I am a Barrie resident. My wife and I moved to Barrie in 1999, and now have two young daughters.
I grew up in Shelburne, a small town 45 minutes south-west of Barrie. I earned my Baccalaureate in Anthropology from the University of Waterloo, where I took part in the co-op program and spent work terms with private employers and the City of Toronto.
For the past 14 years I have worked in the education industry, first teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) in the classroom to children and adults in South Korea, then teaching English writing by correspondence over the Internet from Barrie. I also write and edit English textbooks, and edit scientific papers and other documents.
Since becoming involved in the study of sustainable economics, I have been invited to give lectures and presentations to service clubs, business organizations, and public meetings in Barrie and at international tax conferences in the United States.
My work is part-time and flexible, which has allowed me to volunteer with many community organizations including Barrie Out of the Cold (where I do the longest overnight shift), the Mayor's Task Force on Affordable Housing (2001 - 2004), the Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness, the Barrie Film Festival, the Active Transportation Committee, Living Green, the Green Party, and others. I find this work very rewarding and important. For me, volunteering in the community is a full-time job.
In each of these organizations I've worked well with the other members and helped the group to become more effective and successful. I will bring these habits and connections with me to the School Board as your Trustee.
If you want a personal endorsement, contact members at any of the above organizations and ask them about me. They will tell you that I am helpful, reliable, and work well with others on boards and committees.
