QUESTIONS

Tell us a bit about yourself – background (education, career, family life)

I have lived in ACW my entire life, After seccondary school I began farming full-time, swine and crop. I left farming to work in management positions in Goderich and Hanover areas. I have been happily married for 32 years to Laurie, and we are proud parents of 2 adult sons, Ben and Isaac, who also own property within ACW.

2. Why are you running in the election?

There has been a group that has formed in the past few months to discuss concerns within ACW . Some of our discussions involved the direction of our council, with some feeling the rural voice of ACW was being neglected.

3. What previous political experience do you have (if applicable)?

I was a councillor in West Wawanosh from 1988-1992.

4. How have you been involved in the community over the years? (Service groups, volunteer, coaching, committees, boards, etc.)

I have actively coached hockey for over 30 years both within this area as well as Alliance and Junior C levels. I also have scouted for area Junior B teams. I was the head coach of a women's fastball team for over 10 years. As a coach, I've seen the benefits of team play and as a team player I will work with others to produce the best possible outcomes for ACW. I have also sat on the Lucknow Hockey Board for several years and am currently on the Dungannon Agricultural Society board.

5. Why do you feel you are set apart from the other candidates?

I feel that all people who are running in this election for ACW have their positive qualities. I can bring my management, listening skills, problem solving and leadership skills to assist this council.

6. Why should constituents vote for you?

Having lived in ACW my entire life I have a broad knowledge of what people in the area are looking for from their council members.

7. If elected, what would you put on the agenda first?

I have heard from many people that they would like to see evening/more appropriate times set for council meetings. I also would like to bring back the ward system.

8. What are the three highest priority local issues you would like to focus on if you were elected? Why? How would you attempt to remedy these issues?

Listening to the taxpayers concerns and bringing them forward in a constructive manner. Allowing our ACW employees to have a voice when they have concerns within their working environment. Start to build a stronger infrastructure to accomodate future growth in ACW.

9. What are your values, and values/priorities within this community? (want to find what your vision of this community is and how you intend to use your position on council to contribute to that vision).

Maintaining a fair tax base for citizens in ACW, encourage more open communication between council and community members,

10. If elected, what do you hope to accomplish in this position in four years? How will we be able to measure success halfway through your term?

Improve communication, build a task force to investigate how ACW can form a partnership with local businesses/employers and their subcontractors to bring jobs to our area, discuss within our council and workforce how to improve roads and infrastructure within ACW.

11. Anything else you’d like to say to the voters? Or your supporters?

Lastly, I feel that municipal politicians are in a unique position because, unlike politicians at other levels, councillors in municipalities are accessible on a daily basis, and for that reason, personally responsible to those who vote for them. Please get out and vote!