Chris Wheeler
1. What experiences (professional and/or personal) do you have that you feel support you as a great candidate for municipal council?
I have 20+ years of working with Youth at Risk in both residential and educational settings. These positions offering support in mental health, behavioral and addictions issues have taught me empathy, patience, compassion, discretion and communication skills that I feel are beneficial to such a position as a town councillor. I’ve also volunteered, and held executive positions on multiple local sports associations. Combined with my youth work/volunteer experience I offer many years of successful entrepreneurship in the entertainment industry.
2. What’s one thing you would like residents to know about you?
I was born in Torbay, I went from K-12 in Torbay, I’ve spent the majority of my life living in Torbay, Torbay is and will always be my home – I love and take pride in this beautiful town. I’m a hardworking, motivated, loyal individual who wants to bring respect to this council, a strong voice and strive for a positive future for this community.
3. What made you want to run for council?
My father spent several terms as a councillor, and mayor years ago here in Torbay so I guess it was always on my mind to follow in his footsteps and to give back to a community that has given me so much. I want to help build a healthy and happy community, build on fiscal responsibility and respect for one another. This is a beautiful town; I want to ensure it stays that way.
4. Why is it important for you to participate in your community this way?
I’ve never been a person to remain quiet, sit on the sidelines so to speak for something I was passionate about. I’m very enthusiastic and excited for the opportunity to help shape Torbay going forward and it’s important that I offer the residents of Torbay a strong voice, one they can feel both confidence and reassurance in.
5. If elected, what do you hope to achieve as a councillor?
If you can’t tell, I love Torbay. Torbay is a wonderful town to live in, and a great place to raise a family. What I would like to achieve as a councillor is to share my vision and implement a proper strategy going forward on how we make this an even better place to live, and share with others. The natural beauty of Torbay combined with the geographic location of this town gives us a unique combination and I only want to build on improving every aspect of Torbay.
6. Can you tell me one specific issue currently facing Torbay, and how you would begin to address it should you be elected?
I’m a strong advocate for Health and Wellness. I believe a healthier community is a happier community. The water supply and quality is something that needs immediate attention, sidewalks, as well as maintaining and constructing our trails and parks. Physical activity and recreation for both youth and adults is crucial to positive mental health and I would build on these areas within the town. As we manage our way through this current global pandemic, now is not the time to raise taxes.
7. What, do you think, are the major benefits of having a municipal democracy?
The benefits of a municipal democracy is the right to have your voice heard. The people choose whom they want to lead, in which they deserve accountability/responsiveness from the elected officials. Many people have sacrificed their lives to give us this freedom, I urge everyone to vote and exercise this right.
8. In your opinion, how important is diversity on a council?
Diversity amongst the council is very important to ensure proper representation for different backgrounds, social/ethnic groups, age, and gender groups. A diverse council allows us a variety of perspectives, increased productivity and creativity creating a proper balance for a community to thrive.
9. Why should residents of Torbay vote you into their council?
They should vote for me in council because they share my vision, my love for Torbay. They can be confident they would be electing someone who will listen, work hard and take pride in building a better place to live. I offer a fresh, strong, forward thinking voice to the council that will help lead us forward.
10. If elected, what will you enjoy most about being a councillor?
I will enjoy being a part of positive change, having a vision and seeing it put in place. I will enjoy helping others and doing my part to achieve a happy, healthy community. I will enjoy serving you, the people in developing Torbay to its full potential. My town, your town – Beautiful Torbay.