a member of council, Morgaine serves on the boards for Catfish Creek Conservation Authority and Central Elgin's Not for Profit Housing board. She is also a director on the board of Nokee Kwe, an indigenous-led employment and education centre in nearby London.You can follow/support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/Councilconvo or http://twitter.com/frazier_fathersThe podcast is now hosted on https://gingerpolitics.com/category/council-conversations/Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/councilconversationsLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Alysson Storey is a first-term municipal Councillor for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, representing Ward 6 Chatham. In addition to her Council role, she is a senior communications and planning professional with over two decades working in the public, private and non-profit sectors both across Canada and Europe. In 2017, Alysson turned personal tragedy into advocacy, successfully securing a $1Billion life-saving infrastructure project to build a concrete median barrier on Highway 401 between London and Tilbury, Ontario. Through this experience she realized the power of using your voice to make positive change, and she wants to help other women do the same through seeking elected office.You can follow/support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/Councilconvo or http://twitter.com/frazier_fathersThe podcast is now hosted on https://gingerpolitics.com/category/council-conversations/Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/councilconversationsLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

The Friends of Ojibway Prairie is a registered charity and volunteer organization dedicated to promoting public awareness of the Ojibway Prairie Complex and its unique biological, cultural and historical importance. The Friends work closely with the City of Windsor and Ontario Parks to provide assistance with educational programs, special events and restoration projects.For more information: www.friendsofojibwayprairie.com; friendsofojibway@gmail.comYou can follow/support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/Councilconvo or http://twitter.com/frazier_fathersThe podcast is now hosted on https://gingerpolitics.com/category/council-conversations/Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/councilconversationsLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Quick update on Council Conversations and 2024You can follow/support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/Councilconvo or http://twitter.com/frazier_fathersThe podcast is now hosted on https://gingerpolitics.com/category/council-conversations/Support on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/councilconversationsLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Margaret is a passionate community builder, business developer, volunteer and mom. Prior to election, Margaret served as the Kitchener Trustee on the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) where she supported Kitchener students, parents and staff. She worked with fellow trustees and staff to manage a budget of over $638 million and serve the WRDSB's 63,000 students and 5,000 staff.As a Business Developer at the University of Waterloo, Margaret helps businesses find the talent they need to succeed by creating meaningful jobs for coop students and develop new business partnerships.Margaret has a long history of serving her community as a member of both the City of Kitchener Economic Development Advisory Council and the City’s Property Standards Committee. She also served on the Service Review Panel for Co-operators of Canada and the Victoria Hills Neighbourhood Association. In addition, Margaret is an Elder at Knox Presbyterian Church. She has served as Chair and Board Member of Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care Centre, Co–Chaired the St Jacob’s Family Birthing Home Board and served as chair on three school Parent Councils.She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Post–Graduate Degree in Adult Education from Brock University. Margaret raised her daughters Allie and Sydney in Ward 8. She lives in Ward 8's Westmount neighbourhood with her golden retriever, Angus.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Peggy Brekveld is the president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. She and her husband Gert have been farming together for over 28 years. They own Woodstar Farm, a 75-cow dairy farm in Murillo, near Thunder Bay and have five grown children.Peggy is also the chair of President's Council, Vice Chair of Canlead Solutions, Vice Chair of Canadian Agriculture Human Resources Council and Vice Chair of Agricultural Adaptation Council. She is a Class 12 AALP grad and a proud advocate for farming and agriculture wherever she goes. When given the opportunity Peggy capitalizes on her love for walking and singing a good tune.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license