Home-support supervisor Erin (Duffely) DeLong announced her plans to seek one of four Woodstock Ward 4 (current town boundaries) council seats in the upcoming Nov 28 municipal election.
DeLong, born and raised in Woodstock, announced her candidacy in the statement as follows:
“For the past 20 years, I have served my community by advocating, collaborating, assessing and treating clients through my nursing skills developed over a long career in community nursing. My chosen career has granted me invaluable insight into the daily challenges of our senior citizens and vulnerable community members.
“These experiences motivated my run for council. I wanted to seize the opportunity by choosing not to sit on the sidelines and instead sit at the table where I can advocate for our citizens through another lens.
“As a home support supervisor working locally for a private home care company Bayshore, I have seen daily struggles that our citizens in need face, including affordable and appropriate housing, access to support services including medical equipment loans, grants, and home-repair programs or knowing what services are available.
“My long-time dream is to see Woodstock and other facets of government work together to streamline these resources. Working within a budget-conscious healthcare environment, I understand the complexities of financial responsibility, which will benefit me on council.
“As a mother of a young child, I know the need for future growth to support young families. Engaging families and youth with recreational, cultural, and diverse experiences are essential.
“Through my experience in complex case management, I will approach council with a person-centred-solution mindset, creating pathways for infrastructure and business growth, improving council transparency and streamlining support service information.
“I wish to see Woodstock grow wisely, encouraging young families to make Woodstock home. My focus is to highlight this friendly, welcoming, hardworking community with transparency and advocacy.
“Please join me on this journey as I humbly ask for your support.”
