1. As candidates, what would be your key priorities over the next four years in your community?
If elected, over the next four years I would continue to work hard to promote business and growth in our community. I think that thoughtful growth can occur if we continue to develop strong working relationships with existing and new business in the Town of Saint Andrews. Working with the Algonquin Hotel, Kingsbrae Garden, the Community College, the Huntsman and SABS and the local Chamber of Commerce will continue to drive our economy and allow our community to flourish. A well rounded community has a number of economic drivers and a bountiful and diversified economy is what will bring families back to our community.
2. How would you achieve those priorities within your mandate?
I was fortunate to be part of two different councils, which gave me the opportunity to see one council that went through the process of strategic planning sessions and another that did not. The council that completed strategic planning was more efficient, accomplished more of our priorities, and had greater transparency with the publicly accessible document.
3. How will you ensure transparency and accountability in council decisions and communication with residents?
I think that a critical piece of transparency is having a Mayor who demonstrates strong communication skills. The Mayor is the voice of the Council. Steve Neil raising his hand for position reaffirmed that this town will continue to be in a position to flourish and I welcome the opportunity to serve under his leadership if elected.
4. What is your approach to managing growth and development while preserving the character of the community?
I think a great more needs to be done to maintain the character of the community. Firstly, we need more families living in town. So, we must continue to work to add to the housing stock enabling affordable homes to continue to be built, both for workers (like those who will staff the new Passamaquoddy Lodge) but also for families who will send their children to our local schools., SJDA and VMES. Preserving the character of the community is also being facilitated by adding recreational opportunities like the Van Horne Trail, the Dog Park, enriched Parks and a Town Recreational Department. These amenities, programs, and efforts are what are bringing new doctors and families to our Town.
5. What is your position on property taxes, and how would you balance affordability with maintaining local services?
I believe that the property tax system in New Brunswick needs a total overhaul. The rate at which assessments are increasing, even with the municipality lowering tax rates has added stress to home owners. Many municipal governments across North America have various funding sources, but in New Brunswick, it is solely property tax. With rising costs from everything from roads to policing, a sustainable system needs to be implemented to protect home owners. Short term property tax freezes, are not long term solutions.
6. Why are you the best candidate to represent your ward, and what experience do you bring to the role?
After serving two terms on Council, I think I have a great deal of experience to bring to the role. I will continue to work on trails, recreation and the housing portfolios. I enjoy volunteering my time in the service of my community and I am very proud to call Saint Andrews my hometown. I believe I bring to the role of Councillor a good balance of wanting our community to stay small and charming while continuing to grow and be dynamic.
