1. As a candidate, what would be your key priorities over the next four years in your community?
Because Saint Andrews has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, I care deeply about the future of our community. Over the next four years, my priorities would be supporting the wharf revitalization project, developing an inclusive Municipal Plan for our expanded municipality, and continuing to advance affordable housing solutions.
The wharf is one of Saint Andrews’ greatest assets. It supports local businesses, tourism, and the livelihoods of many residents. Ensuring its repair and long-term sustainability must remain a priority.
With the inclusion of Bayside and Chamcook into our municipality, we have an opportunity to create a Municipal Plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of our entire community. It is important that all residents feel represented and included in shaping our future.
Affordable housing also remains one of the most significant challenges facing many communities, including Saint Andrews. While progress has been made, we need to maintain that momentum and continue working with community partners and other levels of government to improve housing availability and affordability for residents.
2. How would you achieve those priorities within your mandate?
I believe municipal government works best when decisions are informed by residents, supported by sound planning, and focused on long-term outcomes.
As a councillor, I would listen carefully to residents, engage with stakeholders, ask thoughtful questions, and work collaboratively with fellow council members and municipal staff. Whether addressing infrastructure projects, planning for growth, or housing initiatives, I believe success comes from informed decision-making and meaningful community engagement.
My role would be to represent residents, advocate for responsible solutions, and help ensure decisions are made in the best interests of the community as a whole.
3. How will you ensure transparency and accountability in council decisions and communication with residents?
Transparency and accountability are fundamental to good local government.
I believe residents deserve clear communication about council decisions and the reasons behind them. I will make myself accessible to residents, encourage open dialogue, and take the time to listen to concerns and questions.
Good governance starts with listening. By maintaining open communication and encouraging public engagement, we can build trust and ensure residents feel informed and involved in the decisions that affect their community.
4. What is your approach to managing growth and development while preserving the character of the community?
Saint Andrews is a unique community with a rich history, natural beauty, and distinctive character. Those qualities are part of what make it such a wonderful place to live and visit.
I support growth and development, but it must be carefully managed and thoughtfully planned. We need to encourage opportunities for housing, businesses, and economic development while preserving the character, heritage, and charm that define Saint Andrews.
I believe growth and preservation are not competing goals. With thoughtful planning and meaningful community input, we can achieve both.
5. What is your position on property taxes, and how would you balance affordability with maintaining services?
I believe council has a responsibility to ensure taxpayers receive good value for their money.
Residents expect reliable services, well-maintained infrastructure, and responsible financial management. At the same time, property taxes represent a significant expense for many households.
My approach is to focus on value for money by carefully evaluating spending decisions, prioritizing investments that provide long-term benefits, and ensuring municipal resources are used responsibly. By doing so, we can maintain essential services while respecting the financial realities facing residents.
6. Why are you the best candidate to represent your ward, and what experience do you bring to the role?
Saint Andrews has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mother’s family is from here, and I spent many summers, holidays, and family gatherings in this community. Ten years ago, I moved here to build a life with my wife, and I am proud to call Saint Andrews home.
I am running because I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me. I am not running for or against any particular issue. I am running to listen to residents, understand their concerns, and help make informed decisions that serve the best interests of our entire community.
Professionally, I bring more than two decades of experience in leadership, operations, budgeting, project management, and problem-solving. In my current role as Senior Systems Administrator with Ganong Bros., I support business operations, manage projects, oversee budgets and vendor relationships, and help ensure the reliability of systems that support manufacturing and production. Throughout my career, I have also held management and leadership positions where I supervised teams, coordinated resources, managed purchasing and inventory, and worked collaboratively to achieve organizational goals.
In addition to my professional experience, community service has always been an important part of my life. I have volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross in disaster relief, water safety, and first aid programs, supported the New Brunswick Association for Community Living, served on the board of the New Brunswick Chapter of the Canadian Hemophilia Society, and participated in a variety of community organizations.
I believe good local government starts with listening. My commitment is to listen to residents, be accessible and accountable, and work collaboratively to help build a stronger future for everyone who calls Saint Andrews home.
