Photo by J. Gedye

In her words - why she’s running for council:

I’m seeking a position on Council and as a Trustee for the Islands Trust. I believe that what I love about Bowen, our green spaces and our community, both need attention. I went to Bowfest this year and talked with friends about this election. Overwhelmingly, you want your children and grandchildren to grow up here but worry that none of us may be able to afford it. There was talk of tipping points.

In my spare time, I read council agendas and minutes and watch committee videos. Often, I feel unrepresented and frustrated. I’ve witnessed Committees’ work and citizens’ letters or submissions given short shrift, and little sharing of information before and after decisions. I believe we need to listen more, with respect and patience. I believe that more aspects of our Official Community Plan (OCP) should be considered and reasons given if the OCP is not followed. And I believe in the climate crisis and that the mandate of the Islands Trust to preserve and protect our island ecology should be paramount.

I’ve lived on Bowen 40+ years and commuted daily for ~30 years. My local experience, deep commitment and familiarity with Bowen interest groups will benefit Council. In 1989 I won an elected seat on the Advisory Planning Committee and have served on other committees, such as, the original Improvement Association and its ferry committee, Theatre on the Isle, the recycling depot, the Haunted House, Christmas Hamper Fund, Bowen Heritage, the Municipal Heritage Commission, The Hearth: Arts on Bowen and the Neighbourhood Emergency Response Programme.

The next Council inherits considerable challenges to address the economic impacts of delayed maintenance and upgrades, and multiple capital projects. And while much is already decided, more clarity and understanding are essential to greater understanding and fairness. Personally, I am financially risk averse and prefer to have close control over my spending.

I am well trained in listening, untangling competing interests, getting passionately held positions heard by opponents and reaching compromises or explaining tough decisions. I don’t hold myself out as a miracle worker, but I want to devote considerable energy to helping us learn to resolve, if at all possible, our differences respectfully. More and accessible information is one priority. I intend to rent Collins Hall for the full term of this Council to create opportunities for informal dialogue.

We have the luxury of living in a gracious place with a strong community spirit. I know that brilliantly creative things can happen when we talk to each other. With better communications, more support for committees, and your increased interest and engagement we can dig ourselves out of these many holes and continue to meet the challenges ahead.

Please talk to each other about the issues that matter to you and share your thoughts. It is important. This is a chance to shift the way we are heard. I encourage and welcome your support and ideas: judithgedye@gmail.com. Please contact me and, sincerely, I look forward to hearing from you.