Note: This post was originally published on-line at guelphcitizen.ca
I'm running in this election because I believe everyone should give their time, energy and talents to improve the lives of people they touch around them. I have lived in Ward 4 of Guelph for 19 years and, with my family, have enjoyed the benefits of the efforts of social minded planners and organizers. Naturally, I can contribute the most close to home. When I learned that Cam and Gloria were both leaving their positions as Ward 4 Councillors, I saw that this was my opportunity to contribute. Ward 4 should continue to have strong and cooperative voices on decisions that shape how the people of Guelph live in the present and future.I don’t like the notion of voting people out of office as an election platform. It undermines the credibility and intentions of those who have come before, and promotes change for its own sake.
In the past, I have sat on the Guelph Community Health Centre Board, have volunteered my time with the Guelph Karate Club, and have acted as a Big Brother for over 6 years. Currently, I am a Scout leader (6th Guelph) for my youngest son’s troop. Working with children in particular has given me perspective on the impact that the development of individuals can have on how people see, and treat, each other. This is very important to me.
In my current career as an Automation Product Manager of ten years, I have travelled to many places and I have developed an interest in how cities affect how people live. Whether good or bad, city planning plays a defining role in our lives. Being elected to council will give me an opportunity to share this perspective and shape policy. For certain, cities need to grow and change, while preserving the character and landmarks that make them unique. In fact, it is Guelph’s distinctive character and culture that drives our current demand for housing development; huge financial incentives should not be the basis for growth.
I believe that spaces also need to be preserved and created to give social entrepreneurs room to develop their ideas into programs that benefit the people of Guelph, such as more Community Gardens. Looking back on the karate club (which ran for 15 years on the strength of 2 dedicated volunteers), without places like Shelldale or other community spaces, they would not have been able to provide free karate training and equipment for hundreds of adults and children. One of my goals is to ensure that both places and programs exist to give us all opportunity to connect as a community.
I am running to create a strong and vibrant Guelph. Let’s live for today and build for tomorrow!
I'm running in this election because I believe everyone should give their time, energy and talents to improve the lives of people they touch around them. I have lived in Ward 4 of Guelph for 19 years and, with my family, have enjoyed the benefits of the efforts of social minded planners and organizers. Naturally, I can contribute the most close to home. When I learned that Cam and Gloria were both leaving their positions as Ward 4 Councillors, I saw that this was my opportunity to contribute. Ward 4 should continue to have strong and cooperative voices on decisions that shape how the people of Guelph live in the present and future.I don’t like the notion of voting people out of office as an election platform. It undermines the credibility and intentions of those who have come before, and promotes change for its own sake.
In the past, I have sat on the Guelph Community Health Centre Board, have volunteered my time with the Guelph Karate Club, and have acted as a Big Brother for over 6 years. Currently, I am a Scout leader (6th Guelph) for my youngest son’s troop. Working with children in particular has given me perspective on the impact that the development of individuals can have on how people see, and treat, each other. This is very important to me.
In my current career as an Automation Product Manager of ten years, I have travelled to many places and I have developed an interest in how cities affect how people live. Whether good or bad, city planning plays a defining role in our lives. Being elected to council will give me an opportunity to share this perspective and shape policy. For certain, cities need to grow and change, while preserving the character and landmarks that make them unique. In fact, it is Guelph’s distinctive character and culture that drives our current demand for housing development; huge financial incentives should not be the basis for growth.
I believe that spaces also need to be preserved and created to give social entrepreneurs room to develop their ideas into programs that benefit the people of Guelph, such as more Community Gardens. Looking back on the karate club (which ran for 15 years on the strength of 2 dedicated volunteers), without places like Shelldale or other community spaces, they would not have been able to provide free karate training and equipment for hundreds of adults and children. One of my goals is to ensure that both places and programs exist to give us all opportunity to connect as a community.
I am running to create a strong and vibrant Guelph. Let’s live for today and build for tomorrow!