My instincts to get involved, make our community a better place and collaborate with people are wired deep within my character. I have always found ways to get involved, work with others and make things better. In my professional life and community involvement I gravitated to opportunities which built character and experience.
My business experience and time on Town Council and Regional Council, including the various committees and Boards, allows me to positively impact the community. I am experienced in leading functional meetings and ensuring healthy conversations. All participants need to be engaged, feeling that they contribute, and make a difference.
I believe that public engagement in our community is damaged and residents’ confidence in Council is at risk. During this term, the Town has witnessed a council member resignation, an occurrence unheard of in the past. In addition, multiple councillors have indicated they do not wish to seek re-election. They cite lengthy, unproductive meetings and personal time commitments. Personal reasons aside, improvements must be made. Several senior staff have left town employment or been removed, this is a symptom of poor governance, which is Council’s major role and this needs addressing.
During my past years on councils, I was able to voice my opinion in a fair and respectful environment, unconcerned about being isolated or bullied. A difference of opinion was accepted, in fact it made for better decisions and did not become a personal character issue.
Today, we have a dysfunctional culture that is harmful to our community, damaging the Niagara-on-the-Lake image and impacting our sustainability. I promise to deliver leadership to Council and the community, leadership that will listen, engage in the issues that we will face, and treat opinions and people with respect and fairness.
I will lead Council to identify its intentions in a collaborative strategic plan, developed at the beginning of our term, bringing sustainability and focus back to local government.