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Sara McCleary
Sara McCleary is the Marketing & Fundraising Coordinator at St. Vincent Place and a reporter and columnist for Sault This Week. She completed an BA in History at Algoma University, an MA in History at Queen's University, and a Business Foundations Certificate at Sault College. Sara volunteers with a number of organizations including Refugee705, La'ad Canada, the Municipal Heritage Committee, and her own nonprofit called We've Got This. She is the proud mother of a five-year-old girl and three-year-old boy, and has been happily married for almost twelve years. Sara is running to be elected councillor of Ward 4 in Sault Ste Marie, ON.
Why did you decide to run for council?
This summer, I was presented with an opportunity to move to Toronto. I nearly became one of the countless young people who left the Sault for "greener pastures," but something kept holding me back: the Sault is my home. I have a connection to this community and the people in it, and I struggled with the idea of leaving. So instead of running away, I decided to stay in the Sault and put my name forward for City Councillor to try to make sure that the next time a young Saultite is presented with a similar opportunity the answer for them is obvious: stay here, at home. I want to bring new ideas to Council to try to pull the Sault out of the rut that it's fallen into lately and make our community a place where young people want to live, work, and raise a family.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your community?
There are a number of innovative projects I would love to see here in the Sault. I know it's not practical to see all of these implemented due to financial constraints, but let me outline three projects I would love to see here.
First, and most practical, I would love to see a youth centre established in the Sault. There have been calls for one for years with little to no response from the City, but I firmly believe that one can be set up at minimal cost to fill this need. We have to show our youth that we hear them and care about them.
Second, and not too difficult, it would be amazing to see rooftop gardens set up on buildings along Queen Street. As you walk down that street, you start to realize that most of the buildings have flat roofs; why not use that space to grow vegetables that can then be donated to local food banks and soup kitchens to help feed those in need?
And finally, I'll mention the most expensive project I'd like to see in the Sault: a downtown plaza as outlined by the consultant Roger Brooks. To develop a plaza that can be used as a market, with a small splashpad that can be used as a skating rink in winter - this is something we don't see much of in our region that could be a big draw. The recreational opportunities it could provide would be a major boon to our quality of life here in the Sault.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your city faces?
One of the greatest challenges facing the Sault today is our youth outmigration. For several years now we've been losing young people in droves, to the point that we now need to rely on immigration to hold our population steady. The lack of youth here has led to a number of unfilled jobs in certain sectors, and therefore a reluctance by investors to come to the Sault and bring other jobs in other sectors. We need to make the Sault a city where young people want to live in order to stop that outflow.
Another significant challenge facing the Sault is our high levels of poverty, as well as food and housing insecurity. These social issues often then lead to health issues - including struggles with mental health and addictions which we know are major concerns here in the Sault. Although it is important to talk about the economic issues, including taxes and jobs, the City needs to do more to address these social issues because this will have a positive organic impact on the economy.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
I will always maintain a presence on social media and will happily invite constituents to reach out to me there and ask for feedback online. But more importantly, I'm going to regularly go to my constituents physically. I am committing to knocking on doors in my ward at least once a month to talk to constituents, to seek out feedback on decisions I and Council have made, and to ask for input on what they would like to see done differently. This is an approach that has been lacking for too long, but I think that it is important for City Councillors to engage constituents by any means possible.
What do you cherish most about your community?
I love that this city can rise to a challenge like no other when it comes to helping those in need. Recently I sent out a call for volunteers for a charity event and received an outstanding response. And in June when the mayor announced he would be raising money for a new breakfast program for local kids, the community donated more than twice his goal - more than $50,000 - in only three weeks.
The Sault is not without its challenges, but the people are so caring and generous in times of need that you can't help but love the community.
Where can people find you?
www.saramccleary.ca, as well as Facebook and Twitter.
Are you a woman who is running for council or school board trustee in Northern Ontario, and would like to be featured on our blog? Let us know.
Stacy Wight
Born and raised in Kirkland Lake, Stacy Wight has been involved in her community since high school, currently sitting on the Museum of Northern History Advisory Committee, Teck Centennial Library Board, Ducks Unlimited Planning Committee and volunteer for Tim Horton's Camp Day and Kabaret Charitable Foundation. Stacy's been involved in local politics since the 2014 election and has spent the last 4 years educating herself in all facets municipal governance. Stacy is running for municipal council for Kirkland Lake, ON.
