In the lead up to filing my papers to run for council, and in the time since, I have met with various individuals who are very familiar with the current council and administration. I was saddened, but not surprised, to hear what almost each of these individuals mentioned: The majority of council do not trust nor support Alan Halberstadt.

Two recent issues that Mr. Halberstadt has brought forward lean towards proving this. While not terrible in and of themselves, the motion to introduce a Deputy Mayor position and a motion to remove the mayor’s “mute” button were both voted against 9-1.

I have voted for Halberstadt in past elections. He worked hard for his constituents. However, over the years he has become known more for his dissenting voice on council than anything else. It is OK to be the maverick, but at some point, to the detriment of the ward and the city, people stop listening. What he has failed to realize is that the votes against his motions had nothing to do with the deputy mayor position or with the mute button. They have everything to do with Mr. Halberstadt. He has relegated himself, and in the process our ward, with his “always against” nature and his grandstanding.

Even after putting forward the motion to remove the mute button and calling it “invasive and offensive”, Halberstadt went on to use it against Councillor Ron Jones the first opportunity he had filling in the mayor’s seat during an absence of Mayor Francis.

My stance during this campaign is that it’s about building a better community for all of us. Engaging residents and community partners and working together towards the common goal of bettering our city.

It is OK for individuals not to agree on everything. It’s human. However, by alienating himself from his colleagues, he has selfishly eliminated any chance of working together for a greater good: Windsor.

Alan Halberstadt cannot represent you, your concerns or your neighbourhood if he is unable to convince his peers to get behind what is important to you. Please remember this when you step up to the ballot box on October 25.