Orléans South-Navan Ward: Kitts: ‘An experienced rep who can hit the ground running’

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The Citizen invited the candidates for the municipal elections on October 24 to share their thoughts:

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When people ask how my first two years as a councilman have been, I always say I can’t imagine having a weird start. I was elected through a by-election during the first wave of the pandemic. I joined a contentious city council, virtually, in the middle of the term as our community continued to deal with repeated closings and reopenings.

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Followed by serious problems with the LRT, the convoy, and the May storm that swept through my rural community, there was never a dull moment. Baptism of fire, without a doubt. But long before I knew what my first term would hold, someone reminded me that “leaders lead when times are tough.”

As a lifelong East End resident, I ran for council because my community encouraged me to do so. I am running again for the same reason. I am humbled by the encouragement of the residents I have been serving and I don’t want to take my foot off the gas. I’ve spent the last two years immersing myself in the most pressing challenges facing Orleans South-Navan (formerly Cumberland District), listening to his concerns, and working hard on his behalf.

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I entered public life with a commitment to bring a spirit of collaboration and responsiveness to my role as your councilmember. Being someone who seeks solutions, is approachable and communicates openly. Not only do I pledge to continue this in my next term, this is just who I am.

Many have said it: this is a critical election. Our city is at a unique time in its history as it faces new challenges as a rapidly growing city. There will be many new faces around the council table after Election Day. At this time of transition, Orléans South-Navan residents need an experienced advocate, someone who can hit the ground running and work hand-in-hand with the community to fight for investment in our seriously neglected transportation infrastructure; ensure development is well managed; keep tax increases low and predictable to make life affordable; and make sure the city is serving your needs.

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We need to protect green space and farmland, overhaul 3-1-1, divert more waste, improve our bilingual programming for youth and seniors, invest in parks, and restructure our bus routes so taking public transportation is easy. and confiable.

I am running again because I think these things are important. These are the small and big things that make up your day to day. This is what contributes to your quality of life.

I really love our city. It is my hometown and I am proud of what we have been able to achieve together in the last two years. But I know that the City of Ottawa needs to do a better job of providing the fundamental services that a municipality should provide to its residents.

This is what I have focused on during my time as your city councilman, and this will be my focus in the next council term.

For more information, visit catherinekitts.ca.

ALSO: What is the biggest problem with the municipal elections in District 19 – Orléans South-Navan?

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