Why am I running?
The Dunnville community welcomed me with open arms in 2023. I already had deep connections in Haldimand County but in 2023 I bought farmland in Dunnville and started spending lots of time there. I realized that Dunnville is “community strong”, but I also found out that it has so much more to offer. Being engaged in the Dunnville community and speaking with Dunnville residents made me realize that Dunnville was not treated as a priority by Haldimand County Council and staff. Yes there are things happening at the County that benefit Dunnville but there is so much more we can do and that we, as community members, want for Dunnville. That motivated me to run.
Another reason I’m running is because of my experience while working at Haldimand County. I was privy to resident feedback and also to the inner workings of different departments. There is some great staff and some great things happening at the County but it's been my experience that some things need to change. Staff need more direction from Council. That’s Council’s job. That’s not happening. Residents need more clarity and consistency regarding bylaws and their enforcement. That’s not happening. That needs to change. Dunnville needs a stronger voice. That’s not happening. That needs to change.
Dunnville is my community. My priority as your Councillor will always be Ward 6 and Dunnville first. I believe the only way to do that is to engage with you. I promise to do that regularly and bring your voice to the forefront. Please take a look at my “A Vision for Dunnville” page. If you like what you see, please consider voting for me as your local representative.
I’ve Already Started Doing the Work
Since I left the employ of Haldimand County and started thinking about running for council, I started attending many county events and meetings. I wanted to study and learn about the various aspects of community and other stakeholder engagements, staff interactions, mayor and councillor involvement, consultant involvement and the general process as to how the county works. For example, here's a sampling of my activities. I attended or watched online:
Council and council in committee meetings including the one regarding the official plan proposal involving the employment lands in Caledonia
County's business advisory committee meetings
County's committee of adjustment meetings
Developer run meetings for public engagement
County's open houses on affordable housing
County's farm biosecurity symposium run in conjunction with Ontario Ministry representatives
County's abandoned gas well meeting run in conjunction with Ontario Ministry representatives
County's eco-tourism meeting run in conjunction with provincial related eco-tourism representatives
Whole lot of county/consultant economic development/eco-tourism/business development community engagement meetings
I even read the budget and strategic plan.
It has been enlightening.