Why did you decide to run for councillor?
I see the need for a more pro active government in Kirkland Lake; one that promotes the town, seeks new revenue streams, and is financially responsible in all decisions made for the community.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your community?
Strong Community Improvement and Development plans that include grant and loan opportunities to local business owners to reinvigorate the down town core.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your city faces?
Building a new, positive and transparent relationship with all rate payers within the community.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
We need to be more pro active when thinking of ways to include all members of our community, which should include traditional forms of communication such as News Print and Radio as well as including a large presence on Social Media Sites. We should also have a comment form on our Municipal Web Site and open the floor at the end of all council meetings so that members of the community may speak freely, without restrictions.
What is your favourite thing to do in your city?
Our community has a lot of nature to offer. My family and I all enjoy the multiple sites for hunting, fishing and camping. There are many trails in our municipality that we use throughout the year.
What do you cherish most about your community?
Kirkland Lake is a close knit community that offers the best in small town living. We are surrounded by nature and have a lot to offer those who are looking for relaxation and recreation.
Where can people find you?
Are you a woman who is running for council or school board trustee in Northern Ontario, and would like to be featured on our blog? Let us know.
April Leblanc
April Leblanc is a North Bay native who loves her community and cares deeply about public education. With over 20 years of finance experience, she brings the necessary business acumen to compliment the board of trustees. A group of trustees should bring a balance of expertise, experiences new and old, and the ability to listen and respect the voice of others. She is a mother and grandmother; through the years she has spent many hours at the kitchen table helping with homework and projects. She has been frustrated with Math curriculum, standardized testing, and costs of school activities. She recognizes that it is extremely difficult to balance work, family life, kid’s sports, and school work. April is running for Trustee of the Near North District School Board.
Why did you decide to run for (position)?
Why did you decide to run for school board trustee?
Today’s families are complex and so are the needs of their children. I felt the best way to affect change is to become part of the decision-making team. I am a strong supporter of helping others have a voice and I can promise that I will be your loudest champion.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your school board any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
I would put the money to great use by offering a variety of programming to the students. This year, many parents have been upset that courses and electives have been extremely limited. In the North, our children are not getting enough exposure to the arts and trades. I believe it is important for students to have many experiences throughout their education to prepare them for the future.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your school board faces?
Currently, the school boards greatest challenges are poor communication and leadership. Trust needs to be rebuilt with the community. Saying the words transparency and accountability are nice but still only words. Actions speak louder! We need leaders who are not afraid to speak up, do the right thing, and fight to protect this board. I can't tell you enough that I am that person. I believe the Near North Board can be better and do better.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
Part of rebuilding trust with the community would be to have more engagement. Allow the community to take part in public meetings and the ability to share opinions. I’m advocating for changes to the existing communication policies to remove these barriers.
That a single trustee may speak with the public regarding their own thoughts/position on topics as long as they are not speaking on behalf of the board.
Public meeting to be advertised in advance and held after normal working hours to allow the community to attend.
Allow for a public question period at the end of meetings that does not require a pre-approved submission a week in advance. Set parameters for the code of conduct, length of time to speak, and guidelines.
Are you a woman who is running for council or school board trustee in Northern Ontario, and would like to be featured on our blog? Let us know.
Deb McIntosh
As the current Greater Sudbury Ward 9 councillor, Deb McIntosh has demonstrated over the past four years that she works effectively with residents, business and community groups, and all levels of government to get things done. Deb extended the fiscal responsibility and high achievement level she demonstrated during her career in Sudbury as an accountant, community volunteer and Executive Director of Rainbow Routes Association into her work as a councillor. Deb capably demonstrated her ability to identify and troubleshoot critical issues as chair of the Planning and Audit Committees and vice chair of the Finance Committee. A resident of Ward 9 for 25 years, Deb is married to retired music educator Ralph McIntosh. Deb trained to become an accountant but more importantly Deb is by nature a caring mom, grandmother, daughter and friend to many. She also hopes to include a Labrador retriever in her family circle at some point in her future.
Why did you decide to run for councillor?
I am running for a second term because Council has launched several initiatives during our last term that I would like to see through to completion. I’d also like to initiate other projects related to my platform priorities. Visit my website for further details
Being a City Councillor is first and foremost an opportunity for public service. During my first term on council I have enjoyed working with residents throughout Ward 9 on a range of exciting community projects. I was also able to help many individual residents in their dealings with the municipality. Through all of this I have learned a great deal, and hope to have the opportunity to apply that knowledge in the next term to accomplish even more, working for and with the citizens of Greater Sudbury.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your community?
