Submitted questionnaire

Lee-Ann Tiede

School Trustee on the Board of Education - SD23

This is the candidate’s public questionnaire. It is not a ForChange recommendation. Committee recommendations will be published after the review is complete.

1. 01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

   Kelowna has been my home for the past 34 years. It is where my family has built our life, where I have served my community, and where I have invested my time because I genuinely care about the future of Kelowna and want to pass it's legacy on to others who call Kelowna home.

   I believe Kelowna deserves experienced, principled leadership that listens to residents, represents their interests, and makes thoughtful decisions that will benefit our community for years to come. Through my years of public service, I have learned the importance of understanding common interests, working respectfully with others, and making decisions based on facts, good judgement, and the long-term benefits of the community.

   I am running for City Council because I want to continue giving back to the city that has given so much to me and my family. I will bring experienced, practical and accountable leadership to City Hall, work hard on behalf of residents, and always strive to make decisions that are in the best interests of Kelowna and the people who call it home.

2. 02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

   Growth that keeps pace.

   Kelowna is growing, and growth needs to be managed carefully. We need to make sure our roads, water and sewer systems, parks and public services are keeping pace, rather than trying to catch up after the fact. Council has a direct role in this through land-use planning, zoning, development approvals, infrastructure decisions and the City budget. The decisions Council makes today will shape how our community looks and functions for generations.

   I would support development that is matched with the infrastructure needed to serve it, protects parks and natural areas, and considers the impact on existing neighbourhoods. I would also insist residents have a meaningful opportunity to be heard on significant and historical site changes. Careful planning and responsible decisions will allow Kelowna to grow while protecting what makes it a great place to live.

3. 03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

   Safe Neighbourhoods.

   Safe neighbourhoods don't happen by accident. They are built by neighbours who care, people who look out for one another, and a community willing to work together to solve problems and support each other.

   Council can help by supporting effective policing and bylaw enforcement, improving lighting and public spaces, and working with residents, businesses, community groups, neighbouring municipalities, and other levels of government on issues such as homelessness, addiction, natural disasters, and public disorder. Council must understand the issues faced by those most affected, regardless of the issue. Our community has many individuals with practical ideas and experiences, and Council should hear them.

   I want Kelowna to be a strong community where families feel safe, businesses have the opportunity to succeed, and residents thrive.

4. 04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

   Responsible Management of Public Funds.

   Residents work hard for their money and expect City Council to respect that. Council should spend taxpayer dollars wisely, focus on essential services, and make decisions that serve both today's residents and future generations.

   I would carefully review City spending, look for efficiencies, and ensure major projects are well stewarded before moving forward. At the same time, I would support investing in the roads, infrastructure, parks and public services our community depends on.

   City Council is responsible for setting budgets, approving major projects and planning for the future. My priority would be to balance responsible spending, a strong local economy, and good stewardship of the community we're leaving to the next generation.

5. 05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

   I bring more than 30 years of leadership experience across the technology, health care, and finance sectors, managing operations, budgets, teams, and organizational improvement.

   I have also served 12 years as an elected School Trustee with Central Okanagan Public Schools (SD23), including two years as Board Chair, and nine years on the Glenmore-Ellison Improvement District (GEID) Board. These roles have given me valuable experience in governance, financial oversight, and working respectfully with staff, community partners, and employee groups.

   Outside of my professional and elected roles, I have volunteered with several not-for-profit organizations supporting youth services, mentorship programs, and community theatre.

   I believe my experience, commitment to service, and practical approach have prepared me to serve Kelowna well.

6. 06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

   I would look for savings before asking taxpayers for more money. Council has a responsibility to carefully review City spending, reduce non-essential expenses where possible, and prioritize the services residents rely on most. Where appropriate, I would also consider delaying lower-priority capital projects to manage costs while protecting essential services such as policing, fire protection, roads and infrastructure.

   If a tax increase becomes necessary, Council should first demonstrate that it has carefully reviewed all spending and explored every reasonable opportunity to reduce costs, improve efficiency, or defer projects where appropriate. Tax increases should never be the first option. Residents deserve confidence that their tax dollars are being managed responsibly and with careful consideration.

7. 07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

   I strive to approach differences of opinion by listening to understand all views while staying focused on the issue at hand. I believe everyone deserves to be heard with the same respect I expect for my own views. I am open-minded and appreciate when someone brings forward sound, defensible facts that challenge my thinking, and I am not afraid to change my mind when the evidence supports it. At the same time, I believe it is important to stand by my principles and not compromise them simply to gain the approval of others.

8. 08 · What else should voters know about you?

   Kelowna has been home to our family for over 34 years. My husband grew up here, and together we raised our three children here. We've built lasting friendships, found neighbours who have become like family, and created a life we truly love.

   I'm running for Council because I want to help preserve what makes Kelowna such a special place while ensuring it remains a community where people of all ages can afford to live, work, raise a family, and retire. Affordability does not merely impact those with less means, it affects everyone. That means prioritizing making Kelowna affordable by supporting local businesses and agriculture, encouraging clean technology and new ideas, protecting our natural spaces, and making thoughtful decisions about how we grow.

   I want my children and grandchildren, and yours, to have the opportunity to build their future here if they choose. As Kelowna grows, we must protect the qualities that have made it a place we're proud to call home.

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