Sharon Conners

Candidate For Dickens

Sharon is running to bring open communication, responsible spending and thoughtful planning to South Algonquin. Her priorities include dependable municipal services, housing and accessible health care, and support for local businesses. She wants residents to have a meaningful voice while protecting the community’s rural character and natural environment.

About

Immediately following university, I began work with the Federal Government as a computer programmer. My 32-year career advanced to the position of Director in the Information Technology Department. I was responsible for over 200 employees and a $21 million budget which taught me the importance of working with processes and procedures, accountability, responsible budgeting, working with different points of view and making carefully thought out decision.

My connection to Aylen Lake in South Algonquin goes back 71 years when I was fortunate enough to have grandparents who had a cottage on the lake. In 1983 when our son was only 8 days old my husband and I bought our own cottage which we retired to in 2009.

I am a proud mother and grandmother who understands the importance of building a strong, welcoming, safe and connected community for generations to come.

Why I'm Running

Why have I decided to run? After my career working in the federal government and many years of community involvement at Aylen Lake, including interfacing with the Township and the Council, I felt that I had the experience, commitment and drive to give more back to the community. I want to bring open and honest communications to Council and help make responsible decisions with taxpayers’ dollars. South Algonquin is made up of permanent residents, seasonal residents, seniors, young families, businesses, lake communities and villages. We may not always have the same priorities, but we share an interest in seeing this municipality be a strong and welcoming place.

Key Priorities

Make Every Tax Dollar Count

Spend responsibly and deliver efficient, dependable services. Plan ahead for roads, buildings and public facilities, while pursuing provincial and federal funding to reduce the burden on local taxpayers.

Support Housing and Health Care

Encourage housing options and accessible health services that help seniors stay in the community they call home and give young people and families a place to build their future.

Strengthen Our Local Economy

Support existing businesses and encourage appropriate new investment. Grow our tax base while protecting the rural character and natural environment that make South Algonquin special.

Plan With the Community

Give residents a meaningful voice in shaping South Algonquin’s future. Combine genuine community involvement with careful long-term planning to make steady progress on the challenges we face.

Experience & Community Involvment

Experience in financial, administrative and personnel management
Experience in working with processes and procedures
Experience in creating Requests for Proposals (RFPs), evaluating RFPs and managing the successful company
Served as the Clerk of Session at a United Church

Assisted in the development of and amendments to the bylaws that this not for profit organization runs under
Prepared the Newsletters
Manage the website for the organization
Performed the duties of the Secretary and the Treasurer
Organized the annual Regatta, Hot Dog Day, Community Yard Sale and the Fishing Derby
Worked with the Council and the Township on various issues impacting the community

Where I Stand

As Councillor, my commitment would be to listen to residents, ask questions, do my homework, communicate openly, consider the financial impact, and make decisions based on what I believe is in the best interest of the whole community.

You can reach me by email at jsconners1978@hotmail.com or by phone at either (613) 756-3470 or (613) 281-8173.