Elgin Greenway in Downtown Sudbury
More pedestrian & cycling infrastructure
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your city any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
I’d invest it in the Elgin Greenway project.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your city faces?
Short answer: Old roads, pipes, buildings and vehicles.
We need to continue to address our infrastructure investment shortfall. We have to repair or replace aging infrastructure, and that will require serious investments of time, energy and dollars. We have several options, including raising taxes, reducing the level of services we provide, continuing to work on reducing inefficiencies and increasing the number of people sharing the cost of running the city.
Long-term success will require efforts in all four areas: we need to regularly review our service levels and how we deliver them; we need to support the growth of existing Sudbury businesses while enticing new business and talent to invest here; and we need to apply moderate tax increases as necessary to keep the city moving forward.
The ongoing balancing of services and expenditures takes considered effort. To grow our economy, we must make investments and offer incentives in the right areas at the right time in an effort to create an environment that will attract and keep businesses and jobs here. A growing economy, along with moderate tax increases and adjusted service levels and/or more efficient delivery, enables us to chip away at fixing roads, replacing pipes and city-owned vehicles, and renovating or replacing buildings past their best-before date.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
Residents of Ward 9 have 24/7 access to me via email, phone and social media.
What is your favourite thing to do in your city?
Ride my bike & visit Kivi Park and I can do both at the same time The other thing I very much enjoy is swimming, canoeing, rowing on our fresh water lakes.
What do you cherish most about your community?
Our City of Lakes: All 330 of them.
Where can people find you?
Deb@debmcintosh.ca
705-918-1155
FB: Deb McIntosh – Sudbury
Twitter: @sudburydeb
Are you a woman who is running for council or school board trustee in Northern Ontario, and would like to be featured on our blog? Let us know.
Sue Doughty-Smith
Sue Doughty-Smith was born in Southern Ontario and moved to Thunder Bay just before her secondary school years began. After completing high school, she worked as a flight attendant for a small airline in northern Manitoba on scheduled and charter flights to remote communities in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. This was her first experience in understanding what remote and isolated communities went through in their daily lives. She returned to Thunder Bay to attend Confederation College to enter the Developmental Service Worker program where, after graduation, she began a career working at a community agency supporting adults with developmental disabilities in both their homes and work settings. She entered the education field as a Student Support Professional with Lakehead Public Schools where she continued to work for almost forty years supporting students with different exceptionalities at both the elementary and secondary school levels. She was also involved with community partners and other related agencies while supporting students during co op and vocational placements. She was involved for 27 years as a union executive at both the local and provincial levels for the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation, that services members who work in educational settings from JK to post-secondary. Through working with members across Ontario, she has had the opportunity to be part of a team who developed, coordinated and presented professional development opportunities with workshops that included crisis awareness, homophobia, bullying and cyber bullying. Sue is running for School Board Trustee for the Lakehead District School Board.
Why did you decide to run for school board trustee?
The role of the trustee is vitally important as a community advocate for public education and needs experienced members who have the knowledge and understanding to ensure that they are promoting student achievement and well being. My experiences working as part of a team and having the ability to build effective relationships would be beneficial as part of the board of trustees.
I have dedicated my life to promoting public education and have seen many challenges that will affect the increasingly diverse needs of our students. With young grandchildren in the public system, I am motivated to continue to use the knowledge, skills and relationships that I have built to help support future decision making that will benefit students. We must have a board of trustees that are prepared to stand together to protect public education. We need to work together to be a strong voice to ensure an inclusive education for all students is in place in a safe environment with the necessary supports they require to have an equal chance to be successful at school. The present government has already made changes that affect student learning and I have concerns with those changes and how they will impact students. Student transportation, school amalgamation and closures along with funding shortfalls are also concerns that need to be addressed. I believe that we are all life long learners and my passion in promoting public education supports my decision to run for public school board trustee.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
It is important for the education community to be able to have direct contact with trustees and to feel that they are part of the decision making process. I will make myself available through emails, phone calls and social media.
What is your favourite thing to do in your city?
My favourite thing to do in my city is to attend community events such as the Thunder Bay Market, the Bluesfest, Buskerfest and any community activities where we can spend time with our friends and family and meet new people along the way.
