TimminsToday asked each of the candidates to submit a bio to introduce themselves to the voters. Here's Ward 3 (Schumacher) candidate Joe Campbell's:
I was born, and raised, in Schumacher. After marriage, wife Barbara, and I, continued to make Schumacher our home to this day. We are blessed with two great sons, Brad and Brent, two supportive daughters-in-law and four wonderful grandkids along with other caring family members and friends.
I am just completing my first term on city council. I believe that experience, along with my 43-year career in accounting, including capital projects, makes me the best candidate to continue to represent the taxpayers of Ward 3. The City of Timmins is a business and must be run as a business for the benefit of all, not just a select few special interest groups.
Since election to council, I have been fortunate to be appointed, and serve, on the Golden Manor board, Timmins Economic Development Committee, audit committee, municipal housing committee, Cochrane District Social Services Board and Municipal Accessibility Advisory Council. I am extremely passionate about persons with disabilities and working towards making their lives better. Early in the mandate, I fought for, and was successful, in expanding Handi-Transit service to cover most of the city. In addition, I am co-chair, along with former mayor Tom Laughren, of a committee that is currently looking at ways to rejuvenate Schumacher.
During my term, I have not deviated from my commitment to speak up for our taxpayers. I have never strayed from being fiscally responsible to our residents and be your voice.
Council needs to get back on track and focus on the things that matter, roads, affordable housing, lower taxes, safe streets and neighbourhoods and a host of other essential services important to residents.
Our future depends on attracting businesses to diversify, and sustain our economy and broaden our tax base. A strong commitment to fiscal responsibility needs to be part of the equation to be successful in this goal. A non-essential new project should not go ahead without a proper business plan assessing affordability, need and risk. Identify the risk, assess the risk and see what can be done to mitigate the risk. These are the basic requirements.
Growing up in Schumacher as a child, my role models were the men, and women, who gave of their time to organize, and supervise, activities for the children in Schumacher.
I was inspired to follow in their footsteps and to begin a 50-year history of personal volunteering to make Schumacher a better place. Space does not allow me to list all of the commitments I have made to community. However, I am particularly proud of my association with Camp Bickell children’s camp. In 1998, I spearheaded a $2.3 million fundraising campaign to save the camp from closure. In addition, beginning in 1994, I personally have raised over $500,000, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, service clubs and individuals, to send 2,100 kids to camp free of charge.
I don't have to promise to serve and be dedicated to community — I have already done it for 50 years and will continue.
The other Ward 3 candidates are:
Donna Dorrington and Carter Lucyk
Meet the mayoral candidates here.
