What would be your top priorities if elected?
My primary priority is to serve the best interests of Denare Beach and its residents. I believe we do this best when we work as a cohesive unit addressing issues before council as a whole, such as financials responsibility, community needs, infrastructure projects, staff and community development.
I also am committed to my position as chair or the Protection Committee overseeing the activities of the fire department/ search and rescue, police activities, disaster management and dogcatcher activities. In this role I believe it is crucial to:
• Provide support to the fire department to maintain well trained and specialized members using up-to-date equipment. For the search and rescue operation, to continue to train to the standard required by the province and conduct hands-on training.
• In the disaster management portfolio, train our first responders and administration staff to operate during disasters and mitigate concerns about natural and human-caused hazards.
• Cooperate with the RCMP in finding ways to reduce our crime rate.
• Support the reporting of stray animal activities to our dogcatcher so that our residents can be safe walking around the Village.
Crime has become a major concern for many Denare Beach residents. As a councillor, how would you approach this issue?
Following a forum on vandalism and B&E recently (27 September), I am committed to the process and will be forming an ad-hoc committee to look at the proposals arising from the forum.
For example, we have initiated correspondence with various ministries to request additional social workers and probation officers for our region. We need to dialogue with our neighbour to collaboratively seek solutions with regard to coping with similar situations.
We will research national websites for best practice evidence to mitigate our challenges. Lobby groups may be used to advocate with the provincial and federal governments on our behalf. It is imperative that we engage our youth in welcome dialogue to determine what their priorities are, and with respect to vandalism, what suggestions or solutions they might suggest. We need to keep active, and interested.
What skills would you bring to village council?
The skills that I would bring to council are:
• Business acumen. As a business owner, I learned community communication. We need mutual respect and communication between our business and our Village.
• Problem solving. As an emergency manager, you learn to make decisions affecting lives. In tense environments, it is crucial to work effectively with others for sound decisions.
• Trust. I seek resolutions supported by available evidence. I try to keep my biases apart from decisions. I am committed to maintaining confidentiality.
• Communication. Being able to express my point of view clearly within a respectful environment of Robert’s Rules of Order.
