From commenting on City Hall, to serving City Hall.

After years of talking about municipal decisions from the outside, I have decided to put my name forward to represent Northwood.

I know there is a difference between commenting on a decision and being responsible for making one.

Council members have to consider competing priorities, financial realities, professional advice and the long term consequences of their decisions.

That is exactly why the quality of the questions being asked around the Council table matters.

I will bring an independent approach to those decisions.

I am prepared to listen.

I am prepared to change my mind when the facts support it.

But I am also prepared to challenge an argument when the numbers, logic or priorities do not add up.

MY APPROACH

I do not believe residents expect perfection from City Hall.

They do expect competence. They expect honesty. They expect reasonable value for the taxes they pay. And they expect their councillor to be available when something in their neighbourhood needs attention.

My approach is straightforward.

Understand the issue before making the decision.

Ask questions until the answer is clear.

Spend public money carefully.

Deal with today's problems without creating bigger ones tomorrow.

Tell residents what is happening and follow up.

And never forget that holding public office means working for the public.

That is what I will bring to the job.