Hometown News Election Centre

As Reeve I enjoy serving the people of Beckwith and being part of the council that shapes the future of the Township. I bring over 20 years of municipal leadership, experience working with federal and provincial governments, an agricultural background, and longstanding involvement in youth and community activities.

Managing growth mandated by the province. We need most of our growth within our community development areas so that we can maintain our rural character. This can be done by strengthening our Official Plan. I have been, and will continue to be, a strong voice against ALTO coming through Beckwith.

The Township can always do things better, and we are constantly making improvements. Examples include online recreation registration, more ways to pay taxes, weather tracking for more efficient snow plowing and salt operations, and online fire permits. I will ensure we continue improving service delivery while controlling the tax rate.

Most difficult decisions are related to planning and include public meetings. I make time to meet residents in person, by phone or email. I always listen to every point of view, and consider the facts, before council makes a decision.

During my time as Reeve, Beckwith has done a very good job at balancing taxes with the cost of operations. It is a fact that we have the lowest tax rate in Lanark County, we successful secured federal and provincial grants, our recreational user fees cover recreation operation costs.

Reeve, council and staff each must understand their roles and responsibilities. Council sets policy, staff carries it out and residents are the customers. What makes it work is open communication, respect for each other, and knowing it takes the majority of council to make a decision. This along with experience, leadership, which I bring, is a recipe for a successful working relationship.

I’m running for Reeve because residents deserve a choice and a stronger voice, and Beckwith would benefit from a fresh perspective. I bring 24 years of working in municipal government, an understanding of Council processes, a commitment to listening, transparency and responsible decision-making, and 23 years living and raising my family in Beckwith.

I believe the most important issue is managing growth responsibly while protecting Beckwith’s rural character. That means fair, consistent planning decisions, understanding infrastructure impacts, and involving residents before major decisions are made. Growth should strengthen our community, not change what people value most about living here.

Beckwith could improve transparency and accessibility by making public Council and committee information easier to access. I would ensure agendas, minutes, staff reports and other public reports are posted online, and that meetings are livestreamed and recorded for later viewing, giving residents more ways to stay informed and participate.

Before making a difficult decision, I would actively seek input from residents through public consultation, online surveys, one-on-one conversations and community engagement. I would listen respectfully, consider different perspectives alongside the facts and staff advice, look for possible compromise, and explain how resident input informed the final decision. I believe respectful disagreement can lead to better decisions when people feel genuinely heard.

Council needs to balance affordability with the reality that roads, infrastructure and municipal services have to be properly maintained. I would focus on responsible long-term planning, prioritizing essential needs, carefully reviewing spending and seeking outside funding wherever possible, while making sure residents understand where their tax dollars are going and why. The goal should be reliable services and infrastructure while ensuring taxpayers receive strong value for every dollar.

As Reeve, I would lead by example with respect, professionalism, open communication and a collaborative approach. I would respect the distinct roles of Council and staff, encourage constructive discussion and differing opinions, and ensure residents are treated respectfully and kept informed. Strong relationships are built on trust, accountability and working together.

I am seeking the position of Beckwith Councillor because I have a lot of experience in elected politics in Beckwith and I have a lot more that I feel like that I can contribute.

The most important issue facing Beckwith is the lack of affordable housing both for young people and seniors. The answer to that is to allow a certain amount of building in new subdivisions to be on smaller lots or on communal systems.

I believe in talking to residents and listening to their concerns and where possible finding ways to implement them.

Most difficult decisions are related to planning and include public meetings. I make time to meet residents in person, by phone or email. I always listen to every point of view, and consider the facts, before council makes a decision.

We need to adopt policies that keep spending in line while prioritizing road maintenance, acquiring new and used equipment where it is necessary. In other words to adopt and stick an up to date asset management plan.

I believe in listening and learning from everyone be it my colleagues, our staff and the public.

I am seeking this position because I genuinely care about the community I call home. My family and I have lived in Beckwith Township for five years. I enjoy meeting people and listening to their concerns and ideas. I would bring a fresh perspective, an open mind and a commitment to representing residents fairly.

I believe one of the most important things is making sure Beckwith continues to grow responsibly while maintaining the qualities that make it such a great place to live.

One change I would like to see is more opportunities for residents to easily provide feedback and understand what Council is working on and why decisions are being made. For example, opportunities for residents to share their concerns before important decisions are made, I would like to see residents feel more connected to their municipality.

I would listen to their concerns, ask questions, and try to understand where they are coming from. I would also consider the information and facts behind their position.

I believe this requires responsible financial planning and finding the right balance. I would want Council to carefully prioritize spending, look at where tax dollars are going, consider long-term infrastructure needs, and make decisions based on both current needs and future costs. I would also want residents to have a clear understanding of why significant expenditures are being made.

