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Meet the Candidate

I’ll be walking around your neighbourhoods this week, and I hope to have some good conversations. If I miss you, I’ll leave a bookmark at your door with my contact information.

Who am I?

I grew up in Douglas, and have lived in Fredericton for 52 of my 54 years. I’ve been with my husband for 26 years, and we have 5 kids and 2 grandkids (with another due any day!) I was a school teacher for 24 years. Then a stay-at-home mom. I was also a stay-at-home Grammy to my two grandsons for three years. My youngest graduated from high school last year.

Throughout my life I have been a voracious reader and writer. I am a member of book clubs and writing groups. I read and review books on Bookstagram @jeatherhanereads and Goodreads. Last year I created a writing contest for unpublished writers, the Julia Stewart Memorial Short StoryContest, in memory of a good friend.

Through it all, I have lived in Fredericton. I moved back to Douglas last year to retire, but something is calling me to run for local government. This is the level of government that affects our daily lives the most. Our taxes are growing out of control, and I think something has to change to make government more transparent and accountable. I’m not running for councillor to nod along and vote unanimously on issues that affect how people live. I’m going in to speak up and maybe have some uncomfortable conversations about doing what’s right for you.

Heather O’Connell for Ward 1



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