Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you these past three years.
Seeing a need for planning, primarily in economic development and fiscal management in 2008, I stepped up to help.
I was humbled by your confidence in me. I am pleased that in May 2011, we completed our first economic development plan.
It was created as a result of a grassroots, community-driven process that, as chair, I designed and facilitated. Close to 100 citizens worked autonomously in their chosen committees, which recommended economic initiatives to council; the plan was unanimously endorsed by this council.
This is a major accomplishment in light that this was done with virtually no budget and in less than three years.
As a “living plan,” I expect enhancements will be made in the future as a result of ongoing citizen involvement in the process.
Some of the initiatives that are moving ahead and/or are complete include, becoming a Solar City, the downtown revitalization/tourism process, the community garden, the Haskap Berry development and food production facility and the Kettle River Festival. Economic development and job creation does not happen overnight.
That being said, I am thrilled and proud to see how quickly our citizens became engaged in this process. When government provides the right forum and removes barriers, citizens come up with the answers to the question, “What should Grand Forks be?”
It will take long-term commitment, planning and a knowledgeable champion to move the plan forward.
Today, I again come to you asking for your vote – allowing me to serve a second term so I can continue to be your champion for the economic initiatives our citizens want to see completed.
For details on my personal profile check out
grandforks.ca. Contact me at 250-442-8443 or
reelectjoydavies@gmail.com.
– Joy Davies is an incumbent city councillor