All Candidates Forum

Last night was the all candidates forum at the Friendship Centre.  If you were there - thanks!  It was great to see and talk with lots of you.  For the benefit of those who couldn't attend, I am posting a transcript of my 3 minute opening speech.  Here goes:

Good evening, and thank you for taking the time to come here tonight.  My name is Heather Francis and I hope to be your representative on council. Let me tell you a bit about myself.

I am originally from just south of Morden, so I grew up here.  I attended Morden Collegiate where I graduated with highest honours.  During high school I worked right here at the Friendship Centre with Pat and Karen.  I was honoured to receive the Young Citizen of the Year award.

I attended Providence College and the University of Manitoba, where I received a Bachelor’s degree.  During university I spent my summers working as the Corn & Apple office assistant.  After graduation I worked for the University of Manitoba as the Academic Orientation Coordinator.

Currently I am at home with my 4 children – Rowan, Zach, Levi and Gideon, where I am learning advanced skills in patience, instruction and mediation.  My husband, James, works for WBS Construction.  I volunteer at the Alliance Church as a Sunday School teacher and as a Health Ministries team member, as well as for the Caring & Sharing program.  I organize a local moms’ playgroup and women’s recreational soccer league.

I’m not your typical candidate for town council.  Indeed, I’ve learned in these past few weeks that a few people consider “atypical” to mean “unsuited.”  But the way I see it, I’m not running for council in order to join a club, I’m running so that I can use my strengths to serve you.

I strongly believe that Morden is the best place to live, work and raise a family.  I also believe that when you value something, as I value our town, you should put your words into action.

A wise woman once said: “Giving kids clothes and food is one thing, but it’s much more important to teach them that other people besides themselves are important and that the best thing they can do with their lives is to use them in the service of other people.”  I want my children to look back someday and be able to say that their mother made a difference because she stepped out to serve others.

We are fortunate to live in a society where different perspectives and opinions are welcomed, as I believe diversity makes us all stronger.  I would like to see Morden’s diversity reflected in our town council.

I’m not going to make you a bunch of promises about what I will accomplish on council.  What I can promise you is that I will always take the time to do my RESEARCH on each issue that is brought to the council.  I will be HONEST and conduct myself with INTEGRITY in my role as councillor.  And I will always LISTEN to you. 

I read about a conversation between two politicians – one moving on to a new position and the other one taking her place.  The new politican questioned, “How is it that you were able to see so many visitors, and yet leave the office at 5:00pm each day?  I’m never home before 9:00!”  The other replied, “You talk back.”  (Pause)  I believe that council members should LISTEN more than they speak.

I have had the opportunity to speak with many people and the overriding theme I have observed is the wish for council to seek alternative and innovative solutions to problems, and to be proactive rather than reactive.  Very briefly, some of the issues that I am committed to include ensuring optimal housing for all ages, encouraging responsible development, caring for our environment, recruiting and maintaining workers through the support of new and existing businesses, pursuing sports and recreational opportunities and building upon the strong foundation already laid in preserving Morden’s unique identity.

If my approach is one that you can support, please consider voting for me as your voice on council.  Thank you.

My Platform

I believe that Morden is a strong and vibrant community.  We are a diverse population working together to make our town a great place to live.  While differing opinions create challenges in governance, it is our varying perspectives that elevate us as a whole.

If elected, I promise to listen carefully and respectfully to the opinions of the people in our town.

I vow to diligently research the facts and opinions involved in all issues that cross the council’s table.

I pledge to exercise integrity, honesty and sound judgment when casting my vote on an issue.

I would vote to promote sport and recreational facilities, support new and existing businesses, develop optimal housing for all ages, and encourage all of us to take responsibility for the welfare of those around us.  I wish for Morden to be a town that embraces each challenge as an opportunity to grow.

Signs Are Up!

Campaign signs are in, and we started putting them up this weekend.  My "campaign manager" Levi (my 2 year old) helped me hammer them in - although I had to finish the job just a bit!  Look for signs on a lawn near you!

This week there is a Meet the Candidate event on at the Morden Friendship Centre - Tuesday, October 5 from 2-4 pm.  It is an informal coffee time.  I'd love the chance to chat with you there!

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather!

Why Vote for Me?

Hi everyone!  Thanks for checking out my campaign blog.  Hopefully you will learn more about me!

Since I decided to run for Councillor, people have been asking "What made you decide to run?"  I tell them that I have always enjoyed being part of things - I like to participate and contribute.  I have lots of experience in chairing committees and managing budgets from my employment at the University of Manitoba.  As a mom, I've learned to multi-task and resolve conflicts (all you parents out there can relate, I'm sure!).  Most importantly, I am a good listener.  I sincerely care about your needs and opinions, and should you elect me as your councillor I will strive to make your voice heard on council.

I believe that just as our town is diverse, our Town Council should be too.  There are many distinct voices in our community, and they all have a right to be heard.  Seniors play a vital role in our community, and I have always held a special appreciation for the older members of our society.  I hold a certificate in Aging along with my Bachelor's degree.  As a student, I worked at the Morden Friendship Centre and loved every minute of it.  Listening to the wisdom of our seniors is important.  Morden is also home to many working families, young families just starting out, single people and of course, our young people.  All of these groups have unique opinions, and all of these opinions deserve to be heard.

I believe that I bring a different perspective to Town Council.  As a woman and mom, I have many skills and experiences to call upon in fulfilling the Councillor's role.  I am smart, hard-working and dedicated.  If chosen by the people of Morden to represent them on Council, I would be diligent in research, sympathetic when listening, and decisive when necessary.