Okanagan Echo Civic Series: Teresa May on why she is running for Kelowna City Council

Okanagan Echo put the same four questions to all 11 women running for Kelowna City Council. Teresa’s full answers are below, lightly excerpted. Read the whole interview at Okanagan Echo, and the rest of the Civic Series for the other candidates.

Why she is running

“I’m running because I believe Kelowna is at an important point in its growth, and the decisions we make today will shape our city for generations.”

She points to the 1,000 Conversations Tour as the source of what she has learned: affordability, public safety, homelessness, taxes, and whether people feel heard before major decisions get made.

“I’m running because I believe leadership starts with listening, but it can’t end there. We need to turn what we hear into practical action, measure the results and be accountable for how taxpayers’ money is spent.”

Her three priorities

Public safety and homelessness. Safer streets and public spaces while treating people with dignity: enforcement where necessary, combined with prevention, recovery partnerships and better coordination between services.

Housing and affordability. More housing choices for young people, families, workers and seniors. Responsible density in the right locations, faster and more predictable approvals, fewer unnecessary barriers to building.

Fiscal responsibility and economic strength. Clearer priorities, more transparency around major spending, and a harder focus on value for taxpayers.

She makes the case that these are one problem, not three:

“A strong local economy helps fund the services we need; housing helps us retain workers and families, and safer neighbourhoods help businesses and communities thrive.”

The experience she brings

Teacher. Author. Business owner and entrepreneur. Years of volunteering and work with community organizations. Residential construction alongside her husband, which is where her read on housing costs comes from.

“Those experiences taught me how to manage budgets, solve problems, work with different personalities and, importantly, listen before making decisions.”

And a line worth reading twice, from a candidate eleven days out from a vote:

“I don’t believe a councillor needs to walk into City Hall pretending to have every answer. Good governance requires asking difficult questions, examining evidence and being willing to change your mind when better information emerges.”

What she wants residents to know

“I want residents to know that I will listen, but I will also act.”

She makes a point of where the campaign has happened: at doors, in coffee shops, on hikes, at businesses and community events.

“I’m not running to represent one neighbourhood, one interest group or one point of view. I’m running to represent Kelowna as a whole.”

“For me, public service comes down to three things: listen carefully, make responsible decisions, and be accountable for the results.”

Voting day is Saturday, October 17. Make your plan to vote, or read where Teresa stands in full.