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PROFILE: Christine Thompson, Grand Forks mayor

1. Please give a brief summary of who you are and why you have decided to run for office.
 
I have lived in the City of Grand Forks for 54 years. My husband Brian and I have been married for 39 years. Our two children were born and raised in Grand Forks.  They are both married and have given us three wonderful grandsons.
 
I own property and live in the city, and I have a vested interest in the decisions made that affect all of us. I pay the same rates and taxes as you, the electorate, and I will not support unreasonable increases in rates and taxes.
 
I was presented with the Level 2 Certificate from the Local Government Leadership Academy at the 2011 UBCM Conference. That, in concert with my 23 years experience working in the finance department of the city and my term as one of your councillors, I have the knowledge and skills to be mayor, and I will take the time required to be effective. I will post regular office hours when I will be at city hall should you wish to contact me there.
 
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 worked in the city’s finance department for 23 years, starting as a senior accounting clerk and through promotions became the city treasurer/collector. I have a solid understanding of how local government finance works; can speak with confidence about those issues. I am also very familiar with the administration aspect of local government. I am currently completing my first term as a city councillor.
 
3. What do you think are the top three challenges facing the city in the upcoming term?
 
1.       Managing the city’s capital assets through sound investment practices and planning in accordance with the city’s capital asset management plan and capital investment plan.
 
2.       Health care for seniors and childcare for our working families. By working together with the appropriate agencies and government departments, I will work diligently to ensure that the needs of our community are met.
 
3.       Selling our city to potential industries and investors that Grand Forks is an attractive place to live, and one that has much to offer with the many and diverse facilities that are available for people of all ages.  I want to ensure that our city is open for business and that prospective investors are made to feel welcome.
 
4. How do you think you can impact these challenges?
 
I will encourage council to be proactive in achieving not only my goals and objectives, but theirs as well.  With the support of not only council but also the community at large, I truly believe that we can accomplish many things.
 
5. If you could describe yourself in three words what would they be?
 
Honest, Reliable, Responsible.
 
6. Other comments that you feel are important to the voters.
 
I will work very hard on your behalf to ensure that our city is one in which we can all take pride. 
 
Being an effective member of council requires a great deal of time, often taking you away from family. I am very fortunate in having the full support of my husband who knows the amount of time I spent being one of your councillors. I am fully aware of the additional time and energy it will take to be your mayor, and I am prepared to put in that time.

I will make every effort to have a good working relationship with our area directors by working together with them on common issues.