I was recently contacted by a journalist to get my reaction to why the City of St. John's elected 11 males and Zero females to City Council. Here's the dialogue from the communication exchange:
Questions:
Kathy Dunderdale in 2009 announced a series of lunch and learn sessions around the province to encourage women to run in 2009 municipal election. It wasn't done this year. Do you think it would have helped? Do you think there should be a committee of some sort put together to help women learn the ropes, fund-raise and that sort of thing to get them prepared for elections? Everyone is saying we need to encourage more women to run, to get involved, five ran in St. John's out of 30 candidates, while its not ideal, five is better than zero, but none got elected. What is that telling us? I also noticed you tweeted something about Dunderdale and Harper being happy with the results. What did you mean?
My Response:
I don't believe voters have any blatant individual gender-based discrimination. I'd like to think the voters elected these 11 men because they felt they had the best resume of education, skill-set, and/or experiences, needed to do these jobs.
Ultimately, above all, I think the real issue here is that voters tend to stick with the status quo unless they have major reason to throw out the incumbents. The incumbents are the ones who have a recognition and brand name. They are the ones who have a high media profile. The voters know who they are and know what they have done. Voters are less likely to put trust and faith into people they have never heard of. and quite frankly, it takes tons of work to get your name out there, regardless of your sex or gender! Yes, all 5 women who ran in this election, would have made excellent city councilors, but unfortunately, the men who defeated them, in all cases, are people who have done a better job getting their name out there. Likewise, many other new candidates who were men, were also beaten badly, likely for many of the same reasons.
I'll also suggest that it is easier to get your name out there when you have a recognized list of leadership experiences; and this may be where the gender imbalance in the corporate world comes into play. Men outnumber women in senior management positions, Board of Director positions, CEO positions, etc. and the vast majority of people who run for public office, tend to have work experience with organizations in these types of positions. While there may not have been individual discrimination, I would point to systemic bias as a part of the equation.
With all of this in mind, I do not think that a program that would specifically encourage women to run for office, would solve this problem. I think the real issue here, and one that I would like to see the Provincial Government take a look at, would be taking steps to encourage all of society - especially big corporations, to take steps to raise the profile of women in their organizations in general. We need to start seeing gender equality on Corporate Board of Directors, we need to start seeing gender equality in terms of CEOs and in senior management positions. You fix this imbalance, and I guarantee you will see gender equality in terms of political candidates, and in terms of candidates who get elected.
The same thing could be said for gay people or transgender people. we are grossly underemployed in the work force, and hence, are under-represented in political councils.
We also need to take steps to change the mindset of society, with regards to accepting of diversity, not just in politics, but in leadership roles everywhere. people from all aspects of live can make great leaders. being a woman, or being gay, or being transgendered, should not limit one's ability to climb a corporate ladder, nor should they be cause for society to take them less seriously. This is a challenge I have specifically faced. in 2007, I was seen as a credible and respected man who was a senior policy analyst. fast-forward 2 years, and I am a transgendered woman, and all of a sudden, nobody wanted to hire me to a job at an analyst role. I have worked extremely hard to prove to everyone that I am still the same person and I still have the same education, work experiences and skill-sets. Sadly 5 years later, and 100 job interviews later, I am stuck doing clerical and administrative work, for half the pay I used to make. Taking all of this into consideration, the fact that i was able to secure 5725 votes, against a very strong opponent, for the position of Deputy Mayor, is a huge sign that I may finally see a break through. to know that 5725 people had enough trust and faith in my skill-set, to take on this role, is a sign that if I keep looking hard enough, I just might eventually find an employer willing to give me a shot at analyst or management-level work. and ultimately, I am hoping that running this campaign will help raise my profile so that people will be more likely to give me a chance.
One final thought, selling change takes extra hard work. There is a history and culture of politics being often dominated by rich old men. Heck, not that long ago, the much-loved John Crosbie made sexist and degrading comments, in the Federal House, towards Sheila Copps, one of only a few female MPs in the House at the time. Rather than being disgraced, he was embraced and loved for his comments. This type of attitude is also part of the problem. Rather than encourage women to run for office, I think we need to take steps to encourage existing politicians to be more accepting and respectful towards women.
As far as my comment about Harper and Dunderdale being pleased, it is my opinion that the majority of councilors elected, are very conservative-friendly, in terms of their platforms and/or political history. This definitely seems like a very pro-development council, as well. I have some personal concerns about many social issues, will not be addressed properly, by this council, including concerns about affordable housing, clear sidewalks, protecting the environment, preserving heritage buildings, etc...
