Six questions with Lindsay Duggan, candidate for Pittsburg District
Editorial note:
Across the province, Ontarians are getting ready to cast their ballots in every city, town, and county as the 2022 Municipal Election is fast approaching. With election day on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, Kingstonist has reached out to all candidates within the City of Kingston to create profiles allowing voters to find a brief overview of each candidate in one place. As response comes in, more and more candidate profiles will be added here, which you can access through our Municipal Election 2022 section (with the tab on the Kingstonist.com homepage), or through our ‘Candidate overview landing page.’
With 45 candidates in total for Kingston City Council alone – and with only one district acclaimed (Countryside District will once again be represented by Gary Oosterhof) and six districts without an incumbent – our goal is to provide as much information as possible leading up to the elections. Thus, we will endeavour to collect response from as many Kingston candidates as possible, with the hope of providing similar coverage for Loyalist Township, Frontenac County, and the Town of Greater Napanee moving forward. All relevant links will be available under the Municipal Election 2022 tab.
For more general information on election process in Kingston, including details on electing Board of Education Trustees, ensuring you are registered to vote, etc., visit the City of Kingston Municipal Elections webpage.
Candidate profiles are being published on our website in no particular order.
Lindsay Duggan, originally from Edmonton, Alberta, has lived in Kingston since 2005. Having lived in Kingston East for the past 16 years, Duggan is ready to represent her neighbours on Kingston City Council.
New to the political race, Duggan is currently on the board of St. Vincent de Paul Kingston and volunteers as a mentor for Dress for Success Kingston. Mom to three teenagers who play competitive hockey, Duggan said she enjoys taking the time to walk her three dogs in the woods.
When asked to share a “fun fact,” Duggan said, “One of my favourite things to do in Kingston is gather with friends, share a meal, and go walking with the kids and dogs. I love the beet salad at Atomica and the Dynamo pizza at Woodenheads.”
How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation?
This is a tough question because my ideology is really based on the issues current to that election. In theory, I fall in the middle with a strong desire to help people but believe that governments must be fiscally responsible.
What made you want to run in this municipal election?
I had wanted to run four years ago but my mother was very ill in Alberta and I had to travel there frequently. I decided to run in this election because I want a seat at the table and to contribute to the decision-making in this city. I also believe in democracy and that each district should have many people running for council. I would also like to see more women represented at council as well because we bring real-life experience and abilities to the table.
What are the three most common issues voters are bringing up to you as you campaign?
- Homelessness
- Poverty
- Our high taxation
What three issues are most pressing/important to address locally in your opinion?
I believe that the three most pressing issues are poverty reduction:
- Homelessness and the lack of affordable housing for working poor.
- High inflation and seeing increased costs across the board, we must be creative with our future budgets and spending.
- We must work with the other levels of governments to ensure policies and programs are targeted and effective.
What is the most pressing issue in your district?
- Monitoring the potential option of the Rideau marina as the permanent site of the Tiny Homes.
- The continued housing development along the river is also a big issue of concern for many residents. We must be progressive with development AND ensure we are respecting the environment and the natural beauty/eco systems of our area.
- Expanding commercial services in our area to meet the needs of our residents.
What do you feel sets you apart from other candidates?
My previous work experience includes high-level decision-making on a national level. My life experiences have taught me to listen first, then ask lots of questions. I have a deep desire to find solutions based on integrity and fact. I have been immersed in this community for 16 years and feel lucky to have connected and learned from so many dedicated people.
More information on Lindsay Duggan, candidate for Pittsburg District in the 2022 municipal election, can be found on her website, Facebook page, and Twitter profile. She can be reached by email at [email protected]
With files from Cris Vilela.