After dedicating 16 years to serving Ward 5 as a city councillor, Ed Sleiman has made the decision not to seek re-election this upcoming fall. Elected initially in 2010, Sleiman revealed that he had been contemplating his future for the past year. His deliberations on whether to continue his role or make way for new perspectives weighed heavily on his mind daily.
At 83 years old, Sleiman emphasized the importance of introducing fresh voices to the city council, acknowledging his age as a factor in his choice to step down. His departure from the upcoming ballot aligns him with other council members, Jo Anne Gignac of Ward 6 and Mark McKenzie of Ward 4, who have also opted not to run for re-election.
Reflecting on his tenure, Sleiman expressed satisfaction in his efforts to serve the ward and the city to the best of his ability. He highlighted his motivation to assist the residents of Ford City and east Windsor in navigating their daily challenges as the driving force behind his repeated candidacy.
Mayor Drew Dilkens, during a surprise announcement at a press conference, praised Sleiman as one of the most diligent councillors he has encountered, citing his exceptional work ethic. Dilkens shared anecdotes illustrating Sleiman’s hands-on approach to problem-solving, underscoring his dedication to community service.
Sleiman reminisced about memorable instances during his council term, like personally assisting an elderly resident in disposing of a couch illegally dumped in her yard, showcasing his commitment to going above and beyond for constituents. Such interactions, where residents expressed gratitude for his assistance, brought him immense fulfillment and reinforced his commitment to public service.
Having defeated an incumbent councillor to secure his initial term and securing re-election in 2022 with a significant majority, Sleiman’s daily routine of waking up at 5 a.m. with a focus on serving the community underscores his unwavering dedication.
Looking ahead, Sleiman expressed his willingness to support the future council member of his ward and expressed a desire to continue contributing to the betterment of the city post-council term, albeit humorously dismissing the idea of lawn mowing in favor of more impactful community initiatives.
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