Frequently
Asked Questions
Straight Answers on the Issues That Matter to Sarnia
Residents deserve clear answers about where I stand, how I make decisions, and the kind of leadership I will bring to City Hall. This page will continue to be updated as new questions are raised throughout the campaign.
HOW I MAKE DECISIONS
Start with a clear definition of the problem, not a predetermined answer. From there, I’ll expect Council and staff to:
- Gather reliable information.
- Consult the people affected.
- Identify all reasonable options.
- Compare costs, benefits, risks, and long-term consequences.
- Present a clear, transparent business case.
- Set measurable expectations.
- Report publicly on progress and results.
- Most importantly, do all of the above in a timely fashion.
Major decisions should begin with a clear understanding of the problem and end with the solution that delivers the strongest long-term outcome for the community.
PRIORITIES & PLAN
Responsible spending, economic growth, housing, and quality of life. That means keeping taxes in check while protecting core services, growing good local jobs, moving the needle on housing at every level, and making Sarnia a place people are proud to live, work, and stay.
The theme that ties it together: keep what works, and build what’s next.
For the first 100 days, we lay a foundation we can build on.
Taxpayers deserve value, transparency, and follow-through on every major investment.
A strong local economy funds everything else we care about.
These aren’t competing goals. Good leadership delivers both.
Safety and compassion go together, a healthy downtown needs both.
ABOUT CARRIE
Sarnia has tremendous strengths that we should continue building on, but we also face real challenges that require thoughtful leadership, responsible financial management, and a renewed focus on economic growth, housing, accountability, and quality of life.
Everything I’ve done in my career has prepared me for this. I’m running to keep what works and build what’s next.
My approach will focus on getting things done.
Leadership is listening, making thoughtful decisions, building consensus, and following through. That’s what I’ll bring to City Hall.
My approach is simple: listen first, build partnerships, and follow through.
What matters isn’t the title you held before, it’s the judgment, experience, and record you bring to the job.
I don't expect people to support me simply because they know me. I hope they support me because they've worked with me.
Throughout my career, I've built relationships by listening, keeping my commitments, treating people with respect, and following through. If people I've worked alongside are speaking positively about me today, I believe it's because they've experienced that leadership firsthand.
RESIDENCY & ELIGIBILITY
I’ve worked in Sarnia for 29 years and give back to this community through my work, volunteer service and community involvement every day. I’m proud to live here and fully committed to Sarnia’s future.
WHY CARRIE
Because Sarnia’s next chapter needs a builder, not a battle. I believe in relationship building across all three levels of government, to grow our economy and strengthen our community. I believe in steady, accountable leadership focused on results, not noise.
POLICE HEADQUARTERS
I do not support beginning with the most expensive option and working backward.
Real deficiencies have been identified in the current building, and investment will be required. The question isn’t whether to invest, it’s which solution best meets operational needs at the best long-term value for taxpayers.
We have an obligation to determine whether the existing facility can be renovated, modernized, or expanded to meet those needs. If it cannot, every practical alternative should be carefully evaluated before concluding that a new $91-million-plus headquarters is the best solution.
A decision this large should rest on:
- a clear business case
- transparent, public analysis
- a genuine evaluation of all options
- reliable capital and long-term operating cost estimates
- confidence it delivers the greatest value to both the police service and taxpayers
Significant deficiencies have been identified, and maintaining the status quo indefinitely is not a responsible option. Investment will be required.
My concern is that recognizing the need for investment should not automatically commit taxpayers to one particular project, design, location, or price.
The City should determine what the police service requires over the long term and then assess the most responsible way to meet those needs.
SUPPORTIVE & AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Every proposal should be evaluated on its own merits, with meaningful public consultation and careful consideration of the surrounding neighbourhood.
The letter being circulated was written on behalf of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce and expressed support for supportive housing as a concept. It did not endorse the George Street location or state that every development proposed by Indwell should be approved.
The letter recognized that supportive housing can help address homelessness, mental-health challenges, addiction, pressure on emergency services, and the impact these issues have on local businesses and the wider community.
It also specifically acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and called for open communication, transparency, education, and continued community engagement.
Supporting supportive housing does not mean supporting every proposed location. Those are separate decisions.
I support the work Indwell does to provide supportive housing for people who need it.
Supporting Indwell does not mean automatically supporting every proposed project or location. Each proposal should be evaluated on its own merits, including:
- the proposed location
- the type and scale of housing
- the needs of the intended residents
- available on-site supports
- safety and property-management plans
- compatibility with the surrounding area
- infrastructure and transportation
- community consultation
- the long-term effect on residents and the neighbourhood
I believe we can support organizations doing important work while still asking the right questions about individual projects. The decision on any specific proposal should be based on the full proposal and what is right for the community.
LEADERSHIP & COUNCIL
Every candidate will decide how they want to conduct their campaign.
I have chosen to focus on ideas, listening to residents, treating people with respect, and explaining how I would approach the decisions facing our city. That is who I am, and it is how I have always led.
Residents will decide what style of leadership they want at City Hall.
No. I have not been involved in discussions to create a coalition or slate of candidates.
My focus is on earning the trust and support of Sarnia residents.
I will work with whoever voters choose to sit around the Council table. A mayor must be able to work respectfully and professionally with every member of Council, including people who may have different perspectives.
Ideas should be judged on their merits, with the best interests of Sarnia at the centre of every decision.
Good decisions come from good process, not from going it alone.
CAMPAIGN CONDUCT
Because residents deserve answers to real questions, not a campaign driven by social-media noise.
Where a factual clarification is needed, I’ll provide it, clearly and directly. But I won’t let personal attacks or political noise pull me away from what this election is actually about: Sarnia’s future.
Supporters who believe in this vision for Sarnia, and my campaign follows every rule. Municipal campaigns in Ontario operate under strict contribution and disclosure rules in the Municipal Elections Act, and mine complies fully.
Financial statements are filed and public, as required. I’m grateful to everyone helping make this campaign possible.
Have a question that is not answered here?
Submit it through the campaign contact page. Questions we hear often will be added to this page.
This page will be updated throughout the campaign as residents raise new questions and additional information becomes available.