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Thursday, September 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
10 Election Goals, in no particular order:
- meet new people
- make new friends
- learn more about this city
- get a grasp on what the key issues are
- demonstrate my skills and abilities to a wider audience
- participate in the democratic process
- make sure important people listen to my concerns about the city
- gain respect and credibility as a policy analyst
- get many people to vote who never voted before
- win
9 out of 10 ain't bad!
Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli #sjvotes
- make new friends
- learn more about this city
- get a grasp on what the key issues are
- demonstrate my skills and abilities to a wider audience
- participate in the democratic process
- make sure important people listen to my concerns about the city
- gain respect and credibility as a policy analyst
- get many people to vote who never voted before
- win
9 out of 10 ain't bad!
Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli #sjvotes
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
McCreath plasters Confederation Building with election signs!
For Immediate Release - Tuesday Sept 24, 2013
McCreath plasters Confederation Building with election signs - and Vows to keep a close eye on the Provincial Government!
I don't write very many press releases in the first-person but i am going to do it with this one.
I have posted almost all of my election signs at the two entrances of the Confederation Building parking lots, as a symbolic message of one of my most important campaign issues: St. John's needs a Deputy Mayor who is able to develop a better working rapport with our Provincial Government; and at the same time, a Deputy Mayor who is politically-neutral and not afraid to stand up to the Provincial Government, and call them out, when they take actions that may not be in the best interest of our great City.
My concerns about some of the recent action of our Provincial Government, are well documented - including concerns I have raised over the past year regarding the budget cuts to the Department of Justice, the controversial amendment to our Access to Information act know as Bill 29, as well as concerns over the Government's refusal to allow the Public Utilities Board to conduct a proper assessment on the Muskrat Falls project. Also, the Provincial Government has a huge impact on all cities. The City of St. John's Act is a piece of Provincial legislation that controls how City Hall can operate.
With so much on the line, I urge people to vote for me, Jennifer McCreath - a candidate you can count on to always listen to citizens and not fall prey to pressure or bullying from the Provincial Government, or the Federal Government, for that matter. A vote for me is not a vote to be Kathy Dunderdale's Puppet nor Stephen Harper's puppet.
Finally, take a look at this! A Scope Article http://thescope.ca/city/yourcity/donations-by-numbers has a link to a list of donations to Ellsworth and O'Keefe. Take a close look folks! I see many donations coming in from companies who have been known conservative supporters!
Ironically enough, supporters of Mayor Dennis O'Keefe, raised concern about an apparent NDP take-over plan, for City Hall; however, my biggest fear right now is that an O'Keefe/Ellsworth partnership will essentially give Dunderdale the keys to the city!
Finally, you can guarantee that as Deputy Mayor, I will be there to work hard with the Mayor, yet I won't put up with any crap from them either! I am nobody's lackey!
C'mon St. John's! Get out there and vote McCreath for Deputy Mayor to ensure there won't be any silly takeovers of our City Hall. My experience and education has prepared me for the role of Deputy Mayor my entire life. Learn more about my background and platform priorities at votejennifer.info
Interviews:
Jennifer McCreath
info@jennifermccreath.com
709-753-9529
Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli #sjvotes
Monday, September 23, 2013
McCreath Reacts to Concern about Industrial Activities on Pepperell Road!
Sept. 23, 2013 - For Immediate Release
Deputy Mayor candidate, Jennifer McCreath, was recently contacted by concerned residents of the Pepperell Road neighbourhood, who raised concern about 'heavy industrial operations' that are apparently taking place in an area deemed limited to 'light' industrial work. The correspondence to McCreath indicated that the zoning approved for the area allows for "light industrial use associated with a retail or wholesale business."
McCreath was advised that D.F. Barnes Group of Companies is apparently using their Pepperell Road site for "full industrial operations - including the processing of heavy industry metal fabrication and repair (welding), rust and contaminated metal remediation (industrial sandblasting , coatings and paints) , and loading and unloading , storage , maintenance of large naval marine structures. In addition, sheet metal repair, including the pounding out of heavy gauge steel metal, is taking place."
McCreath was advised that the complainants had received communications from a City Council rep in September 2012, which "made it abundantly clear that these companies are in constant violation of the regulations". McCreath was advised that Council has been aware of these violations since 2008. McCreath was also advised that the violations of these regulations are cause for concern for the following reasons:
- The nuisances of noise, hammers pounding on steel from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM seven days a week, violates the City noise by-law.
