By: Maya Ekman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Source: NWOnewswatch.com
Jodie DeFeo is running for mayor in Ignace as she nears the end of her first term on council.
DeFeo has previously served as the deputy mayor of the Northwestern Ontario community, and holds positions with the Kenora District Municipal Association, Kenora District Services Board, Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Communities and the local library board.
She is also a registered nurse at the Mary Berglund Community Health Centre.
“One of my priorities since I’ve been on council was the development of the senior’s (housing) build,” DeFeo said, adding that they’ve been successful in their partnerships for 20 units of housing in Ignace, and she’d like to see it through.
“We have some important economic developments happening with the deep geological repository, and I want to make sure that we attract investment (and) create opportunities while still protecting the character and natural beauty of Ignace,” she said.
“I’ve been a voice in the nuclear sector through my term on council, and I’ve developed some really good relationships and sat on the (nuclear host board) and really want to continue that work.”
DeFeo said that living on Highway 17, many safety issues exist, and she wants to continue her advocacy for a safe highway corridor through Ignace.
“I also believe the backbone of our communities are volunteers, and I want to create a forum where members of boards, communities, clubs and associations meet with the mayor once a month to be able to make sure their priorities are addressed,” DeFeo said.
Continuing the work of leveraging Ignace’s growth fund with provincial initiatives through grants to repair and maintain infrastructure in Ignace is something that she said she wants to focus on as well.
If elected, DeFeo said she would like to see a lot of advocacy at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association levels, as well as holding conversations with ministers about potential investments and opportunities to fix the wastewater infrastructure replacement issue that Ignace faces.
DeFeo said that as mayor, she would provide a voice for everyone.
“As a registered nurse in the community for over 20 years, I can understand real challenges facing the residents at every stage of life.”
DeFeo is running against Jeff Lederer in the municipal election, set for Oct. 26.
In Ignace, voting is being held online and is now open. Anyone needing assistance with online voting in Ignace can reach the clerk at 807-934-2202, ext. 1026 or by email, or can visit the municipal office at 34 Highway 17 West.
Any Canadian citizen aged 18 and up who lives in the municipality and isn’t prohibited by law is entitled to vote. Property owners and tenants, and their spouses, are also eligible.
