Why are you running?
I want to change the relationship between council and the public, through active and responsible representation of the constituents of my ward and help renew participation from vested community leaders and critical thinkers. I want to restore public trust, through effective fulfillment of the “Role of Council” as laid out in the Municipal Act. This may seem overly precise, but it is so important, this is the provincial law that says our council is the governing authority of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
What are the key issues?
Taxes and spending. Chatham-Kent has a ballooning $363 million per year budget. Our population is 104,316 and has had a net increase of only 689 people since 2012. In 2020, $103,250,699 was levied from residential properties, an increase of 15 per cent or $13,599,332 from 2015. Council needs to proactively ensure that public funds are used efficiently in delivering the services council has determined the municipality shall provide.
It is the role of a council “to ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality.” It is essential that council takes a serious and active role. We must present the highest level of detail at the earliest possible opportunity when dealing with complex and controversial issues. The municipality ought to be forthcoming with documentation.
One simple example of this can be found on the C-K website, in the place of “2022 Approved Budget” is a one-and-a-half-page document, representing $363 million in spending, an unfortunate oversimplification placed where anyone would expect a detailed document.
What do you hope to achieve if elected?
I intend to build a stronger and more trusting relationship between the public and council, encouraging participation and engagement in building the future we deserve.
What skills and experience do you bring?
I am an independent thinker. I have experience in negotiation and am an information seeker and am known for my due diligence on any project. I am a caring listener and can have a meaningful and enjoyable conversation with anyone and am highly engaged with our community.
