1. Share one specific personal or professional accomplishment that you believe qualifies you to represent Airdrie residents on Airdrie City Council.
One specific accomplishment that qualifies me to represent Airdrie residents on Airdrie City Council is my deep commitment to community service, demonstrated through my organization of weekly free food drives, free clothes drive, and free dental camp in partnership with local nonprofit organizations like the Airdrie Food Bank and Volunteers Airdrie. My successful organization of community cultural events aimed at promoting unity, diversity, inclusion, and equity. It also demonstrated through my organization of the business expo in partnership with the non-profit organization RVIS, which provided vital support to local businesses. This experience has not only strengthened my connection with the community but also equipped me with the skills to advocate effectively for the diverse needs of Airdrie residents.
Additionally, my educational background, including a master’s in engineering (P.Eng) and my professional experience in project management and design for ice hockey and curling rinks, equips me with the skills necessary to effectively manage projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance our community’s quality of life. This hands-on experience not only highlights my ability to address pressing community needs but also reflects my dedication to fostering inclusivity and support for all residents.
2. What are your top three priorities and why?
Balanced Smart Growth
Strategic Budget Allocation: Investing in improving and enhancing existing infrastructure is crucial for ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency. Additionally, maintaining fiscal transparency and responsibility to taxpayers is essential. It’s important to manage resources wisely and communicate clearly about how funds are being utilized to benefit the community.
Empowering Local Businesses
Promote strategies that strengthen existing businesses and attract new ones to our community, boosting economic vitality and job creation.
Capital Investment for Growth
Support new development projects that meet the needs of our growing population. Pushing for a new rec facility in a timely manner while ensuring costs stay low. There should be a greater emphasis on commercial and industrial development rather than residential projects until current resources can keep up with the growing population. Focusing on these areas can help boost the economy, create jobs, and ensure that infrastructure is equipped to handle future demands. Balancing development in this way will support sustainable growth and efficient resource management.
Public Transportation
Children’s Hospital, Foothills, and Peter Lougheed are critical healthcare facilities that should be accessible to all residents via direct public transport, especially families with children and seniors.
Many families are forced to relocate to Calgary simply because their college-aged children lack reliable transit to attend post-secondary institutions like the University of Calgary, SAIT, and Mount Royal University.
Economic mobility is tied to physical mobility. Better transit means more job opportunities, more spending in local businesses, and stronger regional growth.
Direct connectivity locally and to major educational institutions and health facilities will be one of my top priorities.
Support & Safety
Advocate for increased resources for organizations like the Airdrie Food Bank and Boys and Girls Club, which play a crucial role in supporting local families.
Prioritize the resources for our local RCMP to enhance public safety and build stronger communities.