Stephanie LeMay is running for Mayor or Pembroke. Photo credit: Supplied
Pembroke mayoral candidate Stephanie Lemay says this is the time for leadership that’s practical and compassionate as Pembroke starts to head into “tough times.”
Many residents and businesses have expressed their concerns over rising taxes, growing uncertainty and the increase of public disorder across Pembroke, and Lemay says she’s looking to offer her talents to help address these issues.
“I do think we’re coming into times that are going to be more difficult,” she says. “I have a skill set – and experience – that I can offer the community that will help guide us through some difficult times that are coming our way.”
Lemay says residents are feeling cost pressures, aging infrastructure, housing crisis, homelessness and addictions, access to care and issues with economic growth and attracting investment.
She says to get issues addressed, the new council would need to break them down, but this could take time to do.
“We need to find out what’s the most important thing we can chase to move the needle on,” she says. “The priority has to be based on risk and what the residents want. Being a mayor isn’t about a person; it’s about speaking for the wants and needs of the community.”
According to the Province of Ontario, many new council members feel overwhelmed in their first term because of the variety of matters needing attention, but LeMay says being unified through strong leadership will help a potential new council navigate Pembroke’s “tough times” in the future.
“Everyone’s needs matter, and how you work through it as a team is the most important skill,” she says. “There will be people and staff around that have expertise to help make strategic decisions, but one of the fundamental skills we need is leadership.
“Not only or dealing with the province, but also for dealing with all levels of government.”
There are currently six candidates in the running for Mayor of Pembroke.
Election Day is Oct. 26, with advance polls starting on Oct. 16.
