Closing Messages from Candidates

A Pickering Built With You

I’ve called Pickering home for 25 years. Like many of you, I miss the Pickering where traffic moved at a human pace, neighbours knew each other, and growth came with the roads, parks and services to support it.

That’s why I’m running for Mayor.

I’m running a grassroots campaign funded by residents, with no developer money. That matters, because the decisions ahead are big ones. The City’s debt is projected to rise from about $38 million to over $300 million. We’re $32.8 million a year short on fixing roads and bridges. And this year’s tax increase was held down using one-time reserve money that won’t be there next year.

I believe we can do better, and I’ve laid out how:

Roads and transit first. Fix the roads we already have, push the Region for more frequent, reliable DRT service, and tie new growth to the infrastructure needed to support it, approved in the open.
Honest budgets. Show residents the true tax increase. No one-time money for permanent costs. An independent cost review of major projects before we sign.
Respect for your money, starting at City Hall. Council’s own expenses reviewed first, before residents are asked to pay more.
Support for small business and local jobs.
Neighbourhoods and environment. Parks, recreation and green space that keep pace with our growth.

I’ve spent my life building businesses, coaching leaders and standing up for workers. I know how to listen, do the homework and deliver.

My promise is simple: Infrastructure built with you. Not around you.

Please vote by Monday, October 26. Online voting is open now. I’d be honoured to have your support.

Doug Cornell
Candidate for Mayor, City of Pickering
dougcornellformayor.ca

Hello Pickering,

I’m Shaun Rickard, running for Mayor. Thank you to everyone who reached out, asked tough questions and shared their concerns with me during this campaign.

If elected, my top three priorities are:
a) A 0% freeze on the City’s portion of your property tax, and a forensic audit of City spending
b) Protecting Frenchman’s Bay, our waterfront and green spaces
c) Responsible, ethical development, where growth pays for growth and infrastructure comes first

I’m asking for your vote by Monday, October 26. Thank you for taking part in this election. You can review my full, comprehensive platform here: https://shaunrickardformayor.ca/platform

Shaun Rickard
www.ShaunRickardForMayor.ca

My name is Mohammad Zubahir, and I’m running for Pickering City Councillor in Ward 1.

In these final days of the campaign, I want to sincerely thank everyone who welcomed me at their door, took the time to speak with me, and shared their concerns, ideas, and hopes for our community. Your voices matter, and I am grateful for every conversation.

If elected, my top three priorities are:

a) Keeping Property Taxes Affordable: Respecting your hard-earned money and ensuring fair, responsible spending.
b) Creating More Job Opportunities and Affordable Housing: Supporting local businesses, helping young people succeed, and making housing more attainable for families and seniors.
c) Safer Neighbourhoods and Better Roads: Improving community safety, addressing traffic congestion, and making our neighbourhoods better places to live.

I am committed to listening to residents, promoting open and accountable government, and working toward a stronger Pickering for everyone.

I respectfully ask for your support and your vote on Monday, October 26.

Thank you for welcoming me, sharing your concerns, and participating in our local democracy. It would be an honour to serve you as your Ward 1 City Councillor.

Mohammad Zubahir
Pickering Ward 1 City Councillor Candidate

Hi Pickering!

I’m Jamie Nye, running for Ward 1 Councillor in Pickering.

The campaign has been a wonderful experience meeting so many of my neighbours and constituents. I could not have asked for more kindness and grace from residents at the door.

My top priorities:
a) Improve our parks and recreation, and find ways to get our young people involved and engaged with our community.
b) Tackle the taxation problems we have, being fiscally prudent in these uncertain times.
c) Be a councillor who is accessible, accountable, and offers an open door to residents.
d) Find ways to reduce and responsibly manage the impending growth to keep our city the best in the GTA.
e) Road safety.

My long-term goals are to build city daycare and protect our green spaces.

Thank you to the wonderful people of Pickering. This campaign has been a privilege.

Sincerely,
Jamie Nye

Hello Pickering,

It’s been an honour meeting so many of you at the doors and in the community. I want to thank everyone who welcomed me at the door and shared their concerns.

If elected City Councillor Ward 1 my top three priorities are:
a) Diversify our tax base
b) Sound Financial Management
c) Community Safety

If you believe that a Finance Executive with the qualifications I have will serve you well then I’d appreciate your support on Monday October 26. Thank you for taking part in this election.

Michael Samlalsingh MBA, CPA
www.michael4pickering.ca
Michael on YouTube

More about me: I am a Pickering resident of 39 years, a Pickering High School graduate, and a finance executive with more than 25 years of experience in banking and financial services. As a CPA and MBA, I led financial planning and management for technology and operations, including overseeing budgets exceeding $500 million. I am committed to bringing financial accountability, responsible growth, and practical, community-focused leadership to Pickering City Council in Ward 1.

Hello Pickering,

I’m Stacey Lepine-Fisher, running for Ward 2 City Councillor. Thank you for welcoming me to your doorsteps, sharing heartfelt conversations in our community, and trusting me with the concerns and hopes you want carried forward to City Hall. Your encouragement has meant so much to me.

I began my career with the City of Scarborough and earned progressively greater leadership responsibilities, serving as a YMCA General Manager, DDSB Senior Manager, and founder and Executive Director of the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation.

Alongside decades of professional leadership and volunteer service, my governance experience includes serving as President of a provincial regulatory body and Vice President of Durham Children’s Aid Society. I’ve served on executive, discipline, complaints, finance and audit committees, and contributed at Ministry of Education and provincial and regional planning tables.

