Point Edward has always been home

I’m proud to call Point Edward home.

My connection to this community goes back well beyond my time on Council — and even before Leslie and I built our own home here. Point Edward has been part of our family’s story for generations.

I grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends who called Point Edward home and raised their families here. Their homes were places where our extended family gathered, visited and celebrated. Point Edward was where we came together for birthdays, holidays, summer gatherings and special occasions, and where we also supported one another through life's more difficult moments. Through celebrations, gatherings and times of loss, Point Edward became woven into our family's story and created the memories that continue to connect us to this community.

My wife, Leslie Cater, has an equally deep connection to our Village.  Point Edward was home to her family from the beginning — from being christened at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, to growing up surrounded by friends and spending time skating at the Point Edward Arena. Her brother, Gary Cater, has deep roots in Point Edward and has spent most of his life in the community. A strong local athlete, Gary participated in community sports and was part of the local sports tradition that brought families together for generations. The Cater family property on Alexandra Avenue was a place where family and friends gathered for countless celebrations, meals, conversations and memories.

It is especially meaningful that Leslie and I are now fortunate to live on her family’s property and create a new chapter in our own home. Our children, Eric and Lindsay, also grew up enjoying visits to their grandparents in Sarnia and Point Edward — and especially loved that Nana and Pappa had a playground right beside their house. Today, Eric works in municipal by-law enforcement and Lindsay works with a non-medical addiction treatment organization. We are proud of the people they have become and the paths they have chosen to serve others.

Our family story in Point Edward continues to grow. We are now creating new memories with family and friends in the same community that has provided us with so many special memories over the years.

Point Edward isn't simply where I live. It is where my family has lived, raised families, gathered, celebrated and built memories for generations. It is home.

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A career built on leadership

Before entering municipal politics, I spent decades with Rogers Communications, retiring as a Director of Operations responsible for television broadcasting facilities and operations across Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

My career provided me with extensive experience leading people, managing budgets and resources, delivering major projects, solving problems and working in complex and changing environments. It also taught me the importance of building strong teams, communicating clearly and holding myself and others accountable.

While my professional career is behind me, the lessons and relationships I gained from it continue to shape how I approach leadership today.

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Community has always mattered to me

My commitment to Point Edward extends beyond the Council table.

I have volunteered in a number of community and public-service roles, including with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, where I progressed from volunteer crew member to Unit Leader and now serve as Director for District 3. During hockey season, I also enjoy volunteering as a trainer with Point Edward Minor Athletic Association’s U18 team.

I am also proud of my recent volunteer support for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62’s Catch the Ace fundraising initiative and the Special Olympics Polar Plunge.

Over the years, I have also volunteered with organizations including Victim Services, Auxiliary Police, the Canadian Red Cross, United Way, Crime Stoppers and the Point Edward Ex-Servicesmen's Association.

For me, volunteering is about giving back, being part of something bigger than yourself and helping make your community stronger.

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Why Point Edward?​

There is something special about Point Edward.

It is small enough that you know your neighbours, but ambitious enough to accomplish things that much larger communities might struggle to do. We have a remarkable waterfront, a unique location, a strong sense of community and a proud history of doing things our own way.

I am proud of Point Edward's history, but I am equally interested in its future.

I want our children and grandchildren to look back on this community with the same sense of connection that I have — to know that this is a place where families can build a life, businesses can succeed, visitors want to return and people are proud to call home.

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That is why I’m running for Mayor.

I’m not just asking residents to choose someone to lead the Village. I’m asking them to choose someone who has a personal stake in its future — because Point Edward is home.​