WIEBE, KEN

A native of Morden, Ken will bring to the Mayor’s office strong leadership experience and a clear vision for community development.  He is a 29-year veteran of the Canadian Forces, with specific leadership training and service in locales from Goose Bay, Labrador to Victoria, British Columbia as well as Germany and Egypt.

Ken attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer—the most senior non-commissioned rank of the Canadian Forces—and held two senior appointments, Group Chief Warrant Officer (GCWO) and Wing Chief Warrant Officer (WCWO). In recognition of his quality service, he was awarded the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General of Canada in 1991.

After retirement from the Canadian Forces, Ken operated a painting and renovating business with his brother and later a painting and decorating service with his wife Linda. He also managed Mud-Eeze Carwash in Morden for five years. In addition to his military service and work commitments, Ken has contributed to church and community organizations wherever he has lived.

In Morden, he has served for seven years on the Executive Committee of the Corn & Apple Festival, including Chair of the Festival, member of the Board of Directors, and Co-Chair of the Parade Committee.
Now active with Westside Community Church, Ken understands and shares the faith values of the Morden community. He has been happily married for 36 years and has two children living in Manitoba. For more information visit www.kenwiebe.ca .

WILSON, DOUGLAS

Douglas Wilson was born on May 8th, 1961 in Toronto, Ontario and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  He was the fifth of six children.  He graduated from Red River College in 1980 and then studied music at Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton, Alberta.

Doug enjoys playing the alto saxophone, snowboarding in the winter, golfing in the summer, as well as working on his historic fieldstone home in downtown Morden.

Having moved to Morden in 1999, he commuted to Winnipeg for two years while establishing roots in Morden, by working in the retail, wholesale and construction industries.

Doug is serving his first term as Mayor.  He enjoys a challenge, and looks forward to all the future challenges of a growing and vibrant Town of Morden.

"I am committed to a responsible, accountable Town government that will work in partnership with the community.  Accessibility and approachability are very important to me.  I believe that by working together we can achieve goals that benefit the whole community."

MINAKER, BRIAN

Brian Minaker lives in Morden with his wife, Ruth, and father-in-law, Bill. Brian has three grown children - Chris, Karen, and Katie - and is also a very proud grandpa of Mason and Holden, who live with their parents in Morden.

Brian recently retired as a church minister and still works part-time as a dentist (it's a long story). He also volunteers for medical missions in developing nations and teaches at Red River College in Winkler.

His passions are music, curling, gardening, fishing, and family. Pursuits include green spaces for our families; more senior and assisted living spaces; support for culture, science, tourism and varied sports activities; improved sewer and water; thriving business; ensuring Morden's success over the long term.

SALMONSON, BRUCE

Bruce Salmonson has lived in Morden since 1981. He raised his family here and plans on retiring here.

Bruce was employed in the Morden Police Department during the eighties and then became an active member on the Chamber of Commerce, where he became president of the Chamber for two years.

He then ran for Town Council and began his political ambitions for the next 6 years. During this time he represented the Town of Morden and other municipalities as a member of MAUM - Manitoba Association of Urban Municipalities. In this position he served as 2nd vice and was overseer for the finances of the organization. He also sat on committees such as; Morden Business Committee, SWAMP, PVRC, Police, Recycling/Composting. Bruce has been a business man in town, running his own driving school for 8 years.

“I believe in this town and can see a lot of potential for growth. However, I feel that along with growth has to come, open mindedness and vision (long range). I stand for honesty, reliability and fairness, ” said Bruce Salmonson.

DRIEDGER, PATRICK

What makes a person qualified for the office of council?  Is it the sum total of their years of experience?  Perhaps it is years of education?  While my experience and education are sufficient for the task, it is my personal conviction that we are all born with certain strengths and that we should strive to utilize those strengths to serve others and our community.

First and foremost I am a servant of my God and my country.  I am the proud husband and father to Cathie, Sampson and Contessa.  Daily I serve my clients and community as a financial professional.  In this my purpose is to impact the people and organizations around me with positive financial education and service.  The Driedger family has called Morden home since the early 1950’s.  While I have travelled extensively to other provinces and nations my roots run deep here.  I am a citizen of Morden and Morden is where I wanted my children to come from. 

My name is Patrick Driedger and I want to be proud of the town we pass on to Sampson, Contessa and your children.  My personal resume and profile are available on my campaign site www.whypat.com .

FROST, DOUG

Doug has been a resident of Morden for the past 26 years. He has been married to his lovely wife Veronica for the last 37 years. Together they have two children. Kim and her husband James Wall along with grandchildren Cody and Brad live in Winkler and daughter Michelle lives in Winnipeg.

