Occupation: Registered Massage therapist - retired.
Background:
Self employed — 26 years working in Sidney; 22 years (and current) resident of Sidney. Community Involvement: Peninsula Community Services board member; Peninsula Celebrations Society board member/parade organizer; SPAC supporter; Saanich Peninsula Hospital Association founding board member; Sidney Lions Food Bank supporter; Central Saanich Lions Central Saanich Days volunteer; Certificate in Conflict Analysis and Management.
1. Why are you running for council?
I am running because I care about maintaining a strong, vibrant, and safe Sidney. If we are to ensure the sustainability of our Town, we need strong leaders with vision to move us forward. I am committed to preserving the essence of Sidney, its small town feel, and strong sense of community.
2. What are your top three issues to tackle, if elected?
a) Ensuring good fiscal decision implementation and addressing operational and maintenance costs.
b) Proper marketing of Sidney as a place to live, work, invest, visit and play. We need to broaden our scope of housing styles and costs. Encourage and support light industrial, retail and service businesses. Support the arts and cultural communities. Address the long overdue cleanup and development of the Seaport East Waterfront lands.
c) Address perceived inadequacies in communication between the Town and community.
In order to improve communication, it may be time for Sidney to embrace social media. We need to encourage greater access to what happens in council chambers and in meetings.
3. Is council’s relationship with the business community adequate and what would you change if elected?
Any effective relationship begins with communication, which must be open on both sides. It may take time to build a rapport, but it must be done in order to move forward. It must also be understood that council has an obligation to consider the needs of all sectors of the community and may not concentrate merely on one.
4. What sort of balance should Sidney seek to achieve on its waterfront land?
As much as is possible, the Town needs to retain ownership and access to the waterfront for all people.
5. How would you contribute to people’s enjoyment in living, working and playing in Sidney?
I would remain open to the thoughts, ideas and needs of others. To recognize when the status quo is not optimal and be prepared to make adjustments and changes as needed.
At the end of the day, my mandate as an elected official is to make the best possible decisions for all of Sidney.