- Hazardous contaminated dust and particulate is produced by the sandblasting operations and air born plumes of the pollution are being inflicted into the Environmentally Valuable Area (EVA) of Lundrigan’s Marsh. - Noxious fumes from the industrial paint building (NewTech Coatings Ltd), is being dumped raw without any filtering into the atmosphere.
- This is unfair to the D.F. Barnes Group of Companies as they are making substantial investments in plant and equipment based on what they perceive as acceptable operating procedure.
While not an expert on the differences between light and heavy industrial work, and while not qualified to make a judgement statement on whether or not the above-cited by-laws are being violated, McCreath traveled to Pepperell Road on Friday Sept 20, 2013 and observed operations that included loud noises, the use of heavy machinery, and signs indicating that hard-hats were required in a fenced-off area. McCreath also took note of the close proximity of residential properties in the area.
McCreath vows, that if elected Deputy Mayor, she will look deeper into this issue. "It is critically important, for the integrity of our City, to ensure that Zoning by-Laws are enforced. When complaints from the public are filed, the City need to follow up on them in a timely manner. Furthermore, we need to ensure that residential neighbourhoods, and protected environmental areas, are not put at risk for unacceptable levels of pollution," said McCreath.
Questions or interviews:
Jennifer McCreath
info@jennifermccreath.com
709-753-9529
votejennifer.info
twitter: @jenn_mccreath
Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli #sjvotes
Deputy Mayor candidate, Jennifer McCreath, was recently contacted by concerned residents of the Pepperell Road neighbourhood, who raised concern about 'heavy industrial operations' that are apparently taking place in an area deemed limited to 'light' industrial work. The correspondence to McCreath indicated that the zoning approved for the area allows for "light industrial use associated with a retail or wholesale business."
McCreath was advised that D.F. Barnes Group of Companies is apparently using their Pepperell Road site for "full industrial operations - including the processing of heavy industry metal fabrication and repair (welding), rust and contaminated metal remediation (industrial sandblasting , coatings and paints) , and loading and unloading , storage , maintenance of large naval marine structures. In addition, sheet metal repair, including the pounding out of heavy gauge steel metal, is taking place."
McCreath was advised that the complainants had received communications from a City Council rep in September 2012, which "made it abundantly clear that these companies are in constant violation of the regulations". McCreath was advised that Council has been aware of these violations since 2008. McCreath was also advised that the violations of these regulations are cause for concern for the following reasons:
- The nuisances of noise, hammers pounding on steel from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM seven days a week, violates the City noise by-law.
- Hazardous contaminated dust and particulate is produced by the sandblasting operations and air born plumes of the pollution are being inflicted into the Environmentally Valuable Area (EVA) of Lundrigan’s Marsh. - Noxious fumes from the industrial paint building (NewTech Coatings Ltd), is being dumped raw without any filtering into the atmosphere.
- This is unfair to the D.F. Barnes Group of Companies as they are making substantial investments in plant and equipment based on what they perceive as acceptable operating procedure.
While not an expert on the differences between light and heavy industrial work, and while not qualified to make a judgement statement on whether or not the above-cited by-laws are being violated, McCreath traveled to Pepperell Road on Friday Sept 20, 2013 and observed operations that included loud noises, the use of heavy machinery, and signs indicating that hard-hats were required in a fenced-off area. McCreath also took note of the close proximity of residential properties in the area.
McCreath vows, that if elected Deputy Mayor, she will look deeper into this issue. "It is critically important, for the integrity of our City, to ensure that Zoning by-Laws are enforced. When complaints from the public are filed, the City need to follow up on them in a timely manner. Furthermore, we need to ensure that residential neighbourhoods, and protected environmental areas, are not put at risk for unacceptable levels of pollution," said McCreath.
Questions or interviews:
Jennifer McCreath
info@jennifermccreath.com
709-753-9529
votejennifer.info
twitter: @jenn_mccreath
Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli #sjvotes
McCreath Vows to Keep Snow off Sidewalks!
Sept. 23, 2013 - For Immediate Release
Deputy Mayor candidate, Jennifer McCreath, says she wants the City of St. John's to do a better job removing snow from sidewalks. While campaigning, she has spoken with many concerned residents who say not nearly enough sidewalks are cleared, and that many of the cleared ones, are not even cleared properly.
McCreath has lived in St. John's since 2007 and has never owned a car, and has spent more than her fair share of time trying to negotiated snow and ice-covered sidewalks. In addition to having sidewalks cleared, she also recognizes that some of the existing sidewalk snow-removal practices are ineffective, "I've never understood why they drive these huge bulldozers over the sidewalks, which actually presses the snow down and leaves a thick sheet of compressed snow, that often turns into ice, rather than clearing it properly," said McCreath.
