Heather Anderson profile

Heather Anderson

Political/Community Experience:
•Treasurer for the Rainy River Hospital Auxiliary
•Chairperson of the Rainy River Elementary School Parent Council
•Ecole Margaret Underhill Council member (Winnipeg)
•Secretary for the Rainy River / Stratton United Church Joint Board

Why are you running for office?
I am running for this position because I believe I can be an effective member of a team whose objective is to make this community an even better place to live. I do not consider my lack of political experience a liability. My optimistic nature, my knowledge of this community, and my ability to be a team player will all enable me to be an effective councilor for Rainy River.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Rainy River?
The biggest challenges facing Rainy River are to more effectively promote this town, more effectively use our recreational and cultural facilities and, finally, to create more jobs.
I believe this community has much to offer families, young persons, and seniors alike. We live in an area abundant with natural resources and recreational activities and we have not been capitalizing on that important fact.

If elected what do you plan to do about it?
The number one objective of mine will be to advocate the development of a plan that will include a comprehensive promotional strategy. Some attributes we can promote include our location, the size of the community, the availability of medical services, the safety of the community, the river, the outdoor activities (e.g.) fishing, hunting and snowmobiling, and the reasonable price of real estate, to name a few.
My second objective, if elected, is to ensure we continue funding the Recreation Centre and the Library, in particular, so they can keep providing the services we now utilize and enjoy.
I advocate a comprehensive study/review of these community facilities, and will work with the respective boards and the community to develop a strategy that will result in the most effective and efficient use of theses facilities. The people of Rainy River will play an important role in this review. These services are for everyone and it is imperative we join together to find a long-term solution to keep them operating.
My final objective is to work with various community groups to ensure council presents to everyone that we are a community that is “business-friendly” and receptive to new ideas that may lead to the expansion of our town’s commercial base, which will in turn create jobs. I would also like to draw from the vast amount of experience and knowledge of the people in this town who have ideas to help our town move forward.

Tell us about yourself:
I grew up in, and went to school in, this town. I graduated from Herzing Career College and am presently taking Human Services courses online. My husband, Brent, and I moved back here seven years ago with our two children, and we have all been kept very busy since our return.
I have worked in many different capacities with many different types of people over the years, and now I want to work with the people of Rainy River to help better our town. I would appreciate your vote!

Do you have a platform/plan you are running on?
H onest
E thical
A ccountable
T eam player
H ard-working
E mpathetic
R esourceful