I am excited to announce my candidacy for Park Board with Vision Vancouver.

For the past 6 years, I have been a Director with the West End Residents Association. As a member of the association, I have actively promoted sustainability and advocated for citizen participation to address the many challenges facing Vancouver’s neighbourhoods. In 2007, I was voted “Unsung Hero” by readers of the WestEnder.

Some of the initiatives that I have been involved in:

• past board member, West End-Coal Harbour Community Policing Centre
• founding member, Renters at Risk Campaign
• founding member and Chair, Save St. Paul’s Hospital Coalition
• advocated for a dog park and community gardens in the Nelson Park redevelopment
• helped organize the first West End Car-Free Festival

I am committed to changing city government from a top down, highly partisan culture into one that embraces citizen participation. I have been an outspoken critic of several NPA initiatives such as the Ambassador Program expansion and the English Bay Bistro. Under Gregor Robertson’s leadership, I am equally committed to the Park Board playing a key role in helping Vancouver become environmentally and socially sustainable.

I believe that our parks, beaches and community centres are essential to the quality of life for everyone, throughout our city. Through citizen engagement, I will work towards the renewal of our parks and community centres, and ensure the accessibility of quality programming for all.

On November 15, I urge you to vote Vision Vancouver for Mayor, Council, School board and Park Board!