Who is David Haywood, Merritton Ward Candidate?

A Biographical Timeline

“…I realize that one of the major challenges of my campaign is to get people to have a sense of who I am, how I became this way, and the path that led me on this road. To lead or to represent, is to be trusted…” – David Haywood, Merritton Ward Candidate

As I walk door to door, people ask me about the path that I have traveled to arrive at this point in my life. Well, here it is:

1979:

Born July 30th, to Robert and Madelaine Haywood at St.Catharines General Hospital. At the time, I had just an older sister Brandy (born 1976) and an older brother Robert Jr. (born 1978). Parents brought me home to an apartment above my Grandfather and Grandmother Bilodeau’s home (on my mother’s side) in Thorold, on St. David’s Road East.

1983:

Parents bought a house three blocks away, in Merritton, on 14 St.Peter Street. I started my elementary school education at Holy Rosary in Thorold.

1984:

Parents transferred my sister, brother, and I to the school across the street from our house – Maple Crest Elementary School.

1987:

Had my first paying job delivering newspapers for my older brother and sister.

1991:

Had my first and only salesman job, walking door to door, selling items out of a Tupperware container – making $1 for every $5 dollars sold.

1992:

Graduated Grade 6 at Maple Crest Elementary School and transfer to Burleigh Hill Elementary School for grades 7 and 8. In the summer, my family welcomed a new addition with the arrival of Michelle – a new little sister for my siblings and I. This is the year I had my first laborer job working for Tropical Al’s – a company that does roofing and was owned by my neighbor.

1994:

Graduated from Burleigh Hill and start my High School career at Merritton High School. During the summer, my brother and I are shipped to Dunnville to work at Bick’s Pickles – the first factory job for both of us. The good thing about the experience was not only the opportunity to work and live with my Great- grandparents: Mr. and Mrs. Corbett, but also to live with my dad’s mother: my Grandma Haywood. The bad part was that we had to stay in a leaking- rickety tent trailer out in the back yard.

1995:

At the beginning of the year, my family welcomed a new (and last) addition with the arrival of Krystal - a new little sister for my siblings and I (Jan 27th). Had the same summer experience as mentioned above - working at Bick’s Pickles. Stop eating pickles for a time that lasts 10 years.

1996:

Had first after school job working for 241 Pizza on Hartzel Road - making $5 per hour. In the summer, I start working for Berengaria Farm in Niagara Falls – a job that I stayed at for the next 14 years. My duties: re-planting trees; establishing and maintaining flower/vegetable gardens – including their green house production; and cutting 15 acres worth of grass.

1997:

Four days before my 18th Birthday, I decided that I should try living on my own. So, I moved into a one room apartment that was above Mama Rosa’s Pizza on Albert Street in Thorold, with my older brother Robert. It was during this time, that I realized the importance of community gardening from the parents of a couple of friends of mine. Mrs. Taylor (still a Merritton resident) and Mrs. Doucette (now of Thorold) helped me maintain a healthy diet (in a cost effective/efficient way) that included fresh fruits and vegetables from their community gardens. This is an experience that I still remember fondly to this very day!

1998:

I met Kerry McKenna – my future wife (November 14th). In the summer, I worked for Peck Roofing as a laborer doing flat roofing. In the winter, I started a job at Tim Horton’s on Hartzel Road – my first customer service opportunity working with the public.

1999:

Graduated from Merritton High School and started the Law and Security Administration program at Niagara College. Did not drive and soon realized that Niagara’s Regional Transit system was not effective or efficient. This was because it would take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours for me to travel from St.Catharines to Welland (not including the 3 + bus transfers I would need to take).

2000:

Started my first job doing security when I was hired by Cantec Security – working at the Shaw Festival. This was my first experience working steady midnights. I would work 2- 12 hour shifts, and 1 – 14 hour shift.

2001:

Started working at General Motors as a Security Guard for Pinkerton’s. Became a third generation General Motors worker – my Grandfather Bilodeau worked at General Motors for 33 years, while my father worked there for 30 years. Became involved with the CAW Local 199 as a health and safely representative ( 1st grass-roots political experience).

2003:

Left General Motors for Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, for full-time employment. I became involved as a union representative for OPSEU Local 278 (more grass-roots political experience).

2005:

Bought the house where I grew up, in Merritton on 14 St. Peter Street, from my parents (who moved across the street). My future wife Kerry graduated from Brock University’s Teachers College.

2006:

Considered running for municipal office in the Merritton Ward but was talked out of it by neighbour, family friend, and mentor – former Merritton Ward Councillor Mike Collins. Told by Mr. Collins (who I had helped campaign for office as a youngster) to re-attend post-secondary school and get more political experience (being a union representative). Following his advice, I registered at Brock University - majoring in Political Science and Geography (combined major), and continued working full-time midnights at the casino. My wife, Kerry starts working for the Niagara Catholic District School Board as a teacher.

2007:

My wife and I buy an investment property on Northglen Avenue in north St.Catharines.

2008:

I married Kerry McKenna on August 9th. We honeymooned on an Alaskan Cruise. We also visit Vancouver, Northern B.C., and the Yukon during our trip –our first ever since we met 10 years previously.

2010:

Welcomed addition to my family with the birth of my daughter Morgan McKenna Haywood on May 8th. I decided to seek election, as a representative for the Merritton Ward, during the 2010 St.Catharines’ municipal elections.

Note:

- While attending Brock University, I made sure that I took classes that would enable me to be an effective representative for Merritton residents. This includes classes studying:

o Conflict Resolution.
o Public Administration.
o The local economies of Niagara.
o Biogeography (the study of the local eco-system and everything within it).
o Environmental Geographies
o Cultural Geographies
o Quantitative and Qualitative studies of the Niagara Region

- I have written or co-wrote more than 50 pages on how to improve the Niagara Region, specifically ways to improve the Merritton Ward.
- At the same time, I have taken advantage of the educational program offered through OPSEU Local 278 and I am close to completing a labour relations certificate through Mohawk College.

All my studies will be completed in the next 18 months. However, I am a firm believer in continuing education. I know I will continue to educate myself as the need or desire arises.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. As your possible representative in Merritton, I want everyone to feel like you know who and what I am. Comment at the bottom or email me your questions or concerns at davehaywood444@msn.com. Lastly, visit or join me at my facebook group: Elect David Haywood Merritton Ward Councillor.

Sincerely,

David Haywood

Merritton Ward Candidate