I bring 12 years of monthly labour-management discussions and four rounds of bargaining. I know how to weigh evidence, scrutinize budgets, ask tough questions and work through differences.

My priorities are:
a) Responsible growth, with infrastructure and services that keep pace.
b) Fiscal responsibility and respect for your tax dollars.
c) Safe, connected neighbourhoods and accessible community services.

Throughout my career, I have challenged inequities and advocated for people whose voices too often go unheard. I will bring that same conviction to City Hall, with independent judgment, preparation, integrity and heart, and remain accountable to you.

On Monday, October 26, I’m asking for your vote and the privilege of carrying your voices forward.

Stacey Lepine-Fisher
Website: staceylepinefisher.ca
LinkedIn: Stacey on LinkedIn

My name is John Meloche. I’m a husband, a father, a business owner, and a proud Pickering resident since 2010.

For 17 years, I’ve built and led a successful business. I understand budgets, accountability, technology, leadership, and what it takes to make difficult decisions.

I’m not running because I need a job. I’m running because I genuinely care about the future of our city, our families, and the opportunities we’re leaving for our children.

My priorities are clear:

Fiscal Responsibility — Respect taxpayers, challenge unnecessary spending, and demand accountability for every dollar.

Infrastructure — Maintain and rebuild our roads, parks, and community facilities before neglect becomes more expensive.

Local Jobs & Economic Growth — Attract investment, protect employment lands, and create real career opportunities.

Safer Neighbourhoods — Address crime, public safety, and the issues affecting our quality of life.

Transparency & Community Engagement — Make City Hall more accessible, accountable, and responsive to residents.

I’ve also pledged to donate my entire net base council salary during my first year to eligible local charities and non-profit organizations.

I’ve knocked on thousands of doors, listened to residents, and earned support through hard work, not political alliances.

I’m independent. I’m accountable to you. And I’m ready to get to work.

This election is about more than the next four years. It’s about the kind of Pickering our children will inherit.

On October 26, I’m asking you to vote for change. Vote for accountability. Vote John Meloche for Ward 2!

Vote online now: https://intvoting.pickering.ca/

Visit https://meloche4pickering.ca or view my campaign video.

Let’s build a better Pickering. Together.

John Meloche

Hello Pickering Voters,

With the 2026 Municipal Election coming to a close, I want to thank the residents of Ward 1 and across all three Wards for your vote of confidence through my acclamation. While my campaign wound down August 21st, I recognized the importance to continue to reach out to the residents, to hear their stories and challenges which will enable me to set a road map for the next 4 years as we collectively move forward and put behind what was a challenging last term of Council.

As you read this message, we will soon learn who will be joining me on the next Council term. Be it returning colleagues or new members, I am committed to working and mentoring whomever is elected.

To everyone who had the courage to put their names forward, thank you, each one of you have made a difference and raised the bar for public expectations.

Maurice Brenner
Regional Councillor
Ward One Pickering

Final Election Message

Over the past several weeks, I have knocked on your doors, listened to your concerns, and heard your hopes for the future of our community. Thank you to every resident who took the time to speak with me and share what needs to change.

The issues you raised strongly align with my priorities and my vision for Ward 3. I encourage you to review my election platform: electazmat.ca/priorities

But this election is about more than promises. It is about choosing someone who will listen, stand up for residents, and work to deliver measurable results.

You deserve a Regional Councillor who puts residents first, protects taxpayers from unnecessary property tax increases, acts transparently, remains accountable, and treats your hard-earned tax dollars with respect. Someone who understands people’s struggles, cares about our seniors, supports affordable housing, encourages local businesses and job creation, and ensures development comes with the infrastructure our communities need.

We need better public transit, protected green spaces, stronger community safety, support for food banks and care homes, and decisions made in the public interest, free from conflicts of interest.

For 16 years, I have raised residents’ concerns and advocated for our community. I am an engineer, business owner, philanthropist, and community worker, with more than two decades of corporate leadership experience. Having served on city and regional advisory committees for the last 12 years, I understand how organizations operate, how decisions are made, and how to pursue practical solutions.

Now, I am asking for your vote to turn that experience into action. Ward 3, this election is about the future of our families, our neighbourhoods, and the next generation. Your vote is your opportunity to choose the leadership you believe our community deserves.

Online voting begins October 19. In-person voting is October 26. Please make your voice count. Don’t just hope for change — help make it happen.

Vote Azmat Mujeeb for Regional Councillor, Ward 3, Pickering. Together, let’s bring Real Change to Ward 3.

Azmat Mujeeb
Candidate for Regional Councillor, Ward 3, Pickering
electazmat.ca

Dear Pickering voters,

As this campaign comes to a close, I’m grateful to everyone who has shared their hopes, concerns, and commitment to our children’s future. Thank you for the conversations and the opportunity to earn your trust.

I hope my efforts and message have earned your vote. If elected, I will carry those conversations forward, listening to families, partnering with our school and keeping our children’s learning, well-being, and Catholic education at the heart of my work.

If you’re still undecided, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk about what matters to your family and how we can partner to build a brighter future for our children. Lasting change takes families, educators, and our Catholic community coming together. We are stronger together, and every voice matters.

A vote for Bessy is a vote for partnership and a commitment to making your voice heard.

Please make your voice heard. I would be honoured to have your vote for Bessy Stergiou, Pickering Catholic School Board Trustee.

For our children. For their future.
Listen. Partner. Lead.

Bessy Stergiou
Pickering Catholic School Board Trustee Candidate
www.bessy4trustee.ca