McCreath says it is unacceptable to expect pedestrians to walk on busy roads, such as Prince Philip Drive, while sidewalks remain covered in snow for several days after snow has fallen, "as traffic levels increase in this city, the roads become more congested - and it is unreasonable and unsafe to expect pedestrians to share the road with vehicles. Other major cities have figured out how to properly remove snow from their sidewalks, and there is no reason why we can't do the same," said McCreath.
McCreath says she is also receiving complaints from citizens who say there are too many cars on the roads, and that steps need to be taken to make the city more accessible and friendly for bicycles and pedestrians. Ensuring that sidewalks are clear of snow, is a high priority, and one she says should not necessarily cost too much more taxpayer dollars to fix, "if we can replace these sidewalk bulldozers with proper snow plows, that will resolve a great percentage of the problem. Additional plows will be required, however, to ensure all sidewalks are plowed in a timely manner," said McCreath.
Questions of interviews:
Jennifer McCreath
info@jennifermccreath.com
709-753-9529
votejennifer.info
twitter: @jenn_mccreath
Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli #sjvotes
Deputy Mayor candidate, Jennifer McCreath, says she wants the City of St. John's to do a better job removing snow from sidewalks. While campaigning, she has spoken with many concerned residents who say not nearly enough sidewalks are cleared, and that many of the cleared ones, are not even cleared properly.
McCreath has lived in St. John's since 2007 and has never owned a car, and has spent more than her fair share of time trying to negotiated snow and ice-covered sidewalks. In addition to having sidewalks cleared, she also recognizes that some of the existing sidewalk snow-removal practices are ineffective, "I've never understood why they drive these huge bulldozers over the sidewalks, which actually presses the snow down and leaves a thick sheet of compressed snow, that often turns into ice, rather than clearing it properly," said McCreath.
McCreath says it is unacceptable to expect pedestrians to walk on busy roads, such as Prince Philip Drive, while sidewalks remain covered in snow for several days after snow has fallen, "as traffic levels increase in this city, the roads become more congested - and it is unreasonable and unsafe to expect pedestrians to share the road with vehicles. Other major cities have figured out how to properly remove snow from their sidewalks, and there is no reason why we can't do the same," said McCreath.
McCreath says she is also receiving complaints from citizens who say there are too many cars on the roads, and that steps need to be taken to make the city more accessible and friendly for bicycles and pedestrians. Ensuring that sidewalks are clear of snow, is a high priority, and one she says should not necessarily cost too much more taxpayer dollars to fix, "if we can replace these sidewalk bulldozers with proper snow plows, that will resolve a great percentage of the problem. Additional plows will be required, however, to ensure all sidewalks are plowed in a timely manner," said McCreath.
Questions of interviews:
Jennifer McCreath
info@jennifermccreath.com
709-753-9529
votejennifer.info
twitter: @jenn_mccreath
Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli #sjvotes
McCreath wants Election Signs banned from Public Property!
Sept 23, 2013 - For Immediate Release
Deputy Mayor candidate, Jennifer McCreath says that if elected, she will table a motion to amend the St. John's Sign By-law to eliminate election signs on public property. While campaigning, Jennifer has spoken with many concerned constituents who feel election signs on public property are a nuisance - especially those already placed in violation of existing sign by-laws.
McCreath acknowledges that many other cities do not allow election signs on public property and suggests that the true value of election signs would be demonstrable on private property, "a sign on private property demonstrates true support, while a sign on public property demonstrates ones ability to purchase signs," said McCreath.
Jennifer says the appearance of signs on public property ruin the beautiful image of this City, especially during summer tourist season, and also may cause traffic safety hazards, as many signs are placed in close proximity to intersections (placements that are already deemed illegal under existing signs act). McCreath also says she would like to see better enforcement of both existing, and her proposed amendments to the Sign Act. She is also concerned about the cost to the tax-payer, as the City is tasked with removing illegally-placed signs, "it is to my understanding that there are no new additional resources made available to the City for illegal sign-removal, during elections. This puts extra stress on existing City staff. I would like to limit the amount of illegal signs, and hence, limit the amount of additional work that is required by City staff, for this matter," said McCreath.
Questions, interviews, or for more information:
Jennifer McCreath
info@jennifermccreath.com
709-753-9529
votejennifer.info
twitter: @jenn_mccreath
Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli #sjvotes
Deputy Mayor candidate, Jennifer McCreath says that if elected, she will table a motion to amend the St. John's Sign By-law to eliminate election signs on public property. While campaigning, Jennifer has spoken with many concerned constituents who feel election signs on public property are a nuisance - especially those already placed in violation of existing sign by-laws.
