If elected, Tiffany Mackay French will find her legal training as well as her skills as a mediator put to good use after May 9th.

That is if a new Rothesay Council puts its mind to restoring a respectful relationship between the Town Of Rothesay and its residents. Tiffany, who is the mother of a young family, was recently called to the New Brunswick Bar. She has been a highschool teacher and is now trying her hand at municipal politics.

While the support of Tiffany’s wide circle of friends, acquaintances, and colleagues could be enough to secure her a seat on Council, her conscientious door to door campaign might cement that win on May the 9th.

I spoke with Tiffany at the beginning of the campaign and again yesterday and while her underlying focus (on planning for growth, transparency and good financial management) hasn’t changed, she has been listening to what she’s heard at the door. She heard, during the campaign, residents’ concerns about high levels of discretionary spending and debt and the negative impact that has on many households.

Tiffany wants an active lifestyle for her three boys and the public recreation facilities that help make that possible. However she also clearly understands that we must match those facilities to our population size and the ability of all residents to pay for them. She believes that we need to work with surrounding communities when it comes to planning big ticket items like a field house and arena.

Perhaps her collaborative law background is responsible for her interest in working with other communities to find ways of making those services more affordable or maybe she is simply in tune with the reality of those who are struggling in tough economic times. Either way, Tiffany looks like she will be a solid addition to a “change” council after May 9th.