I’m an educator so every day I am involved in our community and sharing information with others. I moderate a local Facebook forum that is the “go to” for keeping more than 20,000 Vernon and area residents informed. I started a local political discussion group that today counts more than 1,700 members. I’m also a co-admin for other groups such as Vernon Area Fire/Flood Watch, Vintage Vernon, and Mutrie Dog Park. Most recently, I was part of the organizing committee for Vernon’s first Pride Week and I was honoured to be selected by my peers as the Grand Marshall for Vernon’s first Pride March in recognition of my longstanding work as an advocate in our community.

I listen.

I find answers for folks.

I share relevant, timely, local information on social media, in person, by phone and text.

I live downtown and support local business.

Growing up, my father owned and operated a small business and from this I learned not only the benefits of shopping local, but also the challenges that our local business owners face, every day. I understand the complex issues our community faces with health and housing. I am part of an intergenerational household and have lived downtown for more than 30 years. Not only do I see old classmates on our streets but also, former students. My work as a secondary school teacher has allowed me to support youth in the classroom, and as a coach and teacher sponsor of clubs for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.

I am an advocate for our community, because our community matters. My experience with chronic pain gives me empathy and understanding for those in our community with disabilities who must live within limitations, every day. Living downtown, I formed a special appreciation for seniors and their concerns. I was the primary caregiver for my paternal grandparents from high school until they passed.

For the past 6 years I have attended Council meetings and spent my time informing myself and engaging with our City’s most valuable resource, our residents. I know what’s involved in this role and feel I can represent your interests at City Hall.

I understand the value of your taxpayer dollar. I know that every tax dollar going into the city is coming from residents wallets and should be spent with that in mind. That is why I want to represent you and be your City Councillor. I want to ensure we receive the best possible value for our dollar and make the best possible decisions, for us all.

Every day, I hear from residents whether on the street, in the stores or in the social media groups I administer. I quickly respond and obtain information from the City and get back to them. A goal of mine is to bring common sense back to communication at the City level. I want residents to feel heard and responded to.

I deal with the same issues as you do. My priority is resident interests and the community as a whole when making decisions.

We deserve a Council that is diverse and inclusive. We need a Council that will be accountable leaders with demonstrated action. We as residents deserve a Council that can make the right call without influence from special or private interests. We as residents deserve a council that listens and responds to us.

Your vote for me will make change happen!

I am here to listen, to ask the hard questions, to find the answers, and more importantly to get back to you. I am not here to promote myself or any particular business, I am here to build and promote our community. I want to have our environment be considered more in our decisions. I want more youth to stay and not move away. I want more families to stay. I want more places in Vernon to be accessible as well as affordable especially housing and recreation options.

I want to be the leader you have told me you want on council.

Over the next few weeks I want to hear from you about your ideas for our community.

I hope to earn your vote for Council this October.

Find me on Facebook or BuzzDawn.ca