Jo-Anne Gould Green
A Personal Message to the Residents of Highlands East
I was raised on Paudash Lake, and in 2021 I made the decision to return home. Coming back reminded me why this community has always been so special to me. It allowed me to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and hear firsthand about the challenges, concerns, and hopes people have for our municipality. Those conversations inspired me to become more involved and ultimately led me to run for Councillor.
Although this is my first time seeking elected office, it is not my first time serving my community. Throughout my career and volunteer work, I have worked with municipal, provincial, and federal governments, local organizations, businesses, and community groups. These experiences have taught me the importance of listening, solving problems, and making informed decisions.
I don’t claim to have all the answers, but good decisions begin by listening to residents, asking questions, and working together to find practical solutions.
If elected, my priorities would include:
Responsible Growth and Affordability – I will work with Council, the Mayor, Haliburton County, and residents to encourage responsible growth while keeping services affordable and ensuring taxpayers receive value for their tax dollars.
Protecting Our Lakes and Natural Environment – Our lakes, forests, wildlife, and natural spaces are among Highlands East’s greatest assets. I will support responsible environmental stewardship and ensure residents’ concerns are heard whenever decisions may affect our natural environment.
Supporting Residents and Property Owners – Council should continue exploring practical solutions that improve access to homes and cottages, particularly where seasonal roads and boat launches are the only means of access, while balancing safety, costs, and municipal responsibilities.
Improving Municipal Services – Municipal processes, such as severances and variances, should be easier to understand. I support improving communication, providing clearer information, and looking for opportunities to reduce unnecessary delays whenever possible.
Listening and Working Together – Residents deserve to be informed, consulted, and treated with respect. Strong communities are built through open communication, cooperation, and thoughtful decision-making.
I care deeply about Highlands East and the people who call it home. While I am running for Ward 2 Councillor, every member of Council shares responsibility for decisions affecting the entire municipality. I will represent Ward 2 while always considering what is in the best interests of all residents.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I would be honoured to earn your support and the opportunity to serve as your Councillor.
Candidate for Councillor – Municipality of Highlands East Ward 2
My Vision
My vision for Highlands East is a community where residents have access to affordable housing, especially for seniors, opportunities for local employment, and the services and infrastructure needed to support our community today and into the future.
Leadership Profile
For more than 25 years, I have dedicated my career to serving communities through leadership, governance, economic development, community partnerships, and volunteer service. Throughout my career, I have built a reputation for integrity, accountability, fairness, and assisting in making informed decisions.
After more than 20 years as an Employment Development Officer, I recently retired from a career that focused on helping individuals access employment, education, and training opportunities. I worked closely with federal and provincial funding programs, developed community projects, supported local businesses and entrepreneurs, collaborated with government and community organizations, and ensured accountability in the administration of public funds. This experience strengthened my ability to understand budgets, evaluate priorities, and solve problems.
As a licensed Private Investigator, I have strengthened my skills in research, communication, organization, critical thinking, and following facts, not hearsay. This job also involves listening carefully and reviewing information objectively.
Skills & Experience
I have developed experience in:
- Leadership and governance
- Strategic planning
- Budget review and accountability
- Economic and workforce development
- Project planning and community development
- Grant and funding administration
- Community consultation and public engagement
- Research and analysis
- Conflict resolution
- Building partnerships with government, organizations, businesses, and community members
- Ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability
Leadership, Board & Volunteer Experience
My volunteer work has included serving as a President, Secretary, Board Member, and Committee Member with a variety of community organizations. These leadership roles provided experience in governance, policy development, strategic planning, budgeting, and responsible decision-making.
I would also like to mention two volunteer experiences that I believe are relevant to serving our community.
- As a member of the City of Peterborough Advisory Committee, I worked with community partners, the Peterborough Police Service, the John Howard Society, and residents to support the successful reintegration of offenders into the community. As part of this role, committee members visited correctional institutions to better understand the programs and services available to individuals preparing for their release. This experience reinforced the importance of collaboration, listening to diverse perspectives, and making balanced decisions that support both public safety and community well-being.
- I served on the City of Peterborough Employment Committee; representatives from approximately 20 agencies worked together to coordinate services, share information, and reduce duplication. By working collaboratively, we identified gaps, improved communication, and made better use of available resources to provide more effective services for the community. This experience demonstrated the value of strong partnerships, cooperation, and practical problem-solving.
- I served as a volunteer member of Fleming College’s Education Council. Working alongside college leadership and Indigenous communities, I contributed to discussions on education, community partnerships, and student success. This experience reinforced the value of listening to diverse perspectives, building strong partnerships, and making informed decisions that reflect the needs of the communities being served.
Each experience built on the last, giving me the knowledge, confidence, and skills to continue serving my community in new ways.
Contact information:
Facebook: Jo-Anne Gould Green for Councillor
Cell: 705 768 1376