1. My inaugural term has been a learning curve of listening and absorbing from my veteran councillors. With so many policies, procedures, rules and regulations to learn I have patiently put in the hard work and have built my confidence level to a place where I now ascertain I can make a difference. I will continue to promote Whitewater Region Township as a complete entity realizing at present each hamlet, village, town and rural community plays an integral part until we can achieve ecological succession. This may take years but I am confident by working together and showing fairness to all it can be achieved. Economic growth and development is crucial to expanding our tax base. Continuing with the resurrection and promotion of our Industrial Park and assisting entrepreneurs with their development by cutting through the “red tape” whenever possible are just a couple of ways to achieve this goal. I will continue to listen and bring forth the concerns of our ratepayers and work intently to keep taxes as low as possible without giving up the integrity of our existing infrastructure and future development.
2. A Councillor’s role is to attend and participate in council and committee meetings. To develop policies and programs which will ensure the overall best interest for the ratepayers and the well being of the municipality.
3. I have participated in Cobden’s Taste of the Valley, supported Beachburg and Cobden Agricultural Societies in their food booths during their fairs, participated in all Whitewater parades including Cobden, Beachburg, Westmeath and Foresters Falls, I assist in the planning and help out with the Library Board Golf Tournament fundraiser held each year.
4. I am a hard-working, dedicated individual who has a strong work ethic and focuses on achieving goals. I am task-oriented, a good listener and communicate well. I have the ability to problem solve and make decisions effectively with the facts and concerns with which I am presented. Finally, I am a “people-person” who is approachable, caring and willing to help anyone.
5. – Maintain a manageable level of taxation.
-Promote economic development and residential growth.
– Continue to lobby Provincial Government to keep Rural Ontario on their radar.
-Infrastructure sustainability.
– Promote and support the efforts of the Muskrat Watershed Council.
6. We must continue to lobby for the expansion of a four lane highway which would open opportunities for tourism, industry and residential growth.
11. Elected Officials must be equally fair, transparent and remain open to suggestions from each community.
12. It is always difficult to take a step backwards but the tough reality is the money that flowed so freely in the 80’s is now gone. Several of the roads paved during this era are slowly succumbing to their life expectancy and the hard reality is we do not have the infrastructure dollars to rebuild and repave them at this time.
14. The existing Council organized a Muskrat Lake Water Quality Symposium and from that public event erected the Muskrat Watershed Council made up of a very dedicated, knowledgeable group of volunteers. I would continue to promote and support their efforts and lobby government agencies on their behalf.
16. With the sad demise of our railway lines comes a new opportunity to promote healthy living and recreational growth in our communities. Working together with the County of Renfrew I can vision this land someday becoming a playground supporting walking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails.
17. I would not be willing to give up any services at this time however I would continue to lobby AMO (Association of Municipality of Ontario) and our Provincial Government that this proposed model has the capability of financially crippling not just our township but many municipalities throughout Ontario.
19. I was born and raised in Cobden and moved to Beachburg 35 years ago where my husband Greg and I still reside and operate a hobby beef farm. We have two children, Shawn and Jackie, along with their spouses Chantelle and Eric. We have three adorable, very smart “little people” — Ava, Pender and Brynn — who have Grandma and Grandpa wrapped exactly where they want us. I am currently employed at Simple Things in Beachburg and boast that I am probably their best customer.
In closing I would like to add that … “what you see is what you get”! I refuse to make promises that I have no control over nor that I cannot keep. Should you grace me the opportunity to be re-elected I will commit myself to continue to work hard for you and I will do my very best to make good decisions and wise choices for the betterment of this great Township. This I do promise !!!
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