The Six Priorities Guiding My Campaign

In my first two articles, I shared more about my professional life, my family and my connection to North Marysburgh. Now I would like to explain the six priorities guiding my campaign, and what they would mean in practice if I am elected.

These are not promises that I can accomplish alone. One councillor is one voice and one vote. What I can promise is to bring these priorities to the council table, ask the necessary questions and work persistently to move them forward.

1. Responsible and Accountable Spending

Municipal spending is not simply about saying yes or no. It is about understanding what taxpayers are purchasing, whether the expected result is worthwhile and what today’s decision may cost us in the future.

I will scrutinize significant expenditures, ask for clear objectives and consider the full lifecycle cost of municipal decisions. Outside consultants can provide essential legal, engineering or technical expertise, but their assignments should be clearly defined and should not duplicate work the County can reasonably perform internally. Taxpayers deserve to see value from every expenditure.

2. A Strong Local and Rural Economy

Prince Edward County needs a diverse economy that includes farms, wineries, breweries, fisheries, trades, restaurants, tourism operators, independent shops and other small businesses. These businesses provide employment, serve residents and help keep our communities active throughout the year.

I want the County to be a place where responsible investment is welcomed and local businesses can grow. At the same time, economic development must respect municipal rules, neighbouring properties, agricultural land and infrastructure limitations. Supporting business should not mean transferring avoidable private costs to taxpayers.

3. Clear, Timely and Fair Planning

The planning process can be frustrating for applicants, neighbours and residents trying to understand what is being proposed. Unclear requirements and unnecessary delays cost money, prolong uncertainty and undermine public confidence.

I will advocate for clearer expectations, consistent procedures, better communication and reasonable timelines. Streamlining the process must not mean bypassing public input, environmental assessment or proper review. The goal should be a system that is efficient and understandable while still ensuring that development is appropriate for its location and effects.

4. Practical Roads and Infrastructure

Roads are among the issues I hear about most often, but decades of infrastructure needs cannot be resolved with one budget or one term of council. Promising otherwise would not be realistic.

I support evidence-based priorities, preventive maintenance and long-term planning that residents can understand. We must continue pursuing provincial and federal funding, while ensuring that development and major industrial users contribute appropriately to the infrastructure they require and affect. Affordability matters, but postponing necessary work until an asset fails can leave taxpayers with a much larger bill.

5. Protecting a Working Rural Community

North Marysburgh’s rural character is not simply its scenery or charm. It includes working farms, commercial fishing, local businesses, natural areas, shorelines, families and residents who want to continue living and working here.

I support responsible development that is appropriately located and scaled. Agricultural land, water resources and existing rural uses must be considered seriously—not treated as obstacles to be addressed after decisions have effectively been made. Growth should strengthen the community rather than gradually displace the people and activities that created it.

6. Accessible, Collaborative and Transparent Representation

Listening is important, but residents deserve more than a promise that their councillor will listen. They deserve to know what is happening, how their concerns are being represented and why significant decisions were made.

If elected, I will  remain available to residents and explain important votes in plain language. I will disclose potential conflicts proactively and seek guidance when needed. I will work constructively with other councillors and municipal staff, but collaboration will not prevent me from asking difficult questions or taking an independent position.

How These Priorities Work Together

These six priorities are connected. We cannot discuss development without considering roads, agriculture and taxpayers. We cannot discuss spending without considering long-term infrastructure costs. And we cannot make sound decisions on any of these matters without transparent processes and meaningful communication.

I do not expect every resident to agree with me on every issue. What I hope to earn is your confidence that I will prepare carefully, listen respectfully, make decisions independently and explain honestly how I reached them.

That is the kind of representation I believe North Marysburgh deserves, and the standard I will work to meet. I hope your vote will help support me in achieving it for North Marysburgh.