Current Occupation – Teacher – Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre
Background - Vancouver Island first became home for me in 1971. After graduating from Claremont in Central Saanich, I went to Camosun, UVIC and Royal Roads University, where I completed a Master’s in Conflict Analysis and Management in 2007. My career in Justice, Mediation and Corrections began in 1977, and took me to many places in BC, as well as to Australia and Nevada.
I have served on many government and non-governmental Boards and Non-profit Societies, and I now serve on local agency Boards as well as the UVIC Alumni Board. I have been a member of Lions Clubs International for 16 years, and served as District Governor for the Lions in Nevada from 2012 – 2013.
Why are you running for electoral area director ?
I was asked by members of several groups to run as the Area G Director, so I had a groundswell of support since the spring of 2018. They came to me based on my extensive governmental experience, my research and reporting acumen, public speaking, integrity, knowledge and dedication to service. Each of Thetis Island, Penelakut and Saltair communities has unique interests and concerns, and I will represent each of them comprehensively at the CVRD Board. I will hold regular local office hours, and be accessible through social media as well as on the phone. I am running because I am the best person for the job at hand.
If elected, what will your priorities be for the term, and outline how you will tackle them?
My priorities are to listen and to understand ALL of the voters of Area G and represent THEM at the Board and on Committees. I have worked hard for 40 + years in a professional context, as well as to raise my children, travel extensively, and continue a journey of life-long learning. I will continue to work hard, hold community meetings, focus groups, and publish a newsletter to keep constituents aware of the discussions and decisions at the CVRD. I will work collaboratively with all of the Directors, CVRD Staff and consultants to bring the most comprehensive information possible to the residents of each community.
This summer I completed more university courses (Thompson Rivers University) in Physical Geography to better understand hydrology and watershed protection in the face of climate change. I will continue to study and research and share my findings.
I will work to bring cohesion to communities through providing facts, empirical research and science, as well as with my team building and people skills, to move forward with a view to sustainability for future generations.