I have thought about running since the last city elections. I talked about it with my family and my friends. Based on their encouragement, I decided to run and offer Port Alberni citizens an alternative choice.
I enjoy working as a teacher on call with School District 70, Port Alberni. My work gives me the opportunity to meet so many young people who live here.
Some of them, by sharing their dreams and ideas about their future, have made me realize how much more must be done in our area so that they do not have to leave Port Alberni, either to pursue their post-secondary education or their dream jobs.
Being a member of the Alberni District Teachers Union and a second vice-president of the Port Alberni District Labour council, I became more aware of the needs of not only the unionized labour force, but the private labour force as well. I am aware of the necessity to preserve workers’ rights and accomplishments.
I believe in securing our resources, jobs and creating more meaningful employment opportunities. The public sector cannot be privatized as some governments would like.
Having been born in the former Czechoslovakia and lived and worked in many different parts of Canada, from Manitoba to the Northwest Territories and Ahousaht, I bring unique views to our city hall.
By focusing on environmental issues, education, social services, tourism, recycling and new industries, I would like to expand working opportunities for people living in our area. In addition, I would like to make our city a great place for our retirees.
Indeed, I would like to make this city such that it would be the envy of all Canadians. I believe that working together as a community, we would be able to accomplish this by having a transparent council that co-operates and listens to citizens’ needs.