Doug is currently employed with Manitoba Telecom Services with whom he has been with for the last 38 years. During this time he has worked in all parts of the province, including 8 years in northern Manitoba while residing in Thompson.

Up until this year Doug was the president and manager of the local senior hockey team the Morden Redskins, which gave local youths a place to play and maintain a tie to the community. He was in this position for the past 20 years.

Doug believes the knowledge he has gained through his work and the hockey team will suit him well in dealing with the wide assortment of attitudes, opinions and conflicts that will arise if chosen to council.

WIEBE, IRVIN

Irvin grew up on a farm at LaRiviere, and has lived and worked in Morden for over 40 years. He is married to Annemarie and has two married sons and three beautiful grandchildren.

Irvin is retired after having worked as a Farm Business Management Consultant  in the area of farm finance, business management, taxation and succession planning. During his long professional career working with farm families and agri-businesses, he has  helped them achieve their goals, dreams, and aspirations. In addition, he has had extensive experience in providing leadership to many organizations and Boards of Directors over the years, including health care, education, financial, professional and church boards.

 He has thoroughly enjoyed the past eight years working on Town Council and looks forward to continuing to work with our citizens to make Morden an even better place to live and work in the years to come.

"I believe that the greatest strength that I bring to Council is that of exercising good judgment, using common sense and making informed business decisions that affect the life of our town and community."

For more information visit www.irvinwiebe.com

LABELLE, JACQUES

Jacques came to Morden five years ago when he accepted a vice-principal’s job at Ecole Morden Middle. He was born in Mauritius on November 21st, 1954. He attended University of Manitoba for seven years where he graduated with a Master in Educational Administration.

Jacques has two children, Melanie and Joel, a niece Yannick, a son in law David and his grandson Khalil. He has worked in the field of education as a teacher, a consultant and a university professor for the past thirty years. He is currently working as Principal at Ecole Morden Middle School. Jacques continues to volunteer on different committees and organizations locally and provincially.

Jacques enjoys playing the guitar and the harmonica. He also enjoys golfing in the summer. He is a candidate for Town council because he feels he can make a difference.
Jacques has chosen Morden for his home and is committed to building our community and ensuring healthy lifestyles for our children and our families.

For more information visit www.jlabelle.ca

HILDEBRAND, HANK

Hank Hildebrand and his wife Florence have lived in the Town of Morden for the past 40 years and together have raised 2 daughters, Kristine and Kathryn.  Both daughters are married and each have 2 beautiful children. Hank’s family farmed south of Morden and as such he has been connected to Morden for most of his 62 years.

Hank has been employed in management with the local credit union for the past 36 years.  He believes the experience he has gained through his employment has empowered him to utilize the principles of good governance.

His community involvement has been with the following organizations; Morden Beach Committee, Morden/Winkler Big Brothers Association, Corn & Apple Festival (Past Chair), Morden Ambulance Service (First Responder), Bergthaler Mennonite Church (Treasurer) and serves as the Town representative on the Community Futures Heartland Board of Directors.

“I look forward to being elected for Town of Morden Council and will do my best to represent the citizens on all issues brought before council.”

BUTLER, MAURICE

After a 30 year career in Law Enforcement, Maurice retired and entered the political arena in 2004. He and his wife Linda have resided in Morden for the past 32 years. They have two adult children, daughter Claire and husband Robert reside in Morden with their daughter Emma. Son Jason lives in Stoughton, Saskatchewan.

Maurice has served two terms as a Councillor for the Town of Morden. He is currently the Chairman of the Community Services Committee and also the Chairman of the South Central Regional Library Board. He is also the Council representative on the Pembina Valley Conservation District, as well as other sub committees.

His commitment to community involvement is well known. He is an active 30 year member and Past President of the Morden Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. In 2004 he was the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's 'Make a Difference Community Award' for volunteerism. In the same year, he also received the Queen's 'Golden Jubilee Medal' for his volunteerism. As a volunteer, he is always ready to serve the community.

"I believe that the greatest strengths that I bring to Council are good judgement, common sense, honesty and fairness and making informed business decisions that affect the well being of our Town and its residents. It is my desire to be re-elected to Council, to serve the residents to the best of my abilities."

HOSEA, WAYNE

Wayne is a lifelong resident of Morden. He is married to Darlene and they have two grown children.

Wayne was formerly employed by Manitoba Department of Highways. He is a life member of the Morden Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion having served as the past President and Zone 43 Commander. Wayne is a willing volunteer and has served on many local committees and boards.

"Our community has many assets and the growth potential is tremendous. We are a safe community with good police and fire departments."

CLAYSON, NICK

Nick has a passion for improving and building our community's future. His wife Lynda and he raised 3 children on a southern Manitoba farm before relocating to Morden in January, 2008.

