Leslie's Blog

More to Say/Thoughts on the Process

Submitted by Leslie on

With less than two weeks left to go before election day, I feel a strong desire to reach out and communicate with people, to say and emphasize those things that I have not been able to say or emphasize publicly to date. While I appreciate the opportunties provided for candidates to share our ideas in public forums, I have felt very restricted by the time limits imposed for opening and closing statements - two minutes and one minute respectively at the all-candidates - and the even shorter amount of time given to respond to what other candidates have said.

On Setting Priorities - One Big Idea

Submitted by Leslie on

Many people are asking me to include certain actions among my priorities if I am elected as Salt Spring's CRD Director. If elected, my plan is to solicit broad based community input into setting priorities through the use of a Civic Lottery and Citizen's Reference Panel. Every household on the island will recieve an invitation to become a part of the panel, which will be struck for the purpose of learning about the various needs in the community that fall under the responsibililty of the CRD and making recommendations re priorities.

CRD Director Candidate Reflects on First Week of Canvassing

Submitted by Leslie on

Getting out to meet voters is how a candidate takes the pulse of the community. After I introduce myself, my focus is on listening to people's questions and concerns.

The question that has come up most frequently so far has been: How do you stand on incorporation? I am very open-minded around incorporation and will lobby the province vigourously for a governance study that looks at all options and their impacts on the island.

CRD Director Candidate Hits the Pavement

Submitted by Leslie on

When political candidates hit the streets to take their message directly to the voters, that's when the campaign really begins. I started in the market on Saturday morning with a volunteer by my side and spent much of the day introducing myself to people and listening to what they had to say. With my intention to represent the whole island, I really want to know what is on your mind. I'll be "mainstreeting" as often as I can in the coming weeks.

Why I'm Running for CRD Director - Part Two

Submitted by Leslie on

I’m running for CRD Director because I want to give back, and I am also running because I have a vision for the island. I have believed for a long time – and this is the vision that I hold for the island – that we can and should be leading the way for other communities, particularly in matters concerning sustainability and resilience. I am embarrassed that we don’t have recycling containers in public places throughout the island. I am frustrated that many islanders continue to burn garbage, even thought it is illegal to burn anything here except yard and garden waste.

Why I'm Running for CRD Director - Part One

Submitted by Leslie on

Why am I running for CRD Director? I get asked this question a lot. I am running because I love the island. I grew up in the suburbs of Toronto where everybody locked their doors and their cars, where strangers were feared and neighbours didn’t know each other. It was a culture of isolation; every nuclear family tucked safely into their detached home, each with its own carport, one tree on the front lawn and one tree on the back. Even the library was a car ride or a bus ride or two away. After 18+ years on Salt Spring, I count myself a real islander. I volunteer.

October 15 - DAY ONE

Submitted by Leslie on

The rooster that I have been cursing for weeks now because he wakes me up in the middle of the night, every night, and again early every morning, is the object of my mental affections this morning because, though I haven't slept much, I didn't sleep through my alarm, or fall asleep after it went off.