ROUND LAKE – A new contender has entered the running for mayor of the township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards.
Linda Gavin, a resident of Round Lake, filed the paperwork to declare her candidacy this past Friday. She joins current Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards councillor Isabel O’Reilly and incumbent mayor Janice Visneskie Moore in the race for mayor.
By her own account, Linda Gavin is a KHR resident with strong ties to the community and a commitment to the people in the township. Gavin has, in her more than 20 years as a resident, held positions ranging from Killaloe Public School parent council member to president of the Pine Point Cottager’s Association. In addition to this, Gavin has a wide variety of volunteer experience, whether it be helping individuals with their tax returns or helping out at the Killaloe Rink. She is also a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Gavin’s motivation for running began nearly a year ago, when she began hearing from residents a desire for change.
“I’ve had a lot of support from a lot of people,” says Gavin. “I’ve got a deep interest in municipal politics.”
Gavin feels her background in management, finance, and controllership, developed in both private and public sectors, would serve her and the residents of KHR very well.
“I think I have something to offer,” she comments. “I’ve got good leadership skills and a proven track record.”
Her past work saw her managing budgets in excess of $100 million. Gavin is a trained chartered professional accountant and a certified management accountant. She feels the skill sets will be of great value to the township.
“I can apply my experience to look at every program and see how our tax dollars are being spent,” she explains. “What I am offering is a fresh perspective on how things are run.”
Although she hasn’t had much direct experience with municipal politics, Gavin feels her professional background will benefit her work as mayor, should she be elected.
Get your July 23, 2014 edition of The Valley Gazette to read more of this story.