My platform for running for city council focuses on three main areas essential to Martensville’s continued growth and well-being:
1. Listening to the Community: I am committed to engaging with the community, actively listening to residents’ needs and concerns, and making decisions based on direct feedback.
2. Maintaining Positive Finances: Ensuring a financially stable and thriving Martensville is a top priority. I will work to responsibly manage community resources, focusing on fiscal accountability and exploring ways to boost the local economy to benefit everyone.
3. Improving Access to Essential Services: I aim to work diligently to make essential services more accessible within our area, ensuring residents have local access to the support they need.
Most Pressing Issue in Martensville – Based on my conversations with community members and RCMP officers, policing stands out as a critical concern. Addressing this issue involves not only advocating for additional resources but also fostering public understanding of the limitations and demands on police. Increasing access to youth services could also play a vital role in reducing public safety concerns.
Policing and Community Safety – At the recent Candidates Forum, policing was a prominent topic. To address the need for better police coverage, it’s essential to understand how current funding works. The RCMP covers a large area with a limited number of officers, creating challenges in response times and coverage. I support the following initiatives to as options to improve community safety:
• Enhanced Patrols: Collaborate with the RCMP to advocate for additional officers and reduced patrol radius.
• Community Policing Initiatives: Build strong relationships between officers, residents, and businesses, fostering trust and cooperation.
• Research and Innovation: Investigate successful programs in similar communities and explore the feasibility of community safety officers or Police and Crisis Teams (PACT).
• Collaboration with Nearby Communities: Partner with nearby police forces to maximize resources and create joint initiatives.
Improving Healthcare Access – Access to healthcare is an ongoing concern for Martensville residents and many areas of Saskatchewan and Canada as a whole. I would work towards attracting more private healthcare providers to our area and advocate for increased services within the community. This could involve creating partnerships with local health organizations, advocating for provincial support, and facilitating discussions with healthcare providers to explore solutions that bring more comprehensive care directly to our residents.
What Inspired Me to Run for City Council? – I decided to run for city council after being encouraged by several community members who felt my background and dedication would be beneficial in a leadership role. My passion for Martensville and my drive to be part of the solution made this a natural next step. Running for council allows me to contribute to the growth of our community and help shape its future in a way that reflects the values we all hold dear.
What Sets Me Apart from Other Candidates? – What truly sets me apart is my deep involvement and dedication to Martensville. Over the past four years, I have secured over $200,000 in grants, demonstrating my commitment to bringing in resources and addressing gaps in the community. Seeing a need for accessible mental health services, I opened a counselling office to ensure residents could receive help locally rather than needing to travel to Saskatoon. Recognizing the need for safe recreational spaces for youth, I created an after-school youth program while completing my Master’s degree for youth to engage, learn, and socialize.
My involvement in community boards also speaks to my dedication to Martensville’s growth and success. I served as a director on the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce for two years, supporting local businesses, and have been on the Housing Authority board for five years, where I work to address housing needs for our residents. With a degree in social work, a master’s degree in education, and mediation training, I bring a strong background in conflict resolution and community-focused service.
As a resident under 45 with a young family, I understand the needs and concerns of a significant portion of our population. I stay involved with public issues and work actively towards meaningful solutions. Additionally, working in the hospital’s emergency department exposed me to high-pressure situations, where effective communication and self-care are essential.
