Amie Foster, Council Candidate
Candidate Name: Amie Foster
Position Sought: Councillor
Email: afostermeaford@gmail.com
Phone: 519-375-6273
Bio:
I have lived in the Municipality of Meaford for 19 years. My husband Richard was born and raised in Meaford and in 1999 I made the community my home. As a family, with two young girls, we are very involved and committed to Meaford. As a volunteer, I have worked for various committees as both a member and a chairperson.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist, which is a surprisingly good fit for local politics. Listening to your concerns, bringing those concerns forward to council, forming partnerships and fostering positive change in our community is my focus.
Why I am running for Meaford council:
As a rural Meaford resident with a young family who works in Owen Sound and with children who attend school in Owen Sound (because of the school board boundaries), I have not felt well represented by council. I want to see this community and the people in it thrive regardless of where they live within the Municipality or their socioeconomic status. I am invested in Meaford’s future for many reasons, including wanting a prosperous future for my children. I feel that Meaford could benefit from partnering with neighboring municipalities to provide more efficient services to all residents.
My Top Priorities if Elected to the New Council:
-
Partnerships with neighboring communities to improve efficiency and reduce cost.
-
Focus on the importance of transportation for our residents, this means road improvements, winter maintenance, transit and electric vehicle infrastructure.
-
Employment. Making Meaford a desirable community for employers, thus increasing our tax base to take some of the burden off of the residents as well as giving more options for people to work and support their families.
My Involvement in the Community Over the Past Four Years:
When I lived and worked in Meaford after University I was employed at the Chamber of Commerce on contract. I volunteered with the Scarecrow Invasion Family Festival that year as Chair. I returned to Postgraduate education, then purchased a small farm in Sydenham Township and began working in Owen Sound (with outreach work to Meaford). My children go to school in Owen Sound and therefore my volunteer experience has mostly been there. I have been the Chair of their School Community Council (Parent Council) for the past three years, and volunteer at the school frequently. I also Chair and sit as a member on several committees as part of my employment.
The Role of Councillor as I See it:
The role of Councillor is to represent the needs and concerns of the residents of the Municipality, and to make decisions which set policy for the Municipality and its staff. Council also oversees the administration of the municipality as an employer. It’s important for Councillors to be involved in the community as well as available to residents to hear concerns outside of the council meetings.
The Skills I Will Bring to Council:
I am particularly skilled at listening, building partnerships and negotiating difficult topics with people. I am also acutely aware of the social determinants of health and what our most vulnerable citizens need to succeed. I am approachable and intelligent, and I don’t make decisions lightly. I will take everyone’s concerns into consideration. I plan to stay in this community and build a future for my children. I am fully invested in Meaford’s future.
