With the start to voting being roughly 2 weeks away, it’s important to share the concerns I have been hearing at the door.

The top concerns are:
1. Infrastructure - community residents are concerned that infrastructure won’t keep up with development plans.

2. Recreational facilities, arenas & programming - concern is that the the current programming has been booking quick, and already creating wait times and backlogs.

3. Protection of farmland, and greenspaces - with the impending development, current residents want to see farmland, greenspaces protected.

4. Support for seniors including housing - seniors want to stay in the community. Support for smaller ‘senior friendly’ homes is needed.

5. Improving emergency services, and ensuring full compliment of staff is supported.

6. Taxes - transparency & efficient use of tax dollars

7. Crime - many residents are concerned with the rise of petty crime

8. Courtice Waterfront - many residents want to see a mixed use waterfront with shops, residences, restaurants, parks, trails, beach and a boat/recreational craft launch.

9. Schools - new school/expansion, and bus support.

10. Employment - Support for small businesses, including attracting good local jobs.

With clarington potentially growing over the next 5-10 years, these are all proactive priorities which are of concern.

I’d like to hear more though.
Is your concern on the list?
Please reach out and let me know via my website: voteforsami.com or give me a call: 9054494370.
I want to hear from you 🤓👍🏼

I have always been a huge supporter of multi use parks including dog parks, and trails.

We have 2 wonderful dog parks in clarington; south courtice, and bowmanville.
If elected I will support the proposal of future dog parks in the north end of ward 1, and throughout clarington.

The municipal election countdown is on…are you ready?
Elections are looking slightly different since Covid showed up. You can now vote - in person, by phone, and electronically via the internet.
Elections have gone full tech!
Check out this link to make you’re on the list - https://votes.clarington.net/en/voters/am-i-on-the-list/

When I first started this journey in 2014, I wanted to use my education, knowledge and experience in Environmental Public Health to increase testing at the Energy From Waste Facility (incinerator). As a public health professional I know the importance of our drinking water and air quality, and my aim was to create a positive change.

I knocked on over 85% of doors in the community, lost 15 lbs and came very close to winning - short 199 votes.

The platform on the back of my postcard is what was heard doorknocking, positive changes WE want. My aim is to get you involved in the process to make Clarington a better place to Live, Work, Play and Grow.

There is less than one week left, and the response at the doors is even better than in 2014. Everyone wants to see evolution; whether it’s more programming for children, more parks/splashpads, an outdoor rink, responsible spending, more support for small businesses, good local jobs, and more affordable housing for our seniors so they can stay in their beloved community and watch their loved ones grow.

If you believe in my message and platform of fighting for Seniors, Small Businesses, Farmers, and Families; do not hesitate. Get out and vote! Every vote counts.

Let’s work together to make a positive impact in Clarington.

On October 22nd, vote for the candidate who supports good local jobs, community safety and families.

Vote Sami Elhajjeh for Local Counicllor Ward 1.

here’s a link to where you vote?
If you’re unsure; type in your postal code. It’ll generate the closest voting location. https://votesmatter.clarington.net/en/voters/find-your-voting-place.aspx




And don’t forget to vote 🙋🏽‍♂️ X


And when you do, vote for Sami. 🤓👍🏼

There was an article in the star this morning ( https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/09/15/downtown-toronto-becoming-like-a-downton-abbey-as-service-workers-get-pushed-farther-from-the-core.html ), the article touches on how hard working families are being pushed out further due to unaffordable housing in Toronto. As someone who works and commutes daily to Toronto, I know this is 100% accurate.


If elected, I pledge to you that I will promote Clarington to companies. To ensure good jobs are brought here, so that you spend less time commuting & more time spent with families and loved ones.



Michael Moore touched upon this in one of his documentaries. Inner city detroit residents would have to travel over 1.5 hrs to work in affluent neighbourhoods as there were no jobs local.


I want to bring good local jobs to clarington so that YOU don’t have to spend 2+ hours a day commuting to Toronto. Think about how much wasted time is spent commuting, let alone the 10$ each way cost to commute.


That’s almost $6000 in savings and almost 700 hours of wasted time.
I pledge to fight for families and residents to ensure a better quality of life!

