She’s a true veteran on the municipal election campaign trail and Rose Gibson is feeling positive about her sixth run at a seat on St. Thomas city council.
Her first campaign was in the 2000 municipal election.
In 2018 she finished 10th in a 19-candidate field, less than 500 votes away from knocking Jim Herbert out of the running.
When asked about the plight of the homeless in the downtown core, Gibson suggests you have to look deeper than a drug dependence.
As in her previous campaigns, Gibson continues to advocate for a better transit system in St. Thomas.
Gibson adds the city has to ensure people who rely on transit are able to get the jobs in the new Amazon fulfillment centre in Southwold and further down the road to anticipated jobs in the newly acquired industrial land to the east of Highbury Avenue.
In light of the present inflationary impact on most consumer purchases, Gibson says the incoming council will have to be fiscally responsible.
While acknowledging homelessness, mental health issues and planning for future growth are critical issues, Gibson feels there must remain a focus on arts and culture in St. Thomas.
If elected, she feels her compassion will be an asset on council.
Gibson asserts she is a team player and points to her more than three decades of community service.
Written by Ian McCallum
