Heidi Banks, 43, is the Patriotic Alliance candidate for Ward 70. She answered a few questions regarding the upcoming local government election.
Q. What would you do differently to the current ward councillor?
This question is posed in a future tense but my present reality, as candidate councillor is that I am already listening to the concerns of the community and with my limited power and resources, sort out their concerns by going the extra mile for my people.
Q. How have you been involved in the community?
A community is made up of individuals and my best work was done with reaching the individual where I walked a path of healing and restoration with them, be it a homeless person, an addict, or a mother or father with family issues. This includes people from all walks of life and of all ages.
Q. What past experiences make you uniquely qualified for this role?
A. Although I have no prior political exposure, I do have a long history of church leadership, beginning at the tender age of 12, as well as corporate leadership, that has been essential in preparing me for this role. What I love about the Patriotic Alliance is that we are a party that believes in the ‘heart’ of politics and not the ‘art’ thereof. So I am saying, what uniquely qualifies me for this role is my leadership and people experience combined with my passion, love and a heart for people and their concerns.
Q. What is your vision for your ward?
A. To improve and restore order to our people’s dignity, livelihood, and our communities, to where we are proud of the people and communities that we are a part of.
Q. How do you feel this vision can be achieved?
A. In the words of mayoral candidate, Ashley Sauls, “I can’t. We can!” Ruth Mizell says it well and I quote: “National unity is a breeding ground for growth. The dissolution of tension is predicated on the inward purpose that the country’s future is not based on individual good, but what is best for the whole nation”. Another way of putting it is that it takes teamwork which means it is all inclusive. Everyone is important for the success of the nation and no one is unimportant to be left behind. However, unity does not just happen, it takes personal effort. It begins with leadership setting the example.
Q. How does your party mirror your personal beliefs?
A. As simple as this one sentence, ‘Putting God first, and truth and transparency” .
Q. Tell the residents of your ward why they should vote for you.
A. A leader is a servant to the people. I will serve my people with foresight on how things can and will be improved. I will rally our people to move toward that vision. I will work and go the extra mile toward making the vision a reality while putting the people first.
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