Stacy Middlemiss is running for a seat on Duncan city council.
Being born and raised in the Cowichan Valley has allowed me to develop a strong sense of community that I take great pride in passing on to my children. Duncan is the hub of local business, entertainment, and services that serves the entire region. In addition to its assets it is also a town faced with challenges such as lack of affordable housing, unemployment, land constraints and the impacts of poverty which are challenges that no one can solve alone.
In both life and my work as a registered psychiatric nurse, I have been commended for my ability to really hear what it is people are trying to communicate, meeting people where they are at, and advocating for what people deserve — all tools which I believe will serve as assets should I be elected to represent the City of Duncan.
A healthy community is a result of many factors. In a community as diverse and rich as Duncan, it is the combination of our physical and social environments, our ability to provide employment and healthy working conditions, the education of our children, our income and social status, housing, and social support networks that make this the best place to live on Vancouver Island.
Our local council and the policies that it develops affect every aspect of our lives, far more than just sewers and city streets. Leadership comes from the ability to listen to the constituents, to understand the challenges and to collectively work to find solutions. Collaboration is the key to an effective local government and to the maintenance of a healthy community.
I am prepared to evaluate and reflect on policies that may have worked in the past but may impact our solutions for today. My ability to enhance and improve the way we govern is something that I am committed to. I am willing to find the answers and I know that changes happen over time. Change starts with conversations and I am prepared to have those, no matter how difficult they may be. I want people to vote for me because I am eager to put in the work and have the kind of values that I believe are needed to initiate change. I work hard and smart and use my empathetic heart to guide me which means no matter what side you’re on of any issue, I’m going to listen and collaborate with you to come up with solutions we both can be proud of.