Since leaving provincial politics in 2008, I’ve kept busy with work, grandchildren, and volunteering.
Briefly: Investment advisor, COO of Insurance Brokerage, executive director of Central Alberta Refugee Effort and now director of finance at Etana Supports Society. FCPA, FCGA Accounting Professional. Volunteer activities include chair of Red Deer Hospice and Red Deer Ten Thousand Village boards. I love backpacking, the most memorable a three-week trek on the iconic John Muir Trail.
The implementation of Restrictions Exemption Program (thinly disguised mandatory vaccines) in our city is a defining issue … it is divisive and directed at the wrong source. No one should be coerced through manipulation, fear of their jobs, or be excluded from society because of a personal health decision. Fight the virus, not each other.
Furthermore, that the implementation decision of this policy (which has huge ramifications for individual citizens) was not referred to council for a decision demands that a thorough review of the governance structure along with the decision making practices and policies take place immediately with the new council.
I’ll bring a levelheaded approach to council decisions and stay focused on city mandates: basic infrastructure (roads, water and sewer); affordability (taxes and levies); community safety; planning and development; and recreation infrastructure. All of these need an economic underpinning of competitiveness and responsive regulatory policies.
Keep it old school … show up, work hard, live within your means. You’ll get dedicated work from me, and my decisions will reflect honest work and collaboration.