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PROFILE: Ann Gordon, Grand Forks mayor

1. Please give a brief summary of who you are and why you have decided to run for office.
 
My name is Ann Gordon. I have lived in Grand Forks for 14 years. Running for mayor requires an individual with municipal government experience. I feel that a new approach as to how the City is serving the residents is required. I think I can deliver that. I have no personal agenda.
 
2. What is your background? Have you held office before? If not what skills do you bring to the job if you are elected?
 
I served on council for six years. I was a director of the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Government. I have 20 years experience in finance and economics as a financial advisor and vice-president of a brokerage firm.
 
I am a licensed pilot which allowed me to negotiate the emergency night medivac with B.C. Ambulance Service into Grand Forks. I initiated the volunteer citizens on patrol while on council, which has developed into a very successful organization, receiving great support from both the RCMP and the city. In 2000, I organized the spectacular Snowbirds air show drawing a crowd of 8,000 spectators. This included organizing parking, bus service for seniors and crowd control.
 
3. What do you think are the top three challenges facing the city/region/school district in the upcoming term?
 
The top three challenges facing Council are
·         The economy and how to manage it within Grand Forks;
·         Stretching the existing tax dollars to ensure essential services are maintained;
·         Planning for the future growth of Grand Forks.
 
4. How do you think you can impact these challenges?
 
Funding from every public sector from federal to provincial and punicipal will be reduced. To that end, reduced demands on the city finances must be expected.  The economy will eventually come out of the downturn and we must then be prepared to consider bigger projects.
 
5. If you could describe yourself in three words what would they be?
 
Experienced, educated, enthusiastic.
 
6. Other comments that you feel are important to the voters.
 
There are many seniors and retirees in this city. They want to remain vital and healthy in their older years to relieve the burden on the healthcare. Providing wellness programs and outdoor activities will be essential for all and will reduce healthcare costs.
 
The healthcare service in Grand Forks is instituting many beneficial changes to reflect the special needs of our rural community. Specialists are coming to Grand Forks, sparing the patient the trip to larger centers. There are now volunteer drivers available if an out of town medical appointment is required.