Sydenham District · Kingston City Council 2026

A Neighbour.
A Builder.
A Community Voice.

I didn't come to Sydenham to run for office. I came to build a life - and that's exactly why I decided to run.

Rajesh Kumar in Sydenham

From Professional Leader to Committed Community Builder

I came to Kingston initially as a graduate student at Queen’s University, but my journey extends far beyond academics. With over 20 years of experience spanning corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and municipal governance - including serving as Chief Administrative Officer of a remote Arctic municipality - I bring a unique blend of practical expertise and community dedication.

"I'm not running because I've always wanted to be in politics. I'm running because the problems I see every day in Sydenham are solvable - and I have the experience to help solve them."

Before returning to Queen’s to finish my PhD, I served as Chief Administrative Officer of a municipality in Nunavut - one of Canada’s most remote and challenging governance roles. I managed multi-million dollar budgets, led operations, built partnerships with Indigenous leaders, and made tough calls under pressure. That experience taught me what good local government looks like: listening, following through, and treating every resident with respect.

I also built and led a technology startup. I know what it takes to start from nothing, make difficult decisions, manage limited resources, and deliver real outcomes. This practical, results-oriented mindset is what I will bring to City Hall.

Today, I work within Queen’s economic development ecosystem, connecting researchers, startups, the City, and organizations like Kingston Economic Development Corporation to unlock real opportunities for Kingston. I’ve seen how partnership and collaboration drive success. That’s the spirit I want to build between the university, our community, and the City Hall.

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Academia (Ongoing)
Manager, Economic Development, Queen’s University
Leading initiatives that connect researchers, students, startups, businesses, and community partners to advance research, local job creation, and innovation in Kingston.

PhD student, Queen's University
Researching griefbots, Generative AI systems designed to replicate voice, behavior, and personality of dead, at Smith School of Business.
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Municipality
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
Served as the Municipality of Clyde River, Nunavut as its CAO. Managed $10M+ budget and led operations.
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Entrepreneurship
Founder, AiClues Inc.
Built a technology consulting venture focused on practical innovation. Developed partnerships and delivered results for clients with limited resources.
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Industry
Served different organizations in different roles over 20 years
Progressive roles in technology delivery, client engagement, and go-to-market execution supporting business growth.

The Values I'll Bring to City Hall

These aren't campaign slogans. They're the principles that have shaped every professional decision I've made - and they'll shape every vote I cast.

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Listen First

The best decisions come from residents, not bureaucrats. I'll hold regular coffee chats, neighbourhood walks, and open-door hours - not once a year, but consistently, throughout my term.

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Build Bridges

I've spent my career connecting people who don't always agree. Students and homeowners. Governments and communities. Researchers and entrepreneurs. Finding common ground is what I do.

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Follow Through

A promise without a plan is just noise. I'll set measurable goals, report progress publicly, and be accountable when things don't go as expected. No hiding behind process.

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Be Fair

Every resident deserves equal treatment - whether you're a homeowner of 30 years or a student renting your first apartment. Consistent, fair standards for everyone.

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Think Practically

I've managed tight budgets and delivered results. I know the difference between a good idea and a good plan. At City Hall, I'll push for solutions that actually work, not just look good on paper.

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Stay Present

Councillors who disappear after election day are a frustration I've heard again and again. I'll be visible and accessible every month of every year - not just when votes are up for grabs.

Experience That Translates to Results

Leadership & Government

  • Former Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of Clyde River, Nunavut
  • Managed $10M+ annual municipal budget
  • Led multi-department operations in a remote northern community
  • Built partnerships with Indigenous leadership, territorial & federal governments
  • Senior leader, Infosys - large-scale engagements

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

  • Founder, AiClues Inc. - technology consulting venture
  • Built partnerships with clients and technology providers
  • Developed business from inception to client delivery
  • Works in Queen's economic development ecosystem, collaborates with researchers, students, staff, industry partners, and local partners such as Kingston Economic Development Corporation

Education

  • PhD Candidate, Information Systems - Queen's University (in progress)
  • MSc in Management (Research) - Queen's University
  • MBA - York University (Schulich School of Business)
  • Bachelor of Technology, Mechanical Engineering - Kurukshetra University

Already Showing Up

I believe you earn the right to represent a community by being part of it first - not just during an election. Here's where I've been putting in the work.

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Board Director - Thrive Counselling Helping govern an organization that provides individual and family mental health support services in the Kingston area.
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Member - Sydenham District Association, Frontenac Heritage Foundation, Kingston Historical Society, and Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN!) Active participant in the local initiatives.
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Volunteer Mentor - Futurpreneur Helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into success.
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Science Fair Judge & Youth Programs and Ontario Career Lab Volunteering at science fairs and youth engagement programs - investing in the next generation of Kingston's community.
Rajesh Kumar in the community

Let's Talk

Want to know more? Have a question about Sydenham? Just want to say hello? I'd genuinely love to hear from you.

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