Burlington's Current Challenges...

Civic Engagement - I am committed to keeping you informed and involved about current issues. My involment on the Steering Committee for Shape Burlington has clearly shown me that citizens want a say at the beginning stages of issues, not just after the decisions have been made. There is much to be considered in developing a strategy for Civic Engagement and I look forward to discussing what your opinions are and which options of communication will work for you. e.e. Newsletters, e-news letters, surveys, web casts or community discussions etc. Engagement is a process we can develop over time and successful engagement of our citizens will be dependent on interest from both government and citizens. It is my hope that we will develop a relationship of trust in which you will feel comfortable communicating your thoughts and questions not just at election time. The work has just begun, voting online was a good start, but we have much more to do. Engagement of our citizens will result in better decisions for our community. For more information about Civic Engagement go to Shape Burlington.com

The Pier- There are many of you that are angry about what has happened with the Pier. Especially now that it will be tied up with litigation and the city has decided to take legal action. This issue will take some time to resolve and I look forward to keeping you informed about what the next steps will be.

The Hospital - For the past 30 years I have been actively raising money for our hospital because I felt there was a need for improvements. Now we have a need for a new hospital. The question is how do we pay for it? The first phase of the redevelopment is $300M. The City has approved a commitment of $60M and the foundation will be fundraising in our community for an additional $60M, the rest will come from Government. Council is committed to supporting this initiative with the least impact on tax payers. Fiscal responsibility is important to me and I understand the depth of this challenge.

Alton Park - For those living in Alton the new park will be a blessing. The final details between the City and the Boards of Education are currently being ironed out. They are set to start building the first phase this spring. I've heard the concerns of Alton residents and I will be committed to keeping this project moving. Alton clearly needs a place for children and families to play and enjoy.

Vision For The Future - The City of Burlington has many projects and initiatives underway. Some would say too many. I believe timing and planning is everything and there is always a way to accomplish important projects.
The Performing Arts Center is well underway and there is no going back so the question now is how can we make it sustainable? The Hospital redevelopment will be based on how much money is finally committed from the Government. Once this is complete I will be insisting the Hospital ask for more input from residents. The other projects on the table for the future are the Joseph Brant Museum, The Freeman Train Station and the Waterfront. I bring creative thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit directed at finding solutions to the seemingly impossible.

Freeman Station - Mary Anne Mead Ward and I are currently working on finding a solution to saving the Station along with a large group of residents. We are currently considering a location and use that would appropriately serve our community. We need your help to support this initiative and are actively looking for donations, materials, expertise and volunteers. Please contact myself or Mary anne if you'd like to help.