Wendy Kerr considers herself a “Port Alberni lifer” despite being born in Nanaimo. She graduated from Alberni District Secondary School in 1977 and has worked at West Coast General Hospital since then, starting as a cook and working her way up to running the stores and purchasing department and getting involved in her union.
“I love helping with the union work and trying to make a difference,” she said. She is also a chairperson with the Hospital Employees Union.
“I am very familiar with Roberts Rules of Order and wielding a gavel,” she said. “And I like to get things done as quickly as possible.”
Kerr takes pride in her charitable fundraising. She is a member of the Rollin Art Centre, Portal Players and Alberni Fish and Game Club (she is a certified shooter, too).
While her family is her No. 1 passion, her community ranks right up there. She sits on the board of the Alberni-Clayoquot Continuing Care Society, which works with Fir Park and Echo Village seniors facilities.
When asked why she is running for city council, Kerr said it’s all about the people.
“I just love people. I’m a people person, I’m very approachable. I love to hear people’s stories,” she said. “I like to hear their problems and then I love to see if we can solve them.”
Kerr has embraced social media throughout the election campaign, blogging her thoughts and opinions on subjects ranging from why the city needs a well-trained fire brigade (“No, I don’t support cutbacks in the fire department. If anything, we probably need more firemen.”) to why she lives the 10 per cent shift (spending a minimum of 10 per cent of her food budget on locally grown and raised produce). She has also participated in online discussions with potential constituents and candidates.
“If chosen as your councillor, I have the background, passion, persistence and determination to improve the quality of life in Port Alberni,” she said. “My honey frequently reminds me that the world is run by those who show up. So here goes.”