Election 2025: Candidate Q&A - With a municipal election coming this fall, we want to give readers a chance to hear directly from those putting their names forward. To keep things fair and simple, we’re asking every candidate the same three questions—designed to show how they think about Brooks’ future, how they handle tough choices, and how they work with others.

If the City received a $1 million grant to spend any way you wanted, what would you do with it? “1 million dollars is a lot of money, but when you’re part of local government, you realize it doesn’t go as far as you want it to! That being said, if I had an extra million dollars to spend somewhere, I’d build a small affordable housing development with as many “tiny homes” as we could afford. This would be a good option for those who need affordable transitional housing, or even a good option for those on fixed incomes.”

When priorities compete, how would you decide what comes first? “This is a difficult part of the job, no doubt. If I am re-elected, I will be using the information gathered from our budget survey, our community outreach survey, my interactions with residents, along with input from the city’s administration, to decide what we should prioritize first- all in collaboration with the rest of council. It’s about balancing affordability with impact to the community, and listening to the people of Brooks.”

Working with disagreement…Tell us about a time when you had to work with people who disagreed with you. “I try my best to understand where a person is coming from and what forms their opinion. This is a fundamental part of the job of a councillor, and in my experience over the past 4 years, I’ve been able to work productively with people who disagree with me. It’s about building relationships, goodwill and trust.”

If the City received a $1 million grant to spend any way you wanted, what would you do with it? “$1 million dollars is not a lot in 2025; we need to live within our means and keep our expenditures low so that property taxes can be low. The City also has a huge need for professionals such as doctors. I would have the community’s opinion for any unexpected surplus like this.” 

When priorities compete, how would you decide what comes first? “Priorities can be arranged into a triage system. Pause to investigate what is most important. For example, failing infrastructure or a project that is only aesthetic. If priorities are not immediately common sense, seek opinions of the community and of professionals.”

Working with disagreement…Tell us about a time when you had to work with people who disagreed with you. “Most of my latest disagreements have been low stakes, with little kids. There are only three options: 1. Compromise and negotiation. Come away from your own bias and listen to all sides of the story to find the best solution for all parties. 2. Be firm but understanding. Sometimes there isn’t a solution that both parties will like. 3. Admit that you’re wrong or don’t know. Accept someone else’s “way,” seek help for solutions or agree to research and come back to an issue. No matter what happens, everyone just wants to feel heard and validated.”

Last 2 Markets of the 2025 Season this week!

Don’t miss out! You deserve a break!
Pick a person - Pick a time - Enjoy a break!

P.S. There are 2 Visiting Vendors on Thursday you DO NOT want to miss.

If the City received a $1 million grant to spend any way you wanted, what would you do with it? “I would definitely focus on an investment that provides long-term benefit to residents rather than a project that just addresses a one-time urgent need. My priority would be Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrade or Affordable Housing. I would use it to leverage partnerships with local organizations, developers, and other levels of government to stretch those dollars further.

When priorities compete, how would you decide what comes first? “My experience has taught me that when we focus on more long-term priorities and rely on evidence, community input, and strong planning, we reduce the number of urgent problems that require our attention because we’ve already prepared for them. Long-term planning also creates financial stability by allowing for accurate forecasting and responsible spending. That said, we must always stay flexible and ready to act quickly when unexpected issues arise.”

Working with disagreement…Tell us about a time when you had to work with people who disagreed with you. “On Council, I always start from a place of trust. I believe my fellow councillors are just as committed as I am to doing what’s best for our community, even if we sometimes disagree on the path to get there. Once a decision is made, I support it fully, because in a democracy progress only happens if we work together as a team and stand behind the choices we’ve made on behalf of the community.”

If the City received a $1 million grant to spend any way you wanted, what would you do with it? “One million is not enough, but we need to keep our infrastructure up to date and reliable. I would look at Safe Communities and how we can help, and the RCMP, to work on even more educational programs for schools and our community as a whole. Some money could go to the NewGrow Program to support new and upcoming businesses. Support for the family events throughout the summer months.”

When priorities compete, how would you decide what comes first? “There are seven people around the table deciding, and as a team, we will come up with the best project. Again, infrastructure first, even though I would love to see more parks and trails. And keep youth recreation programs affordable. Recreation is important to keep everyone healthy and make Brooks a great community to live in.”

Working with disagreement…Tell us about a time when you had to work with people who disagreed with you. “Not always easy. Do your homework, and if you stay respectful and keep talking, you usually find middle ground.”

Want to ask the candidates questions - Mayoral and Council candidates will be together for one-on-one chats so you can learn where they stand and get the information you need before casting your vote. Come and go at your convenience - Talk to the candidates you want. Tuesday, September 5-8PM at Piston Broke Brewing.

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