Occupation: Manager of d.g.bremner & co. menswear, mom, and volunteer.
Background:
Since 2006 I have been involved with our community through our family’s retail businesses and volunteering with organizations such as the Sidney Fine Art Show, the Sidney Merchants Co-Op, the Advisory Planning Commission, the Sidney BIA, and the Mayor’s Task Force.
1. Why are you running for council?
My vision for Sidney is that of a safe and vibrant hub of activity, where residents, business owners and staff share a sense of pride for the community that is contagious to anyone who visits! I know there is a solution to preserving our unique culture and evolving to meet the needs of the future. It is time for my generation to learn the ropes, especially now that we are beginning a four year term.
2. What are your top three issues to tackle, if elected?
Our business community relies on the support of our residents, and the appeal of living here is having amenities, services and shops available close by. It’s a mutual benefit that needs to be embraced. So I actually have four action items that I would like to help implement as a top priority, based on the recommendations of the Mayor’s Task Force. The recommendations include taking an active role in economic development, reviewing the OCP, LAP, vision, taxation and other key documents that affect economic development, supporting the Sidney BIA in its efforts to market Sidney as a destination and to undertake physical improvements that will positively impact our town.
3. Is council’s relationship with the business community adequate and what would you change if elected?
Support of the business community has certainly improved since the establishment of downtown Sidney’s BIA. However, as my family owns and operates two retail businesses on Beacon Avenue, we need a balanced council that can act upon our needs. If I am elected I will take a proactive approach to economic development. I will ensure there is measurable value for tax dollars.
4. What sort of balance should Sidney seek to achieve on its waterfront land?
I believe we have balance. Improvements, however, would include providing short term moorage to Sidney’s Downtown, and to find a long term solution for maintaining Beacon Wharf. I would love to utilize the Seaport Place Lands in accordance to the Downtown Waterfront Local Area Plan, working proactively to ensure all needs are addressed with a positive forward thinking approach.
5. How would you contribute to people’s enjoyment in living, working and playing in Sidney?
Awareness and communication. Sidney can be a complete experience for any age to live, work, play, visit, dine, shop, enjoy the arts, be active on the water, learn and relax. If we are aware of all the things we have, I believe we would share the sense of pride which would in-turn contribute to everyone’s enjoyment of living, working and playing in Sidney.