What I Stand For

As a local Realtor – and before that as a reporter for CHBC news – I’ve kept a close eye on local politics and initiatives. I understand leadership, I know the role of a city councillor, and over time I’ve developed my own ideas about moving Kelowna forward.

But then there are those events that come along rather unexpectedly. Events that make international headlines. Events that carry Kelowna’s good name along with words like: gang activity, handguns… a drive-by shooting in broad daylight at Kelowna’s premier hotel.

That single event—the assassination of a notorious gangster on our streets—has opened my eyes to what police have been warning us about for years.

There might not be much I can do. Our powers are limited. But if I am your councillor I will use my voice to speak out about this. I want it known that I pledge my support for the RCMP and its gang task force. We can’t let our city’s name, our reputation be dragged into gangland history. I want our police to know I’ve got their back.

I believe this is a critical election in Kelowna’s history. We can no longer just sit back and say yes or no to investors and developers.

We have a chance now to define what we want our city to be. We can take the initiative. We can stimulate our own economy.

But this requires vision. This requires positive leadership. It requires councillors who can work together and offer alternative ideas and solutions instead of just criticizing the status quo.

I believe in these things and I believe I am that councillor.