I have served the people of Owen Sound, on Council, for several terms and continue to bring forward new ideas and work with others to find workable solutions to our problems. As your Deputy Mayor I will serve you, as I have been doing, on Owen Sound Council and will give you a strong and independent voice at Grey County Council.
The City faces many challenges and financial pressures, including a large infrastructure deficit and the loss of nearly a million dollars in provincial government funding. That will require tough decisions and strong leadership from Council. But as we move forward, we can’t lose focus on what makes Owen Sound great…our sports, culture, parks and natural attractions. I want to continue to build a community that makes Owen Sound a place…where you want to live. Where you want to raise your family. Where your business will prosper.
I was born and raised in Owen Sound and have recently retired. I successfully ran an Office equipment company for 20 years, and then two local area golf courses (Sauble and Chippewa) for the next 22 years before retiring. I raised 3 daughters here in town, but they all moved on to London to pursue their careers as they could not find employment in their chosen fields locally.
I believe that we need to change how we approach our marketing. It is time to accept that we will not likely be able to attract major employers so it is time to focus on marketing the lifestyle we enjoy here. We should go after the smaller operator and remember the older demographic. This is such a wonderful place to retire; we need to capitalize on that.
I think local government needs to look outside the box and work with the province to amend the local land severance rules to allow for more hobby farm and individual residence building. In addition we need to expand access and advertising for our current local growers and crafters. Development of rural farmers/crafters markets would defiantly create more interest in tourists and local visitors to our area.
The leadership skills I practiced in my professional life as the senior executive for a cancer research foundation were strengthened during the past 15 years of my volunteer commitment to municipal and community development projects. That and my current role on council prepared me well for the position of mayor.
8 years Hanover Economic Development Council, 40 years executive experience with small and multi-national industry, participation in projects with Provincial and Federal Government….
Our Town needs good jobs with decent wages and benefits, and support local businesses. I believe in public input, consensus building and approachable and transparent municipal government.