My family originated in Manitoba where both of my parents worked as school teachers in the days of the one-room schoolhouse.
With hindsight, I can see how they influenced me to have universal values, for example, respect for all races, cultures and religions.
My own teaching career has been a blending of community development projects along with educating adults and children experiencing severe barriers to learning.
I am now writing a curriculum to train people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder to enter the workforce.
Why am I running?
It is becoming more and more obvious that government no longer reflects the will of the people.
Here in Port Alberni, our mayor and city council dismiss petitions for referendums on matters of great importance to the community.
I am a staunch supporter of citizen-initiated referenda whereby people are empowered to vote on issues. The function of government is to serve its citizens, not corporations and special interest groups. Co-opted government is in need of an overhaul.
What do I stand for? I stand for several things.
Providing the necessary leadership to materialize Vision 20/20 as created by the people of the Alberni Valley for a healthy and prosperous future.
Open and frank discussion in city council meetings in order to solve serious problems confronting our city.
Providing leadership to restore and protect charter rights and freedoms which are being eliminated by all levels of government.
I am no stranger to the great rewards and great burdens which accompany leadership.