My Record: Working for Ward 1

You Elected Me to Be Your Voice. That's What I've Tried to Be.

When Ward 1 residents elected me in April 2025, I made a commitment to listen, ask questions and represent the interests of the people who live here.

It has been a short first term, but a busy one.

I've worked on issues affecting our roads, parks, public safety and community facilities. I've advocated for Ward 1 with County staff, fellow councillors and other levels of government. And when I believe residents need a stronger voice in a decision, I'm prepared to say so.

I'm proud of the work we've started, and I'm ready to keep going.

My Record: Working for Ward 1

You Elected Me to Be Your Voice. That's What I've Tried to Be.

When Ward 1 residents elected me in April 2025, I made a commitment to listen, ask questions and represent the interests of the people who live here.

It has been a short first term, but a busy one.

I'm proud of the work we've started, and I'm ready to keep going.

Making Sure Residents Have Their Say

One principle has guided me since before I was elected: decisions affecting our communities should include the people who live in them.

I believe residents deserve more than being told what is happening. They deserve meaningful opportunities to ask questions, raise concerns and influence decisions before they are made.

That is particularly important when Council is considering decisions that could significantly change a community.

I won't promise that I will always agree with every resident. No councillor can. But I will listen, I will ask questions and I will make sure Ward 1's concerns are brought to the table.

Sometimes that means asking more questions, seeking additional information or making sure residents have had a meaningful opportunity to be heard before Council moves forward.

I believe that's part of the job.

Making Sure Residents Have Their Say

One principle has guided me since before I was elected: decisions affecting our communities should include the people who live in them.

I believe residents deserve more than being told what is happening. They deserve meaningful opportunities to ask questions, raise concerns and influence decisions before they are made.

That is particularly important when Council is considering decisions that could significantly change a community.

I won't promise that I will always agree with every resident. No councillor can. But I will listen, I will ask questions and I will make sure Ward 1's concerns are brought to the table.

Sometimes that means asking more questions, seeking additional information or making sure residents have had a meaningful opportunity to be heard before Council moves forward.

I believe that's part of the job.

Investing in Our Communities

Ward 1 is made up of distinct communities, each with its own needs. I've worked to make sure local funding is put to work where it can make a practical difference.

During my term, Ward 1 Community Vibrancy funding has supported local projects including improvements to the Selkirk Park pavilion and drainage improvements at the Ian Fehrman Fastball Field in Townsend.

I also successfully moved to support Community Vibrancy funding for a project brought forward by the Peacock Point Cottager Owners Association after the original staff recommendation was not to approve the request.

These may not be the biggest decisions made during council meetings, but they matter to the people who use these facilities and live in these communities.

That's reason enough for them to matter to me.

Working on the Everyday Issues

Not every issue that comes across a councillor's desk makes headlines.

Traffic, parking, road safety, public spaces and neighbourhood concerns can have a much bigger effect on your daily life than many of the issues debated around the Council table.

In Jarvis, I brought forward a motion asking County staff to investigate extending the no-parking area on Craddock Boulevard north of Peel Street. Council unanimously supported having staff investigate the issue.

I've also supported efforts to address speeding and traffic concerns in our communities, including distributing Slow Down signs in Jarvis and advocating for safer roads.

These are the kinds of local issues I want residents to continue bringing to me.

If something is affecting your neighbourhood, I want to know about it.

Taking Ward 1's Priorities Beyond Haldimand County

Some of the issues affecting Ward 1 cannot be solved by Haldimand County alone.

That's why building relationships with provincial representatives and bringing our local priorities directly to decision-makers matters.

I've represented Haldimand County at municipal conferences including AMO and ROMA, where municipalities have opportunities to speak directly with provincial ministries about local needs.

Alongside Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley and MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, I have also advocated directly with Ontario's Minister of Transportation regarding the need for traffic signals at Haldibrook Road.

Whether the issue is transportation, infrastructure, housing, policing or economic opportunity, I believe Ward 1 needs a voice in those conversations.

Why I'm Asking for Your Vote Again

Eighteen months isn't a long time in municipal government. But it is enough time to learn a lot, build relationships and understand where persistence can make a difference.

I've spent my first term doing exactly that. I won't tell you that I've won every fight or accomplished everything I set out to do. I haven't.

What I can tell you is that I've shown up. I've asked questions. I've listened to residents. I've spoken up when I believed Ward 1 needed a stronger voice. And I've worked to move local concerns forward.

There is more work to do, and I would like the opportunity to continue it.

In the 2026 municipal election, I'm asking you to stick with me.

Let's keep Ward 1's voice at the table.

Contact Deb

Contact Deb