GuelphToday asked those running for city council in the Oct. 22 municipal election to supply a brief biography and outline their platform and/or why they are running.
THE PERSON: Born in Winnipeg to an RCAF pilot and Registered Nurse, we eventually settled near Arkell. I was introduced to municipal politics at an early age when my father was the chair of the Puslinch Planning Board.
Growth, gravel pits and water protection were big issues back then. And still are today.
Moving away to attend university, I returned to Guelph in 1992 and made Ward 5 my home for the next 25 years. I became involved in community issues and organizations related to growth, school boundaries, heritage, environment, planning and zoning.
In 2003, I was elected to the Upper Grand District School Board as a trustee and since 2006, I have proudly served the residents of Ward 5 on Guelph City Council.
Over the last 30 years, I have worked in the public, private and non-profit sectors as well as operating a small business. I currently work at the University of Guelph.
I have been involved in many roles within the Guelph community, offering me a diverse opportunity to understand what makes Guelph tick. During my tenure on council, I have been a board member on Guelph Junction Railway, Family and Children’s Services, Police Services Board, and the Downtown Guelph Business Association.
I graduated from McMaster University with an Honours BA (History) and an MA (Leadership) from the University of Guelph. I am the proud mom of four children, and in my "spare" time, I have been busy restoring a stone house with my fiancé, and cheering for the Raptors.
THE PLATFORM: My campaign tagline is “leadership that cares,” which is foundational to my platform. Our city is growing and evolving quickly. The challenges ahead are complex – energy security, infrastructure replacement, rising taxes, growth, protecting our water, our green space and our quality of life.
Experienced, reasoned and balanced leadership is essential. It is not enough to steer the direction of the ship, but also to keep the boat balanced and keep everyone from falling overboard. Guelph is a caring city, and it is important that we never lose that part of our identity as we tackle poverty, crime, affordability, mental health challenges, aging and accessibility.
The top three platform issues that define my campaign are the three “E”s – economy, environment and engagement.
Economy: My economic platform is focused on supporting capital projects that have a return on investment for residents, either financial savings or future sustainability. These include initiatives related to energy security, infrastructure replacement, a new downtown library as part of the Baker District, moving forward with the Innovation District (former Reformatory lands) and developments with high quality urban design. The downtown is essential to our economic vitality as an urban growth centre, with efficient inter-regional transit and vibrant arts, heritage and culture.
Environment: I continue to be passionate about environmental issues such as protecting our water supply, renewable energy, low impact and net zero development, implementing our Natural Heritage Action Plan, enhancing our parks, trails and growing our urban forest. Guelph has a strong history of leadership in environmental stewardship, which will serve us well as we adapt to the effects of climate change and rising energy prices. If elected, I will promote our national reputation for innovation and leadership through partnerships with the university, the private sector and community organizations to protect and repair the environment.
Engagement: Last but not least, public engagement is the foundation of everything we do. Ensuring that we have an engaged community means we need to focus on customer service, open government, communication, outreach, electoral reform and ward boundaries. I will continue to host town halls and will enhance my work in using online surveys and feedback tools. I will support improving access to municipal services and information online for improved customer service. And I will continue to look for new ways to engage residents on planning and zoning applications, most notably during the Clair-Maltby Secondary Planning and Zoning By-law update projects.
I think long-term - to the next generation and beyond - in every decision I make. The role of any councillor is to act in the best interest of the public good.
Some of our most complex problems may be solved by unique solutions that arise out of conversations with our citizens. The first step is being heard.
