What aspects of your work/career/professional background would make you a valuable asset to the next Council or Board
My professional experience and training helps me to bring a wide variety of experience and perspectives to any group. I have a Masters degree in Engineering and have worked for multinational companies and as a consultant for project and business management. I have started and run a number of small businesses and know what it takes to run an operation responsibly.
What types of personal attributes do you have that will contribute to an effective Council or Board?
I try to be analytical and thoughtful, and to work well together with diverse groups. I’ve got a determination to put in the effort and to hold myself to high standards, to form strong relationships and uphold good decision making.
What is your experience with governance work (committees, volunteer boards, etc)
I have served on Council for two years, and as a Board Member and member of the Finance Committee for VIRL. Previously, I have been a board member of Cumberland Chamber of Commerce, Cumberland Community Schools Society and Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society. I chaired Cumberland’s Advisory Planning Commission for a number of years, and have sat on citizen committees for Economic Development and the Official Community Plan. A long time ago, I was president of Cambridge Volleyball Club for a few years.
What have you done to prepare yourself for office, if elected?
The past two years have been a challenging and rewarding learning curve. Serving on Council is unlike any other role, and even having closely followed the issues and proceedings of Council, I feel it is surprisingly hard to prepare for the range and complexity of issues. Preparation comes in the form of openness, humility and a readiness to learn, to accept advice, to question oneself and work, constantly, to be the best I can be in this role.
What motivated you to seek office (list as many as three)
We plan to live here for the rest of our days, and we watch as our children grow into wonderful young adults, and ask how can we, and they, and everyone thrive here at all stages of life with appropriate housing options, social life, community participation and economic opportunity. I believe we all have a duty to serve our communities in the best way we can, and that I have skills and understanding that allows me to contribute to the wellbeing and sustainability of this special place.
If elected, name your top three objectives and how you would achieve them
Housing – continue to push for available and attainable housing for all income levels
Infrastructure – plan properly and execute well on the replacement of aging sewer and water pipework, roadways, and civic facilities.
Employment – support the growth of high-quality businesses throughout the Village and especially at the Bevan Lands
If you have disagreed with any recent council action, explain why and what you would have done differently.
As a member of Council, I have a duty to stand behind the decisions made, even if I disagree with them. I won’t pick out specific decisions but what I will do differently is to speak up more clearly when I feel doubt or disagreement. As a new Councillor, just two years in, it takes time to learn that confidence. There have been times when I felt the topic needed more discussion and as I get familiar with the process and the topics, I have become more able to fulfil my responsibility to ensure that issues are properly debated.