Wendy Hobbs
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate? If so, which one?
No
Do you live in the municipality where you are running, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to thatcommunity?
Yes, 40 years
What is your occupation, and for how long?
Insurance Agent 25 years
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
My community involvement started 30 year ago when I volunteered to be the Langford CRD Recycle Coordinator. I volunteered for the Langford Lavender Parade and enjoyed every year I organized it. I have been on the Westshore Parks and Recreation as a representative for Langford, Westshore Chamber Of Commerce and currently a director for Sport Assist and a member of the 100 Woman Who Care in the Westshore. I am a representative from the School District on the Victoria Family Court Youth Justice Committee. In 1996 I was elected to School District 62 Board of Trustees and now have been a Trustee for 25 years 6 of those years as Chair of the Board.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
I am running because I loved my 25 years serving as a Trustee providing quality public education for students. The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is so true. It’s an African proverb that means the whole community needs to provide a safe and healthy environment for it to thrive. This theory is applicable to all residents of Langford . This is the main reason I am running as I do not feel the community is not living in a safe or healthy environment and their voices are not being heard as to what they want their community to be. Council should represents the people in their community and current council is not listening or even caring what THEIR residents want. I gained valuable experience and leadership skills that I am eager to share if elected. My goal is to continue to serve my community and listen to the residents an make Langford a thriving community for everyone.
What are your top three issues?
Our Environment is crucial to our quality of life in Langford and we have to protect the ecosystem we have from pollution, deforestation and global warning. Good Governance requires a Mayor and Council who are independent thinkers, good listeners, respectful and demonstrate ethical principles. Better Planned Development includes consultation with resident and providing affordable housing for all. Environmental issues must be taken into account with development. We must make sure we have enough infrastructure in place, schools, Fire, Police and roads and sidewalks must be safe for all and safety during development for residents is of utmost importance.
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
My Vision for Langford is it is a community that is welcoming to all and has the proper ecosystem maintained during developments. Enhanced environments that enable healthy choices in all areas of living that residents are safe, secure, have enough food and affordable housing for all. There will be enough recreation, schools, and cultural opportunities for all residents. The local employment and business opportunities are thriving to support the community. There is proper resources for health care and mental health has been available to all. The plan for climate change is well under way to address this issue. I want the community to feel as though they have had a say in creating the community they are living in and that they feel safe.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
I will advocate on Council to consult with residents to produce a New Official Community Plan. Residents need to feel valued and heard in creating a vibrant city that is flexible to the changing needs of residents. It’s paramount that Council gains the trust of their residents and starts working with them as partners to build the community residents want to live in.