I believe respect and communication are the foundation of an effective Council. I would treat the mayor, fellow councillors, municipal staff and residents with respect, even when we don't agree. I would come prepared, listen to different perspectives, ask questions, and focus on the issue rather than making things personal.

I am seeking re-election because I care deeply about Beckwith and believe in serving our community with honesty, humility and common sense. My four years on Council have given me valuable experience and knowledge. I have learnt a great deal, gained valuable perspective, and had the opportunity to listen to and work alongside many wonderful residents, Township staff and Council. I am grateful for the trust placed in me, and I feel I still have more to contribute. I will continue bringing a practical, thoughtful perspective focused on responsible decisions and our community's best interests.

Managing growth while protecting Beckwith’s rural character is one of our greatest challenges. I support thoughtful, well planned development that respects existing residents, infrastructure and our agricultural community. I would continue asking practical questions, listening to residents and making decisions that balance growth with what makes Beckwith such a special place to live.

We can continue to build on the great community we have by focusing on healthy, active living and ensuring there are opportunities for residents of all ages and stages of life. I would like to see continued investment in recreation, trails, parks, and programs that bring people together and support physical and social well being. My goal would be to ensure our community continues to serve everyone, from our youngest residents to our seniors and remains a welcoming, active and connected place to call home.

I believe that disagreements are an important part of good decision making. I would listen respectfully, ask questions and consider the facts and concerns being presented, even when they differ from my own views. Ultimately my responsibility is to make a fair, informed decision based on what is best for Beckwith as a whole.

Council must be responsible with every tax dollar. Maintaining roads, infrastructure and services is essential, but so is recognizing the financial pressures facing families. I support careful budgeting, prioritizing essential needs, planning ahead and seeking efficiencies before increasing costs.

Strong work relationships are built on respect, professionalism and communication. I would continue working collaboratively with Council and staff, while listening to residents and treating everyone's opinions respectfully. We may not always agree, but we can disagree respectfully, focus on the facts and work together toward practical solutions for Beckwith.

I am seeking re-election to continue serving Beckwith with the experience and knowledge gained through my first term on council. I am committed to responsible decision making, strong fiscal management, thoughtful growth and listening to residents. I bring practical experience, community involvement and a commitment to Beckwith's future.

I believe responsible growth with maintaining Beckwith's rural character is one of our most important challenges. We need to plan carefully for development and infrastructure while protecting what makes our community special. I will continue advocating for responsible spending, long-term planning and decisions that reflect residents' needs and priorities.

This term of council made great strides in planning for infrastructure and addressing the needs of our growing community. I would like to continue that work by focusing on long-term infrastructure planning, and maintaining our roads and facilities. Building on this progress to continue moving the community forward while keeping Beckwith

I believe good council decisions come from listening to all perspectives, including those in disagreement. I would encourage open dialogue, hear residents' concerns respectfully, consider all the facts and potential impacts, then use that input to make informed decisions that serve the best interests of the entire township.

Council must balance affordability with the need to maintain safe, reliable infrastructure. In my opinion this means careful budgeting, prioritizing essential projects, seeking efficiencies and planning for long-term needs. Responsible spending and planning can protect both taxpayers and Beckwith.

I believe this term of council has been very successful in working collaboratively and respectfully toward common goals. I would continue to bring that same approach by listening, communicating openly and working professionally with council, staff and residents. Council works best when the members, staff and residents feel heard and valued.

I’m seeking re-election to continue listening to our community and ensure that residents have a strong voice at Council. I am committed and experienced in serving Beckwith. I bring a practical and community-focused perspective to the table from my work experience in business relationship management, finance, project management and IT.

Pressures for development and growth from provincial and federal governments continue while the costs continue to rise with minimal government support. I would plan to manage growth while controlling municipal expenses through proactive planning and responsible budgeting. I would ensure Beckwith can maintain and improve its service standards.

Beckwith Township could provide better communication to residents. Departments could provide a higher standard of clear, informative communication and response time to residents’ inquiries. I would propose proactive online and social media communication. Resident engagement and clear communication for events, township projects and public works initiatives.

I am proactive in my communication and would contact residents directly to listen to their concerns and perspectives. I listen with an open mind and consider the information provided to me. I will explain my decisions based on the facts provided and remain open to changes that better our community.

Council should continue to use our Asset Management Plan while looking to continuously improve our maintenance programs. Forward thinking and planning, paired with a focus on government grants will allow us to maintain affordable taxes while upgrading infrastructure and improving our municipal services and recreational offerings to the community.

I build strong relationships by providing clear, consistent communication that is respectful and honest. As a councillor, I am an active listener, always available to residents. Being empathetic, realistic and caring towards others’ views and opinions has helped foster the working relationships I have with staff and my fellow councillors.