You can find or contact Jake Kelza Pollock: jakekelzapollock.com
Instagram @jakekelzapollock or @madeinyqg
Facebook – Jake Kelza Pollock for Ward 2
Community activist and Made in YQG founder Jake Kelza Pollock is the last candidate to enter the race for Windsor’s Ward 2 by-election, calling for “No Baloney in Sandwich Town!”
Kelza Pollock emphasizes that this candidacy was not born out of political ambition, but necessity. “I didn’t align with any of the existing candidates,” he says candidly. “A community pillar that I respect deeply had explained to me that by not running, I was denying others a voice they could believe in on city council. That conversation stuck with me. When I didn’t see a candidate that I could support, it became clear that stepping forward was less about me and more about ensuring people in Ward 2 had passionate and authentic representation.”
Kelza Pollock acknowledged that entering the race, especially at the last minute, was not part of his plan. “My mom has been in the ICU for the past week and I’m still personally managing the effects of a recent concussion, so the thought of launching into this campaign while dealing with these struggles is extremely daunting,” he explained. Despite managing these challenges, he is determined to step up. “I’ll push through because residents of Ward 2 and the City of Windsor deserve better.”
He recognizes the challenge of campaigning with limited campaign time and resources compared to other candidates. “I know entering late means that I’ll be playing catch up but some of these candidates have been campaigning for over a month and we don’t know anything about them. Politics isn’t just about knocking on doors and repeating back concerns to the next resident. It’s about being upfront with the community about what you personally believe in and what you will advocate for on council.”
Kelza Pollock also challenges the rhetoric of other campaigns. “Anyone who promises big dreams for a one year term given the current climate on council is not only lying to the community but also to themselves. The reality is simple, the person who wins this by-election needs to reinspire the community to get involved, encourage civic engagement, advocate for transparency, be vocal, rebuild trust and hold the city accountable – especially in preparation for next year’s general election. There is nobody who is going to do that to the extent that I will.”
Over the past two years, Jake Kelza Pollock has become a recognizable presence across Windsor-Essex through his community initiatives like Made in YQG and Support YQG. He is known for his unconventional approaches to inspire civic and community engagement and has built a reputation for turning grassroots projects into platforms for action. From amplifying marginalized voices, small businesses and local artists, his work has consistently provided new ways for people to feel excited about engaging with the city.
This unconventional spirit will carry into his campaign. “Rather than wasting money on lawn signs, which have little lasting impact, I am dedicating my campaign resources to encourage community engagement. My priority is making a tangible impact on the voter turnout, instead of plastering my name everywhere.” In 2022, voter turnout in Ward 2 was just 17.02%. “I want to remind everyone that a federal seat was just decided by only 3 votes. That’s how powerful every single ballot can be.”
Jake Kelza Pollock’s campaign is rooted in authenticity and community presence. His goal is to break down barriers so that council feels more relatable, approachable and connected to the people it serves. “This by-election isn’t about who has the fanciest ingredients, it’s about who can actually build a Sandwich to serve the people.”
“I don’t need a staged campaign photoshoot or lawn signs to prove I belong here. My track record proves that I’ve been listening and acting long before I even considered running. I’m already here.”
