Where are you from and what is your background?
I am deeply rooted in this community, having lived in Port Williams my entire life. This longstanding connection has given me a profound appreciation for our history, values, and unique character. My ties to the area are further strengthened by my two daughters and two granddaughters, who also call this area home. These connections have shaped my perspective and aided my commitment to the success and well-being of our community.

For the past 30 years, I have proudly operated Gates U-pick on Starr’s Point Road. Farming has been a central part of my life and has significantly influenced who I am. This experience has provided me with valuable insights into the economic and social fabric of our community. In addition to my business endeavours, I served as a village commissioner for 20 years. During this time, I worked closely with community leaders and residents to address local issues, develop policies, and implement initiatives aimed at improving our area. This extensive experience in governance has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of municipal operations and a strong commitment to effective, transparent leadership.

Combining my deep connection to Port Williams, my experience running a local business, and my two decades of service as a village commissioner, I bring both knowledge and genuine dedication to serving our community. I am committed to leveraging this experience to make informed decisions, advocate for our residents, and contribute to the continued prosperity of District 2 and the entire municipality.

Why have you chosen to run for office?
I'm running for District 2 Municipal Councillor because I want to contribute to building a vibrant community for my children and grandchildren. This district has been home to my family for five generations and I am deeply committed to giving back in a meaningful way. As a lifelong resident and former Village Commissioner of Port Williams, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in local governance and understand the unique needs of our community. Having raised two children and operating a farm here, I feel a strong connection to this area and its people. I’m passionate about ensuring our community continues to thrive, and I would be honoured to serve and support our future together.

What strengths would you bring to Council if elected?
1. Strong Work Ethic: My dedication to hard work is reflected in my commitment to tackling challenges head-on and ensuring that all tasks are completed with diligence and care. This means putting in the necessary time and effort to understand issues deeply, working collaboratively with other council members, and striving for excellence in all aspects of council activities. My strong work ethic ensures that I will consistently be prepared and proactive in addressing community needs and council responsibilities.

2. Dedicated Community Citizen: Having been actively involved in various community initiatives, I understand the unique needs and dynamics of our local area. My commitment to community service is demonstrated through my volunteer work, participation in local events, and engagement with groups. This dedication ensures that I bring a genuine, grassroots perspective to council discussions and decisions, always keeping the community’s best interests at heart.

3. Honest: Integrity and transparency are core to my values. I believe in being open and truthful in all communications, ensuring that my actions and decisions are guided by honesty. This means providing clear and accurate information to residents, making decisions based on facts rather than personal interests, and being accountable for my actions. My honesty fosters trust and credibility, essential for effective governance.

4. Accountability: I take responsibility for my actions and decisions, recognizing that they impact the community and the council’s effectiveness. Being accountable involves acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and making necessary adjustments. It also means being responsive to feedback and holding myself to high standards of performance, ensuring that I am always working in the best interest of the community.

5. Good Listener: Effective leadership requires not just speaking but listening. I prioritize understanding the perspectives and concerns of community members by actively listening to their input and feedback. This approach helps in making informed decisions that reflect the diverse views of our constituents and fosters a collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels heard and valued.

6. Value Community Input: I believe that the best solutions come from engaging with the community and considering their opinions and ideas. By valuing community input, I ensure that decisions are made with a comprehensive understanding of what residents want and need. This approach helps in creating policies and initiatives that are well-rounded and effectively address real community concerns.

7. Lifelong Resident: As a lifelong resident, I have an in-depth understanding of our community’s history, culture, and evolving needs. This long-term perspective allows me to make decisions that are informed by a deep knowledge of the local context, traditions, and values. My familiarity with the area helps in identifying both enduring strengths and emerging challenges, guiding more relevant and effective governance.

8. Experience with local Governance: My background on the Port Williams Village Commission, equips me with a solid understanding of the structures, processes, and best practices involved in effective governance. This experience includes familiarity with policy development, budgeting, and strategic planning. It enables me to contribute constructively to discussions, navigate complex issues, and implement solutions efficiently.

What do you feel are key issues in this election and how would you address them?
1. Reducing the Tax Burden on Residents: This can be addressed by formulating policies that focus on enhancing efficiency and cost reduction, diversifying revenue streams, and fostering economic development to ease the financial load on residents.

2. Advancing Green Energy Projects: By supporting and promoting initiatives that improve sustainability and reduce the community's carbon footprint, Council can contribute to long-term environmental health.

3. Investment in Technology and Innovation: To keep our district competitive and forward-thinking, I will advocate for investments in modern technology infrastructure. From high-speed internet access to encouraging tech-driven businesses, our community should embrace the future by becoming a hub for technological innovation. This will drive economic growth, improve education, and enhance everyday life for residents.

4. Ensuring Accountability: I will commit to transparency and responsibility in all council activities, and provide clear communication and justifiable decisions to maintain public trust and confidence.

What is one message you would like to send to voters?
If elected as your municipal councillor, I will dedicate myself to serving you with integrity and respect. My priorities will be accountability, thorough preparation, and open-mindedness. I will approach each issue with a well-informed perspective and foster collaborative decision-making. I am committed to listening to community concerns and making courageous choices for the greater good. I am eager to work together to strengthen our community.