One week until Election Day

Anyone can vote in person at the returning office at 25 Alison Blvd.

Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

On Election Day (Monday, May 11) Ward 1 votes at

Douglas Baptist Church between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m

I am doing my best to get to as many doors as possible. It has been such a positive and rewarding experience. I have had great conversations at your doors. People have also been reaching out via email and Facebook messenger. I want to hear from you.

This is what you need to know about me:

I am here to listen to the residents of Ward 1. Your priorities are my priorities. One of my goals as city councillor will be to have meaningful public engagement about issues that affect you.

I will prioritize transparency and accountability. I want residents to know what is happening in our city, be able to access relevant information, have input into decisions.

I will prioritize responsible spending. The city budget should not increase simply because assessments go up. Taxes should be collected based on need, not availability. With a growing tax base, we can increase the budget while decreasing tax bills.

I am prepared to ask the difficult questions and make sure council makes informed decisions. I want the climate at city hall to be inviting, to encourage more people to participate and be heard.

Comments

Accountability and Transparency

I sat in on the Economic Prosperity and Growth Planning Committee meeting today, where the committee voted to delay the new proposed Heritage by-law until more public consultation is held. It’s always good news when Council takes the concerns of the public seriously. This issue directly affects housing affordability and property rights, so those affected deserve to have a voice. How can City Council be accountable and transparent? - Discuss public matters in public - Make decisions about public matters in public - Communicate effectively to the public what is being decided, where and when - Don’t make decisions before engaging the public - Budget responsibly and openly - Don’t hand off accountability to consu...

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 Story Contest , 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 r...

Coming Home

Hello, Ward 1, I’m seeking the nomination for City Council in your neighbourhood. I spent the first 26 years of my life in this neighbourhood, and it is truly my home. After 26 years living in downtown Fredericton, I’m so happy to be back. I don’t have an agenda and I don’t want to just pay lip service to the issues that are important to you. I think it’s time to disrupt the status quo at City Hall. I’m for transparent government. I’m for the rights of taxpayers. I’m for lower taxes. And I think it’s achievable. Let’s talk about it. Contact me at HeatherOConnellWard1@gmail.com :) Heather 1993 – 2017 Teacher 2017 – 2021 Stay at home Mom 2021 – 2024 Stay at home Grammy 2020 – present Book reviewer on Bookstagram @jeatherhanereads 2025 – present organizer and sponsor of Julia Stewart Memorial Short Story Contest

Ward 1

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