Beena Ashar
Former business owner, works in investments and real estate
Age: 45
No. 1 issue:
Accountability and community safety.
Political experience: “I have been campaign manager for a number of people in Ontario and Fort McMurray.”
Why run?
“Because I want to be the voice for the community. I’ve been doing a lot of charity work for the last three years in this ward and I know the issues that the ward faces. I want to give back to the community because I’ve taken from the city for a long time; it’s my turn.”
Jay Bal
Self-employed small-business owner
Age: 31
No 1. issue:
Crime prevention and reduction.
Political experience: None.
Why run?
“I’ve decided to run more or less out of community service, rather than being a politician. I want to give back to the community. As a small-business owner, I’ve always operated my business out of the northeast and these communities, especially in Ward 5, are where all my clients are and they’ve helped me lots over the last 10 years. When I first came to Canada, this is the ward I lived in for 10 years … I have a lot of attachment to Ward 5.”
Robert Guizzo
Owner/operator, mortgage brokering company
Age: 45
No. 1 issue:
Accountability of city hall regarding spending, budgets and information.
Political experience:
None.
Why run?
“Client comments regarding having to deal with city hall for developments began a long list of questions until I had too many questions with no answers.”
Ray Jones
Alderman, Ward 5
Age: 57
No. 1 issue:
Airport tunnel.
Political experience:
17 years as alderman.
Why run?
“I have been involved in the communities for over 30 years and care about where I live and don’t feel my work is done yet.”
