There is no stronger advocate for fiscal responsibility at both City and Region. After studying Honours Business and Economics at the University of Guelph, I earned an MBA from York University. To achieve the best for our taxpayers, we will have to work diligently on other issues like school closures; finalizing an agreement with public and Catholic School Boards to retain almost all of the green space at General Brock (Gary Allan), and Lansdown Park; traffic issues; road repair, & resurfacing; increasing public access to our waterfront; infill development and preserving employment land, so more of our citizens can live and work in Burlington.
I own Cedar Springs Health Racquet and Sportsclub so both my home and my business are in Ward 4. I want to ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely. I understand that there is only one taxpayer and that we need less tax while maintaining service levels.
For 42 years, I have been in business in Burlington and wish to continue to bring "balanced business basics to both councils".
For 58 years, I have lived in Burlington. I am blessed to have a 33 year old daughter, Meghan, who with my son-in-law, Brandon, have given me two wonderful granddaughters, Ava Joy (5) and Emerson Sienna(3). My son, John (29), has a wonderful wife, Kathleen. My mother, Joy Smith, is at home so we span four generations.
Burlington is and needs to continue to be at the top of the list for the best places in Canada to live. Last year we were 4th and this year 3rd best in the country. With the potential change to council adding one or two more fiscally responsible councilors will make Burlington even better. Greater civic engagement and public consultation is a must. The recommendations of the Shape Burlington Report must become the focus of all councillors.
To meet new challenges and opportunities ahead we need a balance of what is good from previous councils and what /who can improve future councils.