WHY I’M RUNNING
Radium is at an important point in its future.
I didn’t make the decision to run for Mayor lightly. I have spent considerable time attending meetings, following the decisions being made by Council and listening to people throughout our community.
There is a lot that is good about Radium, and there are many people working hard to make our community successful. But I also believe some of the decisions we are making today deserve a closer look.
Major decisions about growth, housing, development and spending can have consequences that last for decades. I believe those decisions should be based on good information, realistic assumptions and a clear understanding of both the benefits and the risks.
That is why I decided to run for Mayor.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP
Good leadership starts with listening, asking questions and being willing to challenge assumptions.
I believe Council should encourage open discussion and make sure different points of view are heard before important decisions are made.
Asking difficult questions isn’t about opposing an idea. It’s about understanding the facts, considering the alternatives and making sure we understand the consequences before moving forward.
I also believe leadership means being accountable. When new information becomes available or circumstances change, we should be willing to reconsider a decision rather than defend it simply because it has already been made.
As Mayor, I would work to create a Council culture where respectful debate is encouraged, information is questioned and decisions are made with the best interests of Radium in mind.
LISTENING TO THE COMMUNITY
Public consultation should mean more than simply giving people an opportunity to speak.
When residents and property owners take the time to attend a meeting, complete a survey, write to Council or speak at a public hearing, their input deserves careful consideration.
That doesn’t mean Council will always be able to make everyone happy. There will be competing opinions, priorities and interests. But people should be able to understand how a decision was reached and know that their views were genuinely considered.
I want people to feel comfortable bringing forward concerns, asking questions and offering ideas — even when we may not agree.
MAKING DECISIONS BASED ON GOOD INFORMATION
Good decisions depend on good information.
Council is often asked to make decisions involving significant amounts of money, long-term planning and assumptions about what Radium may need years into the future.
I believe we need to look carefully at the information behind those decisions. We should understand where the numbers come from, test the assumptions being made and consider whether circumstances have changed.
Information and projections are valuable tools, but they should support good judgment — not replace it.
I will do my homework, ask questions and make decisions based on the best information available.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR RADIUM
No Mayor or Council can build a strong community on their own.
Radium benefits from engaged residents, local businesses, community organizations, volunteers and people who simply care about where they live. I believe local government works best when it draws on that knowledge, experience and commitment.
As Mayor, I would work to build constructive relationships around the Council table and throughout the community. We won’t always agree, but disagreement doesn’t have to prevent us from working together.
My goal is not to have all the answers. It is to help create an environment where good ideas are heard, difficult issues are discussed openly and we work together to find the best path forward for Radium.