The first change I would look to implement would be the removal of the door which positions itself between the developer and key staff when entering. I support a new open door customer service approach as the first change to business for growing our community.
People have ideas and investment dollars. You can embrace them for choosing to look at our city to invest or place enough roadblocks in their way that they will go elsewhere. I desire for them to invest in our city.
As a business woman, I know the importance of connections – among businesses, municipalities, agencies and individuals. From the Community Foundation to the Healthy Communities Coalition, I will continue my work for you on city committees and boards, bringing innovation and new partnerships to promote our economic and social well-being.
I ran for council in 1997 and finished with over 1000 votes which, considering the fact I was pretty much an unknown, wasn’t a bad showing.
I then sat on the Business Bylaw Regulatory Committee which gave me a better idea of the operations of city hall. I have been very active volunteering in the community for the past 17 years with Owen Sound Minor Soccer Executive and fundraising for community efforts through our Amplifi Entertainment.
I was born and raised in Owen Sound and have been married to my wife Lee Anne for 32 years. Together we raised our two boys here (Mark and Andy) and we own and operate two car washes on 10th street west in Owen Sound. Andy and my daughter-in-law Ashley have given us a grandson (Evan Michael) so the future of Owen Sound is more important to me than ever.
I believe in the value of a strong, supportive community and that means that local government must work with and be sensitive to the issues that affect all groups, including business. I have always pledged to listen to the community and to make sure I understand all the implications of a decision before casing a vote.
Incumbent mayor Deborah Haswell is a 13-year council veteran. She unseated rival candidate Ruth Lovell Stanners by a mere 41 votes in the 2010 municipal election. A graduate of OSCVI, she pursued post-secondary education at Conestoga College in Kitchener, where she earned a Social Services Diploma – graduating at the top of her class. She […]
Four years ago, I thought I was retiring from Council permanently. However, I am compelled to try for a return now because I want to help restore openness, transparency, integrity and trust to the Corporation of the City of Owen Sound.
I have a sincere desire to serve my community as I have since moving here in 1967 when I married my husband Gord. I began working for the City in 1984 moving into the role of Deputy Clerk in 1988 and Clerk in 2007 retiring in 2010.
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