Meet the CandidatesThe Canandaigua City Democratic Committee is thrilled to present Doug Merrill and Gwen Van Laeken, two outstanding candidates for Canandaigua City Council in the November 2024 Election.
Doug Merrill is a current appointed member of Canandaigua City Council doing great work for the community. Doug retired from a distinguished career as professor in RIT's College of Health Sciences and Technology. Today, you'll find Doug out volunteering and giving back to our community in many ways. He's an active board member of the Canandaigua Watershed Association, the Canandaigua Rotary, and the Ewing Canandaigua Forum. Additionally he leads as Vice Chair of the Canandaigua Watershed Alliance. Doug and his wife Debra Martin, a retired New York State Judge reside in Ward 3. Gwen Van Laeken, is running her first campaign but is no stranger to community and public work having served in the local nonprofit sector for nearly two decades. Gwen currently leads as Executive Director of the Partnership for Ontario County. Previously she served as Executive Director of Leadership Rochester and worked for RIT's Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement. Gwen has served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees including Board Chair for Rochester Accessible Adventures, Vice Chair of the Episcopal of Diocese of Rochester Diocesan Council and Budget Committees, Board member of St Peter's Community Arts Academy, and she is active with the Council of Agency Executives (COAE). Gwen and her husband Greg live in Ward 4. They have three children. Gwen and Doug are running for two open seats as Canandaigua City Council At Large. Learn More about the election and our candidates. |
The Canandaigua City Democrats recruit and support individuals who are interested in standing up for democratic values and will run for local elected office. We are committed to accessible, responsive local government that encourages citizen engagement. We advocate for the beauty of Canandaigua Lake, and value our public spaces and historic legacy. We support initiatives that bring people together, welcome newcomers, and improve the community’s standard of living. We create forward-thinking policies and value new approaches that will make our community a better place for all. Please join us in our work!
CCDC Monthly Meeting:
Our committee meets at 7:00 pm the 4th Tuesday of every month. We also get together socially the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:00-8:00 pm at Star Cider - it's a way for like-minded people to meet and network...and enjoy good cider and excellent food! We look forward to seeing you at one or the other - or both. |