Trees - they do much more than provide shade 🌲🌳🌴.
Now that I have your attention...
There is a great program that landowners in Ontario can apply for FREE trees to be planted on their lands.
Take a look at the link. https://www.forestsontario.ca/

And don’t forget to hug a tree and thank it for all that it does. Clean air, shade, homes for animals etc. 🤓👍🏼

Well it’s that time of year again...Campaign signs everywhere.....
Small,medium.....large...ok.....mostly large.
Don’t let the sign game deter you from how important voting in Municipal Elections can be.

Municipal elections have a direct impact on everything from taxes, to child & youth programming, and even senior & adult programming.

Signs ARE expensive...candidates pay anywhere from 3$ - 10$ plus for signs.
So when I see signage destroyed or missing. It’s troubling...

So be sure to respect one & all, and do your research on who you want to represent you, your family, seniors, farmers and businesses.
That candidate who knocks on your door, and wants to hear your ideas, suggestions or concerns is collarborating with you to make the community a better place to Live, Work, Play and Grow.

Every vote matters. Make sure all your information is accurate and correct so you can have your say in this years municipal election.

Compiled a list for your festive gatherings. Enjoy and Merry Christmas

Chuck Berry - Run Rudolph Run
https://youtu.be/cCXx1Z8srYY
Tom Petty - Christmas All Over Again
https://youtu.be/gaPj1GoDpQw

The Ramones - Merry Christmas (i don’t want to fight tonight)
https://youtu.be/4Y5GtaTrPHM

U2 - Christmas (baby please come home)
https://youtu.be/XiSPNaQNGOY

Bruce Springsteen - Santa Claus is Coming to Town
https://youtu.be/76WFkKp8Tjs

The Kinks - Father Christmas
https://youtu.be/fPPCPqDINEk

John Lennon - Happy Christmas (Xmas) War is Over
https://youtu.be/z8Vfp48laS8

Bing Crosby and David Bowie - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy
https://youtu.be/DiXjbI3kRus

The Beatles - Christmas Time is Here Again
https://youtu.be/ovX5bcIxTQ8

The Pretenders - 2000 miles
https://youtu.be/1SkWIqQ3oLY

Notable mentions -

Band Aid - Do They Know It’s Christmas
https://youtu.be/bjQzJAKxTrE

The Pogues - fairy tale in NY
https://youtu.be/j9jbdgZidu8

Twisted Sister - O Come all ye faithful ( the whole christmas album is a banger!)
https://youtu.be/vmEfFlbqbbY

Guns & Roses - White Christmas
https://youtu.be/mS7aPE_YbVM

STAND UP FOR CHANGE

VOTE SAMI ELHAJJEH for the FEDERAL LIBERAL NOMINATION

Location: Bowmanville High School. 49 Liberty Street North, Bowmanville. Ontario

Speeches start at 1:00pm, polls close at 3:00pm

To my valued friends, dedicated supporters and citizens of Durham: 

     This Saturday, March 7th at 1:00pmwe have an opportunity to contribute to a direction for our party, our communities and ultimately our country. I humbly chose to seek the nomination in order to take the riding in the only direction that makes sense. Forward!

Forward-->Let us move toward restoring a sense of fiscal responsibility to Durham and Canada. The type of responsibility that creates sustainable jobs for every Canadian willing to work hard, and fair financial security for those who have worked their entire lives to earn a reasonable Canada Pension.

Forward-->Let us move toward the goal of ensuring every Canadian has access to the highest quality, publicly funded, universal healthcare.

Forward-->Toward delivering the comprehensive care and treatment our brave & courageous Veterans deserve. Let us be there for them as they were for us.

Forward-->Toward investment in national security to keep our citizens safe and secure without sacrificing our integrity or freedoms. 

Forward-->Toward the support in providing the necessary funding to further our future provincial and municipal strategies (nuclear power, infrastructure, and transportation). 

I believe we can do all of these things and more!

    Previously from Whitby, 6 years ago my wife and I chose to make Courtice our home. We love what Clarington has to offer, are proud to live, work & play in Durham and look forward to raising a family here. As a civil servant in public health, I have over a decade of experience.

I want to apply that experience in the service of Durham and our country to make a difference and be the proud voice that the riding greatly deserves.

    I will work with residents to provide the representation, care and exemplary treatment that all constituents deserve. I intend to be the best constituent MP possible so that the Liberal roots will grow and be sustained well past my term. Town halls, engagement with youth & older adult groups, community & neighbourhood associations will all have a voice in my view of the future of the Durham Riding. Liberal roots CAN and WILL FLOURISH.

