For Chris, this isn't just a place to live. It's home.

It's where he grew up. It's where he built his businesses. It's where he and his family have put down roots. And it's where his children, Nicolas and Olivia, are growing up.

Like parents across Niagara Falls, Chris wants his children to grow up in a community that is safe, affordable, welcoming and full of opportunity.

He wants a Niagara Falls where families can afford to stay, where businesses can grow, where seniors can feel connected and where young people can see a future for themselves right here at home.

Chris doesn't pretend that every problem has an easy answer.

But he believes that if we listen to one another, make responsible decisions, respect taxpayers and focus on practical solutions, we can continue making Niagara Falls an even better place to live.

Chris was born here.
He was raised here.
He built his businesses here.
He's raising his family here.

And he isn't finished working for the community he loves.
ddd

Chris has served on numerous municipal boards and committees, including the Niagara Falls Accessibility Advisory Committee, Recreation Committee, Seniors Advisory Committee and Linking Niagara Transit Commission.

He previously served on the City's Parks and Recreation Committee and contributed to initiatives and organizations including KO for Kids, BoxRun and the Welland Canals Foundation.

After two terms on Niagara Falls City Council, Chris understands how municipal government works, and, just as importantly, how it sometimes doesn't.

He isn't afraid to ask difficult questions. He believes residents deserve straightforward answers. And he believes Council has an obligation to make decisions based on what is best for Niagara Falls, not what is easiest or most politically convenient.

Chris works with Council colleagues, City staff, residents, community organizations, businesses and other levels of government because he believes that getting things done is more important than getting credit for it.

Chris is a businessman who understands that money doesn't grow on trees.

He is the co-founder and president of Niagara Falls Comic Con, Hamilton Comic Con and Frightmare in the Falls, as well as the owner of Icon Autographs, a Niagara Falls retail store specializing in autographs and memorabilia.

Over the years, Chris's businesses and events have brought tens of thousands of visitors to Niagara Falls. Those visitors stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores and experience everything our community has to offer.

His businesses have also created jobs, supported local organizations and helped generate economic activity throughout Niagara Falls.

Running a business has taught Chris some important lessons: budgets matter, decisions have consequences, partnerships matter and you have to be willing to roll up your sleeves and get things done.

He believes those same principles belong at City Hall.

That's business sense. And that's common sense.

Chris's commitment to Niagara Falls didn't begin when he was elected to Council.

Long before entering municipal politics, he was volunteering, supporting local organizations and finding ways to give back to the community he calls home.

Over the years, Chris has worked with and supported organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Falls View Hose Brigade, Community Clean Sweep, Gillian's Place, Project SHARE, Community Kitchen and the Niagara Falls Soccer Club.

He has also worked with and supported Business Improvement Areas throughout Niagara Falls and has helped raise more than $100,000 for local organizations and initiatives benefiting residents, families and children.

For Chris, community involvement isn't about a title.
It's about showing up.

Chris believes that being a Councillor isn't simply about attending meetings and voting.

It's about finding ways to make a difference.

During his time serving Niagara Falls, Chris has helped bring forward a number of initiatives, including:
 

• Initiating the "Slow Down" traffic-safety sign campaign to help protect children and neighbourhoods.

• ​Co-creating the Niagara Falls Seniors Advisory Committee.

• ​Co-creating Seniors News & Views, which regularly airs on YourTV.

• Creating the Spooky Awards and helping re-establish the Sparkle Lighting Awards, recognizing community pride and participation.

• Initiating the Residents With Pets decal program, helping emergency responders identify homes where pets may need assistance.

• Co-creating the annual Garage Sale at the Gale Centre in support of youth sports.

• Creating the Niagara Falls Memorial Arena relic card, which raised thousands of dollars for the City's Activity Subsidy Fund.

These may not be the biggest or most headline-grabbing initiatives.
But Chris believes that small things can make a big difference in people's everyday lives.

And that's what municipal government should be about.