DEB
I believe in the importance of public service, community leadership and am driven by a desire to improve our City's future.
TAIT
Woodstock Deputy Mayor
VOTE
My Role
Elected leaders make decisions that have tangible effects on local communities: roads, recreation facilities, economic growth, neighbourhood safety and quality of life. I have been a member of City and County Council for numerous years, sticking to these principles.
My Vision
My focus is simple: fiscal responsibility and growth that protects the character of our community, the same one that I grew up in and raised my family.
One of the most important issues facing residents is housing and affordability. This is where the decisions of City Councilors have a direct impact on people's lives. Property taxes affect both home buyers and renters. Higher property taxes make it difficult to own a home and increases the rent for those that rent.
I always consider how each item that I vote on will affect the budget of each person in the City of Woodstock.
That focus has been clear this past term in the ways that I voted:
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Voted against the increase in Bag Tags at the County
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Worked with the Mayor to lower the bag tag cost at the County
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Voted against having a Safe Injection Site in Woodstock
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Voted against the Downtown St Scape
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Voted against 3 of the 4 budgets at County as the increases are not sustainable for the taxpayers
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Voted against demolishing the Lions Pool
Over the years, I have dedicated my time to supporting local organizations, community events, and initiatives that seek to make a positive difference in people's lives. My family and I have a long history of volunteering in Woodstock and have always believed in giving back to the community. My life has been a natural progression of local service, from youth mentor to now, as an elected official. Through these experiences, I have learned the value of teamwork, transparent communication, and leadership skills that have built meaningful relationships with people of diverse backgrounds.
My volunteer history includes:
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Children's Aid - Mentored youth in their schooling
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Terry Fox Run - My sister organized the first Run the City while in High School and I took over after she left for post-secondary education
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Woodstock Rowing Club - Worked Bingos for years to raise funds for the club
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Rotary Club - Worked their annual Car Show Thanksgiving Weekend
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Various boards, including: Hospital Board, and Police Board since becoming an elected official
I have been grateful for these opportunities.
During my tenure on City Council, we have been able to achieve many positive changes for Woodstock while being fiscally responsible and accountable to taxpayers.
Some of these positives include: the skate park, the amazing trail system in the city, Cowan Park, Cowan Fields, splash pads, accessible playgrounds, improvements to the ball diamonds at Southside Park, and increasing the budget for road replacements.
My Purpose
Woodstock is my home and my children's home. That is why I run for office and why I am passionate about being a responsible steward of taxpayers' money.