     The best way we can stand up for these ideals, which we all deeply cherish, is to stand up for them TOGETHER. Only TOGETHER, in collaboration, can we turn these principles into reality.

Every Liberal needs to step up and be part of the future

 

Please join me on Saturday March 7th, 2015; I ask for your commitment, your passion, and your vote.

Stand up for Canada,

Stand up for Durham,

Stand up for Change

and

Vote Sami as your Federal Liberal Candidate

Thank you

Regards

Sami Elhajjeh

Email: Sami_elhajjeh@hotmail.com

Twitter: @samielhajjeh

Website: www.samielhajjeh@weebly.com

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Afternoon all!

If you didn't know: My campaign has come to an end. I'm proud to have worked hard and finished with 1048 votes or 20.37%, Steven Cooke won with 1247 votes or 24.24 %. I was hoping for the win, but in the end ran out of votes as there was only 21% voter turnout(4 less votes than 2010).

My goal was to increase that voter turnout % but failed in the process. It looks like only a small percentage of you vote and the rest??? Who knows...

I will continue to be active in the community that I live in and hopefully will help make a positive impact. Thank you again to all those who supported me; my family, my friends, my new acquaintances and my supporters; for continually fixing damaged or missing signs and beieving in me. I hope that the new ward 1 rep will bring a positive change and be the voice that ward 1 wants and needs!

Who knows what the future holds, but I will tell you that 2018 cannot come sooner 😀

Sami Elhajjeh

Over 6000 website hits, 15 lbs lost, shoe soles majorly worn, 2 episodes of losing my voice, multiple physio appts to help an inflamed tendon from pounding the pavement, over 8500 pieces of literature given and most importantly; countless, many, great chats with you the residents of ward 1.

I just wanted to say thank you to my family, friends, volunteers and residents who have supported me on this journey.

My goal at the start of this campaign was to knock on 100% of the doors in this ward. Not send mailouts, not stand on the corner waving signs...no, I wanted to meet YOU, talk to you,and hear your issues. I live in ward 1 and wanted to meet all of you so that, if elected, we could work collaboratively to make this community a better place to live, work, play and grow....TOGETHER!

Unfortunately, I did not get to my goal. But I'm proud to say that after all the hard work I knocked on around 85-90% of the doors(please see the pic below). Those of you who have taken the time to talk to me or listen, I greatly appreciate it!

There are a lot of issues in Ward 1 that need to be adressed, and ward 1 needs someone who lives in the area who can accurately, professionally & passionately communicate these issues and be your voice on council.

I'm proud of the respectful, mature, professional, honest campaign I ran. Whichever way the vote lands, I am proud to have ran, and proud to have impacted the community in a positive light.

I am going to continue to work hard and, if elected, am proud to represent the hard working community of Ward 1!

VOTE for the candidate who will represent you the people of ward.

VOTE Sami Elhajjeh

More signs and political gimmicks do not represent substance.

Here's an article from 2006:

http://m.durhamregion.com/news-story/3491584-one-ward-1-candidates-removes-signs-from-public-property/

Maybe in the next 2018 municipal election there will be a 'NO signs on public property by-law' and only signs that will be allowed will be on supporters lawns but who knows if that will even help. If you don't already know I've had to replace over 30 signs on supporters lawns, not public property...no..no..no! On the private property of supporters. The removal seems intentional as other candidates signs are on public property footsteps away.

There was a recent article in wednesdays paper regarding one candidates vandalized signs: I'm not going to paste it as it's biased and one sided. After speaking with all the 'other' candidates (yes we all talk to each other and have an open dialogue), to which we've all had signs: destroyed, missing, vandalized, disassembled etc. we got the local paper to write this follow-up article.

Please check out http://pages.cdn.pagesuite.com/4/5/45843732-e21d-480b-a057-ff7ff84a2b99/page.pdf

Although the first article was technically free advertising I, as well as the other 3 other candidates, appreciated the author of (both the biased and unbiased) article contacting us wednesday to hear ALL sides for the above story in yesterdays paper.

It's an unfortunate incident but I'm sure it happens all the time during election so it shouldn't have garnered a one sided story from a 'unbiased' local news source.

As a voter you shouldn't be voting based on signs or promotional gimmicks anyways right? I'm offended when I see promotional gimmicks! It's offensive to the intelligence of you..the voter!