Nick has worked as a mechanic for the past number of years. He was elected to join the Rural Municipality of Louise for the first time in 2002 and remained committed to this service until 2009. Nick spent a great deal of time out in the community helping groups and individuals address their local issues.

As a Councillor, Nick felt it was important to not only represent the interests of the municipality but to also ensure his ratepayers' interests were looked after. Nick feels he has a strong reputation for standing up for what is right and with your suport he looks forward to the provilege of serving the people of Morden as a Councillor. He is hoping to offer his experience and expertise to assist in building a better community.

FRANCIS, HEATHER

My name is Heather Francis.  I am a Morden native – I grew up here, swimming at our beach, navigating the halls of Morden Collegiate, soaking up the Corn & Apple Festival – and love everything that makes Morden so unique.  Now that I am older, I am choosing to raise my own family here, believing our town to be the best place to live.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, with a certificate in gerontology.  I have always held a special appreciation for the seniors in our community.  As a high school student, I held a work placement at the Morden Friendship Centre, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  I also worked as the summer student for the Corn & Apple Festival, and later volunteered on the committee.  I have worked at the University of Manitoba as Academic Orientation Coordinator, and also as an Academic Advisor.  Currently, I answer to four junior bosses – my kids, Rowan, Zach, Levi and Gideon.  My husband James and I enjoy building and renovating houses and spending time with our family.  I am also involved as a volunteer at the Morden Alliance Church, and in the Caring & Sharing program.  I organize a mom’s playgroup and a recreational women’s soccer league.

I believe that Morden is a strong and vibrant community.  If elected to Council, I would work hard to keep our town growing strong, and to represent all of the different voices of our community. For more information visit my website at http://hfrancis4councillor.blogspot.com .

REX, BEV

Beverly (Bev) Rex was born at Morden Hospital and was the second oldest of six children.  She was raised on a farm 14 miles SW of Morden and graduated from Morden Collegiate.

Bev has many years experience as; a Practical Nurse, a Home Care Attendant, a Health Care Aide and a Dental Assistant/Receptionist. As a community minded person, she has enjoyed volunteering at the Morden Library and with the Christmas Cheer.  She is also a member at the Morden Friendship Centre.

Some of her interests are; sports, music, reading and learning new things.  She enjoys meeting, helping and working with people.

“I believe Morden is a great place to live and I would like to see Morden grow, prosper and be a more viable place which I believe I can help Morden accomplish,” said Bev Rex.

LAVERTY, LENORE

I moved to Morden in 1998, lured by all the positive things that my brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Vicki Laverty, had to say about the community.

I am an active volunteer. I have served as chair of the Morden Area Foundation and Morden Historical Society and co-chair of the Morden 125 Committee. I am a founding member of the Pembina Valley Artists Studio Tour and was a contributor to the book “125 Stories about Morden”. I have been involved with Morden’s annual SuperWalk for Parkinson’s since its inception in 2003. I feel honoured to have been chosen as a Guiding Spirit for an exhibit created during the Morden Chautauqua in 2008.

In June 2010, I retired from the provincial civil service and my position as Central Region Consultant with Manitoba Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors. I gained a broad range of experience over the years as a Tourism Consultant with Travel Manitoba, Strategic Planning Consultant with Manitoba Highways and Transportation and Planning Analyst with Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism.

In preparation for retirement I established a consulting business, focusing on strategic planning and board development for non-profit organizations. An enthusiastic quilter, I recently began part-time work at the Quilter’s Den in Morden.

I hold a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Science in Recreation Planning from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

LINK, CHERYL A.

Cheryl Link has lived in Morden since 1983, raised two daughters and is married to Paul Link, a local building contractor.  She is currently the Administrator for the Morden Corn & Apple Festival, after having managed the Festival and the Morden & District Chamber of Commerce for the past 25 years.

Cheryl’s involvement with the community is very diverse.  She started and ran the Morden Farmers’ Market; successfully lobbied the Town and Legion to keep the HMS Morden Corvette Bell and Wheel displayed in Morden; helped organize the Morden 120th Anniversary events and commemorative calendars; proposed and successfully lobbied Western School Division for the Early Years School Absentee Call Back Program; started and coached the Gymnastics Program in Morden; and as a Member of the Morden Kinette Club, started the Block Parent Program in Morden.

Currently she is a Member of Christ Lutheran Church, the Morden Historical Society, the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre Marketing Committee, the Minnewasta Ladies Golf Club, the Ladies Curling Club and Friends of Dance.

“I love this community and am one of Morden’s strongest promoters.  I believe in shopping locally and supporting the events and activities of Morden’s organizations,” said Cheryl Link.