BIOGRAPHY
I have lived in the community of South Bruce since 1996 when I married my husband Gary. We have three children – Kaitlyn, Patricia and Brandon. Kaitlyn and her husband Tyree have made us grandparents to two adorable little ones.
We are self-employed in the agriculture sector. We started by setting a house trailer on a pasture farm. With lots of hard work and sacrifice, our family has built it into a dairy sheep operation, cow/calf herd and a custom haying business. Over the years we have appreciated the sense of community as on many occasions friends and neighbours have been there to help with building bees in exchange for barbecue and pies.
I have volunteered and led many childrens’ programs over the years including a teen choir & drama group. Recently I was the spokesperson for the non-profit organization Protect Our Waterways-No Nuclear Waste, but after years of trying to convince council to listen to the needs of the community about the NWMO’s deep geological repository (DGR), I realized the only way to ensure the community’s voices are heard and acted upon is to represent residents on council.
BIGGEST ISSUE
For over 10 years, and at least two elections, the council members have never asked the citizens if they want to participate in the NWMO process. So much time and resources have been devoted to the DGR proposal and we’ll never know what opportunities have been missed.
I’ll recommend that municipal staff no longer spend time and resources on the NWMO project but instead focus on critical municipal issues and other opportunities.
When candidates talk about supporting a referendum be sure to ask when and how. We’re told we must be “informed” before a decision can be made. According to the Bleiker method that the NWMO is using to create consent, the definition of informed is “the grudging willingness of opponents to grudgingly go along with an action they are opposed to.” Does that mean we will only be considered “informed” when we are willing? How long will the current council and the NWMO drag out the process? I would recommend a referendum as soon as possible. Let’s have this issue decided before next summer. Only then can we make meaningful decisions for the future. Second, what happens if voter turnout isn’t binding? Does the decision go back to council if less than 50 per cent of residents vote? Would council vote according to the referendum results? I believe that the referendum results and only the referendum results should be the community answer. If it’s yes, then we must get the best deal for our community. The current memorandum Of understanding offers few benefits but gives the NWMO and CNSC complete control over future changes in size and types of waste. If the community says no then let’s work together to promote growth in a way that improves and protects our great municipality.
I’ll propose council meetings be recorded and posted.
We must prioritize critical infrastructure improvements and social programs and develop funding for them.
I’ll hold town hall meetings at least twice a year where residents are invited to meet with council to share ideas and concerns in an informal format.
Collectively we’ll work together to promote growth in a way that improves and protects the community we love.
I’m hard working and bring a new perspective with fresh and creative solutions. We need to think outside the box and work together so small businesses choose to invest here.
It’s important to learn from the successes of others. I don’t have all the answers but I’m always ready to learn more and reach out to others who have the knowledge.
Building our farm over the years has given me experience in the importance of planning ahead. Sometimes short-term pain is needed because it makes sense to invest now to achieve important future goals. Other times a plan is postponed so a better opportunity can be developed. As taxpayers you’re trusting us to use your hard earned money responsibly, and I’ll work diligently to be a good steward with it.
Let’s work towards a transparent and approachable government that gives you a voice.