Sign colour representing political affiliation, standing on the corner waving signs(when did attracting votes become like selling pizzas?), a fake letter with an endorsement from a(obviously biased) wife and the sheer quantity of signs. As a voter who cares about my community, observing this not only insults the hard work that I've put in (pounding the pavement), but also my intelligence! It is also very unprofessional.

A sign is just that..a sign!

Go deeper and find substance. Vote for the person who will bring the most to the position and the community: experience, knowledge, intelligence, education, and professionalism is what I look for in representation. Vote for the person who's running an honest campaign, who's not using gimmicks to sway and trick YOU, the voter. Vote for the person who lives in your ward, who knows the needs of the community.

My goal at the beginning of this election was to talk to every one of you..knocking on your door and introducing myself, and if you weren't home - I left my post card, and if you didn't receive a post card - you will in the next couple of days as i'm at almost 85% of doors knocked on. I'm not sending flyers in the mail, I'm not taking ads out in the paper, I'm not on the corner waving signs, I WANT to talk to you! I want you to hear my goals, and ideas I have for this community to make it better for all of us.

It's easily understood for mailouts to occur with those regional/mayoral candidates with much larger areas, but if you're running for a local ward and sending mail outs or flyers in the paper. That's just laziness because you don't want to do all the leg work.

Those of you that have seen me personally and talked to me already know the passion that I have.

This blog is not meant to offend, I'm just a hardworking, Courtice local who is talking from the heart. I want to see less distractions and more solutions.

On Oct 27th don't vote for gimmicks, don't vote for signs, VOTE for the person you think will do the best job to represent the community.

What does Clarington ward 1 need?

The answer to that is:

A hardworking, educated, passionate individual who sees/wants a brighter future for EVERYONE in the Municipality of Clarington. I live in ward 1 and know the needs because I've spoken to you, its residents.

I have over 10 years of experience in the public health sector. That means I worked for you: providing excellent customer service, handling hazards that impact health(air quality, water quality, food safety), investigating outbreaks involving the elderly and immunocompromised, maintaining budgets, presenting new initiatives to council & boards of health and creating policy that has impacted residents on a postive note every day. Ensuring that the health of residents is paramount!

I will continue to work hard and discuss all matters with residents. If you look around you'll see my signs on residents lawns; this is a great show of support that I am working hard to meet my goal - to better the community for all residents of Clarington.

On October 27th VOTE ELHAJJEH

Are you excited as I am?

Early voting will be taking place this coming saturday october 18th as well as October 21: both at the Courtice Community Complex on Courtice rd.

As a ward 1 community let's show Clarington that we WANT to vote. Let's aim for over a 60% voter turnout.

Whether I win or lose, if I help raise the voter turnout rate higher than what it was in 2010 - 31.48% I would be proud.

Don't forget to visit www.clarington.net to ensure you're on the voters list.

Let's work together, tell your friends, tell your family, tell your neighbours....tell whoever will listen that it's important to get out there and vote for who you want to represent YOU!

I am so thankful and appreciative of all the support that I have been receiving as of late. I canvassed today and met alot of great families who want to see a positive change in the community. I'm humbled and appreciative that they stand behind and believe in me.

This is not a THANK YOU to just this family but a THANK YOU to everyone in the community!

While canvassing, I noticed many people were concerned that they hadn't received their voter cards yet. I advised them as well as you: to please check the Clarington website to ensure that you have the right to take part in this municipal election.

Here's the link http://votersearch.clarington.net/onvoterlist.php

Or contact 905-623-3379 ext VOTE

Don't forget early voting starts Oct 18, 2014

Not too much time left! Early voting is around the corner - Oct 18th, 2014.

The support that i've been receiving is absolutely humbling. Keep up the support everyone and I promise you I'll keep up the hardwork!

Hey everyone. Keep Oct 15th from 7-9pm open in your calendars. Come meet myself and other ward 1 candidates at Faith United church at 1778 Nash road in Courtice.

There won't be a debate, no speeches. Simply a meet and great where you can Ask questions and get to know candidates. Your vote in this years election will help vote in a new ward 1 councillor who will represent YOU for the next four years.

Do your research before hand and make an educated decision come voting day. More residents who show up the better! So tell your friends. Feel free to contact me if there are any questions.

Vote Elhajjeh