Survey Says...

Recently, the Victoria News asked: What would you like voters to know about you?

Here's what I replied...

"I’m a facilitator by trade. I know how to bring people together, find their common ground, balance competing interests and get results. I value the process of collaboration, and am committed to practical outcomes that make sense. Elected less than a year ago, I brought those skills to city hall and in that short time I’ve accomplished a lot.

Just a few examples: I’ve secured city council approval for an integrated plan to help our most vulnerable residents get the supports and health services they need.

I’ve secured Council support for a comprehensive open government initiative that will give Victorians easy access to information and bring city hall to TV and computer screens. I’ve set up regular Open Door sessions in my liaison neighbourhoods so people can walk in and talk with me about any issue.

I’ve made planning decisions that preserve Victoria’s heritage and promote appropriate development for our future.

I’ve made Victoria Canada’s second Blue Community, by banning the sale of bottled water in city facilities and ensuring that our water resources remain in public hands

This is the kind of work I do every day. Having the opportunity to create change for the good of our whole community is the most amazing experience! I love my job and I’m proud to do it. It’s such a privilege to be working with Victorians – listening, talking, exploring and responding, turning their ideas into action.

I think this year has been a good start. I consider myself an activist Councillor, and I think if we can get all this done in one year, I know we can do so much more, together, in three.

Some future goals: more affordable housing, including looking at cooperative and co-housing options. Regional planning and delivery of transportation, police and emergency preparedness services. Tapping into new revenue streams to fund quality public services and moderate tax increases. Working with local business to create new training and jobs, with competitive wages that will bring our average income into range with our cost of living. Using the new Official Community Plan to guide new development that will meet the needs of the thousands of new residents we need to fill those jobs and drive our economy.