The Grey Bruce Business Journal distributed a questionnaire to candidates for Mayor and Council for Owen Sound and surrounding communities. The answers are varied and display a lot of ideas with a common thread – keep more business local, improve access to internet. To find out what each candidate has to say, check out the […]

I believe it is time for the next generation to step up and have a seat at the Council table to bring forward new ideas, position our communities for a prosperous future in the modern economy and ensure we are moving forward. If elected, I am determined to work with the community, both permanent and seasonal residents, in an open and transparent manner to move forward with solutions rather than simply looking to maintaining the status quo. We must focus on creating jobs for our young people, delivering improved services for our aging population, protecting our environment and managing our community’s financial resources prudently.

With 25 years experience in business management and four years experience on The Blue Mountain’s Council I believe I have a proven track record in listening to concerns and opinions, evaluating all the available information and making sound decisions on behalf of residents.

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.