Fundy Shores At-Large Candidate: Rachel Clark
1. As candidates, what would be your key priorities over the next four years in your community?
My key priorities over the next 4 years would be:
– Supporting community growth and enhancing the overall quality of life of our residents.
– More community events, recreational opportunities for all ages, a community library, more support available for seniors to help foster and facilitate shared community-wide success.
– Community engagement to ensure transparency (regular clear communications regarding council projects and priorities
2. How would you achieve those priorities within your mandate?
I would focus on listening first. Making sure we all have a real voice in decisions through regular communication in plain language.
From there, I would unite with council to support responsible growth, protect what makes us special, and make practical decisions that improve day to day quality of life while staying within our budget.
3. How will you ensure transparency and accountability in council decisions and communication with residents?
I would see regular clear updates pre- and post council meetings. Publicly tracking the progress of any projects in progress with the community would be comforting to a lot of people who wonder about what’s going on as things grow and change in our area. I will be available throughout the week should anyone have any questions/concerned and will be making an effort to make myself available at the community office as well. We may not always agree on everything, but you will always know where I stand, how the decisions were made and why, and that I am always working for you. That is the kind of transparency and accountability that Fundy Shores deserves.
4. What is your approach to managing growth and development while preserving the character of the community?
Development is about balance. I want our community to grow, more small business to feel welcome, more activities and events, and that means listening to our residents, planning carefully and making sure any developments fit with our community.
It doesn’t have to be a choice between growth and preserving who we are. We can do both if we do it thoughtfully.
5. What is your position on property taxes, and how would you balance affordability with maintaining services?
My entire approach to taxes is to avoid increases wherever we can. People are already dealing with the rising cost of living and every dollar can make the difference.
I also believe in being upfront, so again it’s about balance. Keeping taxes manageable while making sure Fundy Shores keeps functioning well and taking care of our people.
6. Why are you the best candidate to represent your ward, and what experience do you bring to the role?
I am running to represent Fundy Shores because this community is home and I care deeply about the people who live here. I set out to bring the Dolly Parton book program to our community and with support of Mayor Cogswell and Council we now have free books coming into our community each month into the hands of our children. I am co-hosting 2 community events this year that have numerous vendors, authors, and activities planned throughout. I will always show up, put in the hard work, and listen to my neighbours.
Each candidate was provided with the same six questions and equal limits on response length and time. Candidates who did not have publicly available contact information through Elections New Brunswick were required to contact The Courier in accordance with its Municipal Election Coverage Fairness Policy. Candidates who did not respond or declined to participate are noted. Failure to participate will not result in additional coverage elsewhere in the newspaper.
