Belleville is home. I've lived here since I was six, and it's where my husband Bruce Carnegie — a proud military veteran — and I raised our family. Together we have three children and six grandchildren, and you'll often find us cheering on a hockey or baseball game when we're not out in the community.
Professionally, I'm a local real estate agent. Real estate is in my bones, and that work has given me a front-row seat to one of the most pressing issues facing our city: housing. I also serve as a Director at Gleaners Food Bank in Belleville, where I see firsthand the growing need in our community and the incredible people working to meet it.
I'm running for City Councillor because Belleville deserves leadership that listens, works hard, and tells residents the truth — even when it's difficult.
Property taxes that reflect our community
Increases of 5% to 7.2% when inflation is sitting at 2.2% are too high. I'm not promising there will never be a tax increase, but I will pledge this: the city's budget must reflect the reality of the people who pay into it. If families have to tighten their belts to make ends meet, so does City Hall.
Housing affordability and attainability
These are not the same thing, and our community needs both. Too many young people are staying at home longer because ownership is out of reach. Too many renters and homeowners are spending so much on housing and bills that they can't afford groceries — and food bank use in Belleville is at record highs. We have to do better, and we have to start now.
I don't claim to have all the answers. What I bring is a willingness to work hard, to listen, and to be transparent with the people who make Belleville a great place to call home.