McCreath acknowledges that many other cities do not allow election signs on public property and suggests that the true value of election signs would be demonstrable on private property, "a sign on private property demonstrates true support, while a sign on public property demonstrates ones ability to purchase signs," said McCreath.
Jennifer says the appearance of signs on public property ruin the beautiful image of this City, especially during summer tourist season, and also may cause traffic safety hazards, as many signs are placed in close proximity to intersections (placements that are already deemed illegal under existing signs act). McCreath also says she would like to see better enforcement of both existing, and her proposed amendments to the Sign Act. She is also concerned about the cost to the tax-payer, as the City is tasked with removing illegally-placed signs, "it is to my understanding that there are no new additional resources made available to the City for illegal sign-removal, during elections. This puts extra stress on existing City staff. I would like to limit the amount of illegal signs, and hence, limit the amount of additional work that is required by City staff, for this matter," said McCreath.
Questions, interviews, or for more information:
Jennifer McCreath
info@jennifermccreath.com
709-753-9529
votejennifer.info
twitter: @jenn_mccreath
Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli #sjvotes
McCreath wants Public Transit Committee with Neighbours!
Sept 23, 2013 - For Immediate Release
Deputy Mayor candidate, Jennifer McCreath says the City of St. John's needs to take on a leadership role in organizing a regional public transit committee. McCreath says that while campaigning, she has taken several complaints from citizens who complain about increased traffic, increased dangerous driving, and lack of parking space down town. She says many citizens have also raised concern about Metrobus not being efficient.
McCreath says that an expanded and more efficient Metrobus system could significantly decrease the amount of cars coming in and out of downtown. She says many people who live in neighbouring towns, such as Paradise, Conception Bay South, and Torbay, have to travel to St. John's to work, and have no other way to get in town. McCreath says that if elected, she will reach out to neighbouring town councils to put together a committee that could look into a collaborative approach to expanding Metrobus services, and/or creating and providing other bus services in and out of St. John's, to these towns.
McCreath also says that she would like to see car-pool parking lots set up at the edges of town, with special express-bus services being set up to get people to key areas of the city, in a timely fashion, "we need a way to get people to core areas of the city, including downtown, MUN and the Malls, without having a huge influx of cars," she said. McCreath would like to see a program set up that would give people incentive to use these shuttle services, rather than drive their cars downtown. "There are only so many places to put cars. We have tried to build more and more parking spaces, but perhaps the time is now, to start looking at finding ways to have fewer cars, rather than additionally more parking spaces," said McCreath. "It might even make sense to make these shuttle buses free of charge, if it will help reduce the amount of cars coming into the city," said McCreath.
questions of interviews:
Jennifer McCreath
info@jennifermccreath.com
709-753-9529
votejennifer.info
twitter: @jenn_mccreath
Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli #sjvotes
Deputy Mayor candidate, Jennifer McCreath says the City of St. John's needs to take on a leadership role in organizing a regional public transit committee. McCreath says that while campaigning, she has taken several complaints from citizens who complain about increased traffic, increased dangerous driving, and lack of parking space down town. She says many citizens have also raised concern about Metrobus not being efficient.
McCreath says that an expanded and more efficient Metrobus system could significantly decrease the amount of cars coming in and out of downtown. She says many people who live in neighbouring towns, such as Paradise, Conception Bay South, and Torbay, have to travel to St. John's to work, and have no other way to get in town. McCreath says that if elected, she will reach out to neighbouring town councils to put together a committee that could look into a collaborative approach to expanding Metrobus services, and/or creating and providing other bus services in and out of St. John's, to these towns.
McCreath also says that she would like to see car-pool parking lots set up at the edges of town, with special express-bus services being set up to get people to key areas of the city, in a timely fashion, "we need a way to get people to core areas of the city, including downtown, MUN and the Malls, without having a huge influx of cars," she said. McCreath would like to see a program set up that would give people incentive to use these shuttle services, rather than drive their cars downtown. "There are only so many places to put cars. We have tried to build more and more parking spaces, but perhaps the time is now, to start looking at finding ways to have fewer cars, rather than additionally more parking spaces," said McCreath. "It might even make sense to make these shuttle buses free of charge, if it will help reduce the amount of cars coming into the city," said McCreath.
questions of interviews:
Jennifer McCreath
info@jennifermccreath.com
709-753-9529
votejennifer.info
twitter: @jenn_mccreath
Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet #nlpoli #sjvotes
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