About me and my Vision for Ladysmith

What is your background?

I am from Comox BC, originally, I have lived in Courtenay, Comox, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Victoria, and currently I live in Cowichan Bay BC. I have been a computer technician, for 20 years, a business administration and ESL Instructor for 10 Years. I worked on the Vancouver Island University CUPE 1858 Union as a member of the executive passing local union by-laws and resolutions, this role was very similar to that of a Councillor. I have also been the Campus Director of a private college for over two years which involved every aspect of leading the college. I lived Ladysmith from 2016 to 2017, I really enjoyed the community it was quiet and peaceful compared to other places. That’s why we chose to come back to the Cowichan Valley regional district area. I like to visit Ladysmith on my days off I like coming to Ladysmith for shopping, I also enjoy visiting Transfer Beach Park in Ladysmith, the Ladysmith light up every year is amazing. 

Why are you running for mayor?

I am running for Mayor as I want to help the community achieve it’s objectives and to be able to expand its focus and make room for future expansion. I would like to help the community work towards meeting the objectives of the OCP. I also want help the community expand its tourism base. In addition, I would like to bring more jobs and businesses into the community.  I would like to bring more affordable housing to the community. Finally, I would like to improve community engagement with local government. 

What steps would you take to address the need for a new city hall and build public support for the project?

 If elected I will do everything in my power to get the Buller Street Revitalization Project, moving, I will look at ways to remove any barriers that are preventing the project from happening while at the same time making sure we have the safeguards in place to move ahead with the project. The new city hall will be an essential asset to this project, and it will also help build on the character of the community. 

How would you strengthen Ladysmith’s relationship with Stz’uminus First Nation and work together on shared goals?

In order to strengthen Ladysmith's relationship with the Stz’uminus First Nation this will require that we will need to consistently have open and ongoing dialogue between Ladysmith town council and the Stz’uminus First Nation council. I would like to create and expand existing joint committees so that we can work together towards common goals. I also want to continue to work towards promoting awareness of the culture, history, and the traditions of the Stz’uminus First Nation. 

What is your vision for navigating development while preserving the town’s character?

Ladysmith BC has a very rich history, many of the buildings in Ladysmith came from the former mining towns of extension, and wellington. It is important that we maintain these buildings and upkeep them as they are a major part of the towns history, additionally I would like to have similar character in the exterior design of newer buildings to preserve and expand on the mining town character of the community and to preserve the towns historical significance.

I would put a motion before council if elected, to see what council thinks is reasonable, it would be a tax break on municipal business tax for the businesses first operational year in Ladysmith. It would be a very small amount, but enough to attract more business owners to bring their business to Ladysmith. 

What is your background?

My background includes the following, I was born in Comox BC, I’ve lived in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Victoria and Cowichan Bay BC. I hold a Master’s of Education degree, I have been a computer technician, network administrator, a teacher, and I have been part of the CUPE 1858 Executive in the past. As a member of the CUPE 1858 Executive I was responsible for performing functions very similar to that of a councillor including voting, passing motions, by-laws, and legislation. I have run in several elections on the Island. 

Why are you running for mayor?

I am running for Mayor as I want to help the community achieve its objectives and to be able to expand its focus and make room for future expansion. I would like to help the community work towards getting a full hospital. I also want to help the community expand its tourism base. In addition, I would like to bring more jobs and businesses into the community.  I would like to bring more affordable housing to the community. Finally, I would like to improve community engagement with local government. 

What steps would you take to address the need for a new city hall and build public support for the project?

 If elected I will do everything in my power to get the Buller Street Revitalization Project moving, I will look at ways to remove any barriers that are preventing the project from happening while at the same time making sure we have the safeguards in place to move ahead with the project. The new city hall will be an essential asset to this project, and it will also help build on the character of the community. 

How would you strengthen Ladysmith’s relationship with Stz’uminus First Nation and work together on shared goals?

In order to strengthen Ladysmith's relationship with the Stz’uminus First Nation this will require that we will need to consistently have open and ongoing dialogue between Ladysmith town council and the Stz’uminus First Nation council. I would like to create and expand existing joint committees so that we can work together towards common goals. I also want to continue to work towards promoting awareness of the culture, history, and the traditions of the Stz’uminus First Nation. 

What is your vision for navigating development while preserving the town’s character?

Ladysmith BC has a very rich history, many of the buildings in Ladysmith came from the former mining towns of extension, and wellington. It is important that we maintain these buildings and upkeep them as they are a major part of the towns history, additionally I would like to have similar character in the exterior design of newer buildings to preserve and expand on the mining town character of the community and to preserve the towns historical significance.