Michelle Kelly-Maitland believes in proactive — not reactive — government.
The political newcomer is hoping to bring that quality to the role of Ward 1 St. Clair Township councillor if she’s elected Oct. 22.
“I think we need to be proactive and see what we might be overlooking,” she says, adding “our biggest problems are what we haven’t planned for.
“That is why I will push for our council to look outside the box,” she adds.
Kelly Maitland says the NOVA expansion and the lack of reliable Internet throughout the township are the main challenges currently facing local government.
Kelly-Maitland, a full-time student and yoga instructor, says she’d like to see St. Clair implement “community well being” surveys to examine the health of the community and vulnerable populations are being dealt with.
It would be a “great tool” she says to see how the municipality is faring on the healthy community front, both  at the elected representative level, and collectively as a community.
If elected, Kelly-Maitland would like to see a “benchmark” set that could measure quality of life within the township.
“I’d like to see an increase in democratic engagement, healthier living standards and improvements to living standards where needed,” she explains.
Kelly-Maitland says she decided to run because she was asked to by members of the community.
“I’m optimistic this will be a positive experience for the community and myself,” she explains.
The township’s waterfront, parks and “small town feel” are what the Ottawa native loves best about her adopted home.
“We have a lifestyle (here in St. Clair) that isn’t easy to find and that is what I think we all love,” she says.