PROFILE: Teresa Taylor, Area D

 

Since I moved to Grand Forks in 1996, I’ve found the Boundary lifestyle and attitude to be a refreshing change from the Okanagan, where I was raised. Although I’ve left to travel and go to school, the Boundary is home to me.

 

Like many people, I’ve thought over the limitations facing the region, lack of choice for education and employment in particular. However, I love my community, I dedicate and offer my services to this region’s fulfillment and it’s a compulsion.

 

 

I bring a background in social work and business marketing, and I am no ‘greenhorn’ when it comes to politics. In 2000, I ran against Federal Conservative leader, Stockwell Day. The following year, I ran provincially, acquiring the highest popular vote amongst 52 associated candidates.

 

In 2003, I completed a Bachelor of Social Work, focused toward community development, social management and policy. During the last three years, I have served Community Futures Boundary to design and produce programs assisting rural entrepreneurs to develop marketing skills and their selling success at farmer’s markets. To me supporting local services and agricultural products is important. I find the creativity and determination shown by our rural entrepreneurs and the dedication of younger people who nurture their rural roots, inspiring.

 

 

Area D residents, a significant population base that enjoys city resources also depend upon the city’s good fortune for their own prosperity. I see advantages to both communities in combining their energies and identifying areas in which co-operation backed with the force of combined numbers, leads to mutual benefit. For example, such efforts might help us to regenerate the Grand Forks downtown core to restore vibrancy, attract new residents and improve the local business picture to the benefit of us all.

 

 

It takes an attractive lifestyle to attract and retain new residents. If they are to join us, they want clean air and water, outdoor recreation, cultural activities and sophisticated services; notably in health care and education. To satisfy the needs today as well as those of the next generation, we need vision, planning and the determination to provide affordable housing, healthcare and education, vibrant arts and cultural, recreational opportunities, food security, a healthy environment and economic stability. I am dedicated to the idea we work on that: together.

 

 

A community dependent on a limited number of employment opportunities feels precariously balanced. Diversification alleviates some of the risk, and accommodates a wider range of skills and interest. There are plenty of opportunities in our region, including, but not limited to, local food production and cooperative agriculture, seniors’ services and health care, agri-tourism, value-added production and education.

 

We must push the Boundary region with continued promotion of tourism related industries, downtown revitalization, creation of an outdoor event venue, supporting a community event planner, and continued recreational and commuter trail development.

 

 

Daily, I am required to research information, analyze it and use it to facilitate discussion amongdiverse groups of clientele. A leader should do just that: Bringing good ideas to fruition takes a good deal of study, consideration of competing needs and people, skillful exposition and strong communications skills.

 

Leaders must realize their authority comes from grass roots; especially in rural communities. Leaders are advocates for their citizens’ constituency of thought. By character, training, experience and nature, I will speak for them. With courage.

 

 

Passionate, out-spoken and creative.

 

 

I think it’s important that we all ask our neighbours to vote. On November 19th, remember to come out and vote. Together we can grow the Boundary!