I have represented ratepayers as a councillor for the past eight years, first with Wallace and then with the amalgamated municipality of Wallace-Woodworth. Currently I am Deputy Reeve.
I have lived in the Hargrave area for sixteen years. My husband Brian and I run a mixed farming operation and I am postmaster for the Hargrave Post Office. I enjoy the time I spend volunteering and supporting events in the area.
I consider serving on council a privilege and find the work gratifying. I prepare for each meeting, ask the difficult questions and request relevant information necessary to make the best decision. I am proud of the way the current council has worked together since amalgamation. We have established a good foundation to build on.
But, councils do not always get it right. I believe council needs to acknowledge and take ownership of mistakes, address things that can be done better and recommend necessary changes. I believe council should conduct itself with integrity, and operate according to principles of transparency and accountability, fairly representing all ratepayers regardless of where they live in the municipality. Council needs to engage the ratepayers, to understand and be responsive to their needs.
The decisions council makes impact your lives on a day to day basis. Challenges such as development, infrastructure, public safety, recreation, agreements with neighbouring municipalities, and negotiations with the federal and provincial governments, are dealt with on a regular basis.
Decision making must incorporate various factors, particularly financial implications for both the municipality and ratepayers.
I am confident that, if elected Reeve, I can guide council through the process and into the future.
