Experience built in two sectors
Stephen began his career in the skilled trades, working as a millwright apprentice and then an elevator mechanic. After a career change, he moved into the employee benefits and retirement sector, where he now works as an analyst.
In his current role, Stephen works with large amounts of data and financial information to help evaluate employee benefit programs. His work includes analyzing how benefits are being used and helping identify options that balance employee needs with responsible financial decision-making. Combined with his years in the skilled trades, this experience has given Stephen both a practical and analytical approach to solving problems.
Choosing Ajax as home
Stephen has spent his entire life in Durham Region. When he and his partner decided where they wanted to put down permanent roots, they chose Ajax and bought their home here.
Family is an important part of Stephen's life. He is a proud uncle to two nieces and two nephews and has experience helping care for members of his family. Those experiences have given him a personal appreciation for the importance of strong community services, particularly as residents and their families grow older.
Stephen is also a lifelong animal lover. He has rescued two dogs and previously volunteered as a dog foster with a humane society.
Community, recreation and connection
Stephen believes strong communities are about more than roads and buildings. They are also about giving people opportunities to participate, connect and be heard.
Stephen helped organize the community effort to preserve Hartrick House. Although the house was ultimately demolished, the experience strengthened his commitment to meaningful public consultation and greater transparency in municipal decision-making.
Outside of work and community advocacy, Stephen stays active at the gym and is part of Durham's F-body car community.
Growing up, sports and music were also major parts of his life. He played competitive soccer and performed in many bands, and his passion for music took him across the country to perform.
Those experiences shaped Stephen's belief that recreation and community programming should provide opportunities for people at every stage of life. Whether through sports, music, the arts, community groups or recreation, having places to participate and connect can help build stronger communities and reduce social isolation.
Why Stephen is running
Stephen has followed politics for much of his life and has voted in every election since becoming eligible at 18. To him, voting has never simply been a responsibility. It is an opportunity for every resident to have a voice in the decisions that affect their community.
Stephen is running for Regional Councillor, Ward 1 because he believes residents deserve representatives who listen, do their homework, ask difficult questions and explain their decisions openly.
Ajax is where Stephen chose to build his future. He would be honoured to represent Ward 1 and work with residents to build an even stronger future for the community he now calls home.