By: Maya Ekman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Source: NWOnewswatch.com
Bonnie Leutschaft is running to be the next mayor of Machin.
Leutschaft said she has the public service administrative experience for the job, having worked for the Ministry of the Attorney General for 15 years and for the worker’s compensation board in Manitoba for 10 years.
Having worked as a union steward, Leutschaft said she learned the importance of listening to others and holding leadership accountable.
She has also been taking courses through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario since the last election, in which she ran for council but was not elected.
Leutschaft said the first step, if elected would be to take a look at the recommendations that have already been brought forth by consultants and previous planning processes, find what hasn’t been acted on and why.
She said the municipality has already invested time and resources on identifying challenges and opportunities with housing, growth and development.
“I do really want to prioritize improving communication and transparency with the community and council and I think that live-streaming the council meetings would be a step in the right direction,” said Leutschaft.
“It keeps people informed and I just think the more informed people are, the more engaged they are and it was a common concern I heard after talking to people,” she added.
On social media, Leutschaft said that the construction of Woodland Arena and the Eagle River Recreation Centre showed her what can come from a dedicated community working together.
“That spirit of cooperation, generosity, and pride made a lasting impression on me. I want to bring that community spirit back,” she said.
Leutschaft said there hasn’t been a woman on council in Machin in 16 years, and that it would offer a change in perspective.
She is running against incumbent Gord Griffiths.
