Tell us a bit about yourself and why you are running in this election.

Teaching in schools from K to college has given me understanding of the complexities of the Education. In all classes including English as a Second Language and Special Education I have students thrive in the right environment. I have a passion to see the education system nurture students to develop their talents and gifts. Providing schools where students feel safe to express their views in a safe environment should apply to Christian and other faiths alike. No students should be given preference over another. Our $4,000,000 budget should be providing a great education to each of our children.

Education is the core to our society. The children we raise today will be the leaders of our future. They are the future teachers, salespeople, builders, accountants, etc. and without a doubt will teach what they have been taught and do as they have learned to do. Being a trustee is a job of responsibility to parents and community.

If you feel comfortable sharing, what is your faith background, religious tradition, or philosophical worldview, for example: Christian, Sikh, Muslim, Jewish, secular, or another worldview?

As a Christian I know we are blessed to be given the opportunity to serve our community in whatever role we take. Our purpose is to build relationships with each other regardless of the faith of another person. Each of us is designed for a reason, we have purpose.. Through relationships with others we find out what the strengths they have. Even if I speak a different language or look different from others I still have a purpose. Views may differ on politics, culture and many points of view but that does not negate the value of learning about their view. This is view I try to follow throughout all areas of life both here and outside my sphere of influence

How do your personal values shape your leadership, and what are those values?

My personal values include: listening, understanding, and speaking the truth. These are my core beliefs. Knowing that I may not always agree in situations these will enable me convey ideas I hold while listening to facts and ideas that might be challenging to me.

How would you balance your personal beliefs with your responsibility to represent all Kelowna residents?

Good question. Many of us share similar beliefs. One of those being that we want the best for our families and community. Communication to all groups is the key.

How would you like to see city spending prioritized?

The residents of Kelowna and many cities in Canada is calling for safety. First and foremost in Kelowna we have a drug problem that has created homelessness, an overtaxed emergency system including paramedics, firemen and police and crime. The building of rehab centres and graduated treatment facilities are necessary.

What role, if any, do you think City Council should have in setting standards for materials and programming available to minors in city-funded facilities and public libraries?

As a jurisdiction of our city the City Council should be able to provide the guide-lines for material and programming available to minors. This should be done in consultation with experts in both librarian and concerned civilians.

What role do you believe parental consent and notification should play when a minor makes personal disclosures or requests support from a school counsellor, and what exceptions, if any, should apply?

My personal belief is that in all matters the parents are ultimately responsible for their children. Parents should be made aware of personal decisions that affect their child's health and safety. They should also be made aware of students hopes for graduation and aid in decision making.

I had experience with a student in my early teaching career who was being abused by a parent. I requested a counsellor talk with the student. Sexual abuse by a parent is a criminal offense and teachers and counsellors are required to report that to the police.

What steps would you like to see taken to increase transparency and accountability at City Hall?

There is a division between the amount of material that is made public. Because there a voted officials and hired city workers it is often difficult to know what decisions are in the making. Privacy is not a luxury public projects should have. Projects and cost over runs should be public early in the process. Then it is easier to accept when a project has failed or facing a problem if they are admitted to. An educated public can be receptive and even offer solutions.

What public safety issues are you seeing in Kelowna, and how do you believe these issues should be addressed?

Drug Abuse, homelessness, inability of police to act on these issues. Ambulance and Fire being needed for drug overdoses versus non-illegal drug situations. An investment into drub rehab facilities such as dry support housing and groups such as Freedoms Door would help the individual and the problem.

Traffic Planning for the future is needed. Outside consultation may be needed if we do not have local professionals.

What do you think can be done locally to bring down the cost of housing?

Co-op Housing and Life -long homes are solutions for the single parents, seniors and those on fixed or low income. The chance to buy something according to your needs with the knowledge that it is not being made as a financial investment is a great idea. Building should be done according to needs with a vision for the future.

What policies would you support to help stimulate Kelowna’s job market?

Continued integration with co-op programs between the local community and education partners. Better housing inspections to regulate building codes to protect the construction community. Advertisement of Kelowna as a place to invest not just a vacation spot.

What ideas do you have to better balance infrastructure and city growth?

We have many areas of Kelowna where infrastructure is in place and yet place for development with out any are approved ahead of them. This is not cost effective. Long term planning needs to be assessed ahead of financial gain.