Occupation: Commercial insurance broker.
Background:
Growing up in the Cowichan Valley I understand and appreciate the attraction of open spaces and farm country feel which made it an easy choice to live in North Saanich. Being a part of a dairy farm family is a lifestyle not a job as the family pitches in to assist each other with a team effort.
My business career has been spent as a small business owner building a Canada-wide team representing pharmaceuticals to veterinarians and, in deciding to remove work travel from my life, I am now a commercial insurance broker concentrating on commercial property owners, farms and manufacturing on Vancouver Island.
1. Why are you running for Council?
I am running for council because North Saanich is an incredible community and since our family plans on living out our lives here I want to ensure that it stays a vibrant, caring and inclusive community for all residents and businesses.
2. What are your top three issues to tackle, if elected?
• Maintaining the rural and agricultural characteristics of North Saanich.
• The right of property owners to update and care for their living and work space without heavy regulation.
• Promoting a community attractive to working and retired individuals and families.
3. What are your priorities for housing policy in North Saanich?
Housing that is attractive for professional, trade and service workforce families and downsizing seniors wanting to age in place. Higher density housing should only be in areas that are appropriate and do not impact the identity of North Saanich.
4. What are your thoughts on industrial, residential and agricultural balance in North Saanich?
The two major gateways to and from Vancouver Island exist within North Saanich and these have drawn the industrial activity that is partially responsible for our fiscal success, and help support the residential and agricultural areas that make North Saanich the well balanced community it is today.
Ensuring there are housing options to support the diversity needed for our community’s fiscal viability is imperative.
5. What can residents expect of your behaviour on council this term?
Residents can expect my respectful and open minded approach to all council members and residents’ opinions, concerns and views.