What do you cherish most about your community?
There are many things to cherish in our community that we sometimes overlook.
After retiring my husband and I returned to Thunder Bay to be closer to family after spending four years living in Toronto and travelling Ontario as part of my job. Returning to Thunder Bay has given us a greater appreciation for the slower pace of the north. Geographically, we live in one of the most beautiful places in Canada and we celebrate the uniqueness of our diverse population within our community. Sometimes you have to move away from a community to fully appreciate how great it really is.
Where can people find you?
People can find me by email.
Are you a woman who is running for council or school board trustee in Northern Ontario, and would like to be featured on our blog? Let us know.
Cheri Lappage
Cheri is a strong, outspoken and enthusiastic leader, and a passionate advocate for our public schools. With experience in broadcast television news as a former Television News Reporter, in media relations, and now in provincial government program delivery, she is a dynamic voice highlighting today's issues and tomorrow's opportunities. She is the Chair of Hammarskjold High School’s School Council, an active member of the Lakehead Board's Council of School Council Chairs, and was Chair of the Choose Hammarskjold campaign that successfully lobbied the Lakehead Board to reverse their plan to close her local high school. Working in Strategic Communications for the Ontario Government (Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services), she understands provincial legislation, program policy and the decision-making processes of government. Her work has helped her gain an understanding of current issues facing our Indigenous communities, children in the child welfare system, the supports available to families through the Ontario Autism Program, the Ontario’s Special Needs Strategy and mental health supports for students in our schools. Previously, she worked for the Ontario Student Assistance Program helping colleges and universities administer student grants and loans to Ontario students. As a stay-at-home mom, she drove a school bus for several years, gaining an understanding of transportation logistics, financial pressures, and school bus service delivery in urban and rural centers. Cheri is running for school board trustee of Lakehead Public School Board.
Why did you decide to run for school board trustee?
I was overwhelmed by the amount of people who contacted me encouraging me to run for Trustee. Across our board, there is great disappointment with the interest and level of engagement shown by our current Trustees for important issues facing our schools today. I want to lend my voice to important issues at a level where I can help make a difference, and to be part of a movement of positive change at our school board.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your community?
We have an opportunity to change the culture of our school board and how we see our role in the community. Schools are the hubs of their community, so let's create community-focused facilities where a wide variety of the needs can all be met in the same place with other organizations helping to share costs. Working with community partners, our school buildings could also be used as locations to provide:
Day, after school, evening and weekend child care;
Mental Health/Special Needs programming;
After school activities;
Adult Learning opportunities (technology, culinary, fitness classes);
Seniors & community programming; and,
Weekend utilization: clubs, sports activities, church services, and community events.
As a school board, we should be looking for partners in the community and alternate revenue streams to increase the use of our schools wherever we can. I would like to see new schools designed with this intended community-focused purpose to serve as a community hub to benefit everyone in our community.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your city faces?
One of the greatest challenges we face is mental health concerns in our children! More now than ever, children are exhibiting signs of stress, anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide. Children can’t engage in any form of learning until they feel safe, cared for and comfortable in their environment. Students need to know they are supported and have people they can turn to at school if they need help.
I would like to see our Board become mental health champions promoting good mental health practices and illness prevention strategies in every classroom. In partnership with local resources, I would like to develop a “Mental Health First Aid” program at the elementary and secondary levels to ensure our students have the tools they need to:
Make healthy choices;
Develop vital social-emotional and health competencies;
Be able to recognize when they need help; and,
Develop life-long healthy mental health habits and behaviours.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
This is the age of social media. We have so many amazing ways we can connect with people and I would love to see these forums used to reach out to our school communities. Parents are busy and don't always have time to attend meetings or read minutes/notes etc. Online surveys and polls, Facebook live events, social media Top 5/10 posts to help keep people informed are all easy ways to help involve as many people as possible in the decision making process. I would like to see our Trustees actively using Social Media to stay connected to our community and encourage innovative ways to provide information and collect important feedback in return.
What is your favourite thing to do in your city?
My favourite thing to do in our city is attend sporting, music and drama events put on by our students! We have so many amazing students at Lakehead Schools and it is so awesome to see them displaying their talents, learning lifelong skills and having fun! If you haven't been to a football game, a basketball game, a music concert or a drama play put on by one of our local schools, I would highly encourage you to come. I promise you won't be disappointed!