A summary of various personal details about me and my campaign:
1. My campaign is self-funded. Like in my 2018 campaign, I am not taking contributions from anyone.
2. I have not taken any remuneration increases during my term. I continue to believe there is an inherent conflict with the fact that Council members salary increases are linked to the City’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) increases which Council members vote to approve. If I am re-elected I will again try to pass a motion that Council's remuneration increases not be linked to the CBAs.
3. I did not take the stipend for being Vice Chair of Development Services. It would seem hypocritical of me to do so, when as a private citizen I made delegations pointing out that many other municipalities do not pay extra for a Council member being a Standing Committee Chair or Vice Chair/ This taxpayer funded extra payment to their elected does not seem warranted.
4. Since being elected I have not sold property in Oshawa. I remain committed to not doing transactions in Oshawa if re-elected. However, I take this opportunity to say I find my real estate career has stood me in good stead as a politician. It has been helpful that I know the location of the majority of city streets and schools as well as neighbourhood issues. There is the same job requirement to enjoy meeting many people, have lot of energy, be self-motivated and have perseverance to deal with a variety of challenges that crop up at the same time, and at any hour of the day.
5. During my 2022 campaign, 5 weeks ago actually, I became aware of the type of misinformation, and personal allegations about me being spread by another candidate.
A resident, who I have not personally met, but spoke once with on the phone, wrote on a private community group page: "I am not politically driven but appreciate truth and honesty so here goes…. Many of us had a visitor tonight… and she claims that you are unable to vote on ANYTHING, why? A conflict of interest due to property you own. This does not ring true for me. So here we go welcome to silly season… is this true?"
My reply and the resident's very supportive follow up response are posted below. The suggestion that I have a conflict of interest that compromises my ability to support residents is patently untrue.
1. My campaign is self-funded. Like in my 2018 campaign, I am not taking contributions from anyone.
2. I have not taken any remuneration increases during my term. I continue to believe there is an inherent conflict with the fact that Council members salary increases are linked to the City’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) increases which Council members vote to approve. If I am re-elected I will again try to pass a motion that Council's remuneration increases not be linked to the CBAs.
3. I did not take the stipend for being Vice Chair of Development Services. It would seem hypocritical of me to do so, when as a private citizen I made delegations pointing out that many other municipalities do not pay extra for a Council member being a Standing Committee Chair or Vice Chair/ This taxpayer funded extra payment to their elected does not seem warranted.
4. Since being elected I have not sold property in Oshawa. I remain committed to not doing transactions in Oshawa if re-elected. However, I take this opportunity to say I find my real estate career has stood me in good stead as a politician. It has been helpful that I know the location of the majority of city streets and schools as well as neighbourhood issues. There is the same job requirement to enjoy meeting many people, have lot of energy, be self-motivated and have perseverance to deal with a variety of challenges that crop up at the same time, and at any hour of the day.
5. During my 2022 campaign, 5 weeks ago actually, I became aware of the type of misinformation, and personal allegations about me being spread by another candidate.
A resident, who I have not personally met, but spoke once with on the phone, wrote on a private community group page: "I am not politically driven but appreciate truth and honesty so here goes…. Many of us had a visitor tonight… and she claims that you are unable to vote on ANYTHING, why? A conflict of interest due to property you own. This does not ring true for me. So here we go welcome to silly season… is this true?"
My reply and the resident's very supportive follow up response are posted below. The suggestion that I have a conflict of interest that compromises my ability to support residents is patently untrue.
