Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts UVIC 1980, Post Degree Professional Program UVIC 1982
Occupation: Self Employed - Event Management/Entrepreneur/Contractor
Previous political experience: Served as a school trustee from 2005 to 2011 for Mission public schools
Residency: Hatzic
Community involvement: Recent experience includes vice-president at the Chamber of Commerce; member of the Stave West Recreation Task Force; vice-president of the BC Winter Games, past president Rotary Club, Past Chair of the Cultural Resources Commission (more than 10 years served), Past board member (served 10 years) at the Mission Heritage Association, Founding Member of the Business and Professional Woman's Association.
Marital status/children: Married with 2 adult children
Issues:
The three most important issues are public safety, keeping taxes low and business development. These issues are part of my platform to focus on making Mission a more liveable and vibrant community. Interestingly, all these issues are related.
I would ensure the RCMP budget meets the needs of the community. As well, I would review the budget for the fire department and fire inspection unit.
The RCMP budget had a savings of $800,000 due to the direction of the current council this past year, which should have been spent on keeping Mission citizens safe. I would immediately restore policing for our downtown. If our current public safety issues are not addressed, I worry that our property values will decrease, which will negatively affect the local economy.
As for taxes, seasoned politicians will tell you that over time it is not possible to sustain zero per cent increases. The questions that I will be asking are "What are we not doing?" or "Who are we not hiring?" that prevents Mission from moving forward. At the same time, people move here because it is affordable and property taxes must reflect that.
With respect to business development, Mission needs to focus on promoting tourism in a big way.
The Stave West Recreation Master Plan will be coming to council for approval next spring and I believe that by implementing the plan our local economy will be stimulated. Investments will have to be made in public safety in order to maximize the potential of the area.
I would like to see the economic development office establish a division for film production, as currently we are not actively promoting the area for filming opportunities. In the downtown core, there are several incentives to new and existing businesses that can be utilized, but citizens need to feel safe when they go there and addressing that would be my first priority.