Mayoral Balance

Archie, my father, continually encouraged me to run for Council the summer of 2012 until I came to the same conclusion: my education in Community Economic Development, business experience, community involvement, optimism and energy could benefit the Town. I ran that Fall and became the Town’s new Deputy Mayor.

I loved the work so much that in 2016, I decided to put my name forward as Mayor.

Being your mayor these past 8 years and playing a role in growing our Town through hard work, detailed analysis, prioritization and collaboration with council, Town staff, and community partners has been such a rewarding experience, and it also has been a huge lesson in life/work balance.

In 2016, when I was acclaimed as Mayor, I felt an immense amount of pressure to prove myself, especially when hearing comments like, “Nobody voted for her,” “She only has the job because nobody wanted it,” and “She is not ready and not qualified.” In response, I tried to do everything, be everything to everyone, be available to everyone no matter the time of day, or day of the week.

I poured myself into the Mayor’s role; and, as I filled up that bucket, my other buckets were slowly running dry.

Don’t get me wrong… All that time and effort translated into a lot of learning, a lot of important connections at the local, provincial, and federal levels, and a lot of collaborative work that helped prepare the Town for growth.

But it wasn’t healthy, and it wasn’t sustainable.

When I was elected to my second term as your Mayor, Covid was in full swing – the ultimate blindside of our lifetimes!

No one escaped unscathed: its fingerprints left physical, emotional, and financial bruises on us all. For many, these impacts are still felt, as the world continues to try to right itself into a new sense of normal.

Covid was also a massive wake-up call that shifted the fabric of our lives. Some people transitioned to working from home. Travel slowed as people connected virtually. We saw a reverse trend as families moved away from urban centers to smaller communities. Health, quality of life and family became a much larger focus for many.

In 2020, I was so grateful to be chosen by you to serve and lead during such uncertain times. Like many, I thought a lot about my health, quality of life and my family. It was apparent to me that I needed to find a better life balance as your Mayor, as a business owner, as a community volunteer, and especially, as a mother.

I made more time for my family, my business, my friends. I spent as many weekends as I could being that loud cheering hockey mom. I invited friends to catch up while exploring new parts of our nature trails. I pitched in more with my Fleur-de-Lis family.

I also gave my fellow council members more opportunities to lead when I was away on town business, had conflicts, or was unwell.

Getting to a better balance isn’t something you find – its something you consciously choose. Its an exercise in prioritizing the way you work, the way you live, and how you manage and use your time.

Some of you may have noticed I spend less time on social media, and that I attend less community events than in my first term. This doesn’t mean I have stopped working diligently as your mayor. I continue to work everyday as your mayor. I continue to advocate, meet with Stakeholders, meet with community members, meet with Town Staff, meet with Provincial and Federal officials, meet with committee organizations and talk with residents both in person, and via phone, social media, email and text.

My work as your mayor over the past 8 years is available to you in just a few clicks on our Town website. https://townofporthawkesbury.ca/.../municipal-meeting.../ I submit written committee-of-the-whole reports that outlines my meetings, my activities, and my projects so that Council, Town staff, and citizens have ready and easy access to everything I do. This is my commitment to transparency and accountability.

If elected for a 3rd term, I will continue to strive for balance in my life so I can keep my batteries charged and ready to do the work that is important to you. Further, I promise to work to the best of my ability with the council you elect, with Town staff, and with all community partners.

Lastly, I promise to continue to lead with that same energy and that same optimist, open-minded and collaborative spirit that inspired my dad 12 years ago when he saw my leadership potential to serve our hometown.

Thank you for your confidence over the past 12 years! It has been such an incredible and rewarding learning experience!

Thank you also to my mentors and colleagues whose support have very much shaped the leader you see today.

Let’s continue to work together for a stronger Port Hawkesbury! I ask for your support on October 19th, 2024.