Candidate record
Offices held or sought
- Certified Ward 3 candidate for the 2026 election.
Background and community work
Connection to Welland and the ward
- Longtime Welland resident.
Work and leadership experience
- Tattoo and visual artist; previously operated a downtown studio.
Municipal and public-service record
- Former Downtown Welland BIA board member.
Committee and community service
- Chairs Welland’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. Previously chaired the Green Advisory Committee and vice-chaired the Waterway and Active Transportation advisory committees.
- Co-founded and organized the Welland Zombie Walk, supporting local food charities.
Campaign priorities
- Proposes a downtown task force with community and business representation, measurable goals within six months and a three-year action plan.
- Proposes a downtown Arts, Culture and Heritage District, with cultural programming, better-maintained public spaces and improved canal connections.
- Supports building-rehabilitation incentives, temporary storefront uses, upper-floor housing and property-standards enforcement.
- Supports affordable and supportive housing, eviction prevention and outreach, with clear shelter-management plans and neighbourhood input.
- Favours sharing costs and resources with other governments, businesses, community groups and educational institutions.
Other positions
Reasons for running and priorities
- Wants a long-term downtown plan and a more collaborative, accountable and transparent council.
Campaign contact details
- Campaign: jamestakeotattoos.com/blog · ninjajamestattoo@gmail.com.