Submitted questionnaire

Teresa May

Business Development for ZS2 Technologies/ Marketing Cherry Lane Homes

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?

   I am running because I care deeply about Kelowna's future and the kind of community we leave for the next generation. Over the past several months, I have been meeting residents from every part of our city through my 1,000 Conversations Tour, networking events, and social activities. While every neighbourhood has unique concerns, people consistently tell me they want a council that listens first, spends tax dollars wisely, and focuses on practical solutions rather than politics. Over the past decades, I have dedicated myself to serving the community of Kelowna.

   My background as a teacher, business owner, author, community volunteer, and entrepreneur has taught me how to bring people together, solve problems, and deliver results. I believe good leadership starts with listening, asking thoughtful questions, and making decisions based on evidence and the long-term interests of our community.

   I am not running to build a political career. I am running to serve the community I love and to help ensure Kelowna remains a safe, affordable, and vibrant place for families, seniors, businesses, and future generations.

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

   Community Safety, Homelessness, and Addiction

   Kelowna residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, parks, neighbourhoods, and businesses while ensuring those experiencing homelessness and addiction have access to meaningful pathways to recovery. I support strengthening partnerships between the City, RCMP, Interior Health, BC Housing, outreach organizations, and local businesses. I would continue investing in proven community safety initiatives, advocate for more recovery-focused treatment and mental health services, and improve communication on measurable outcomes. While Council cannot solve healthcare or addiction alone, it plays a vital role by funding local safety initiatives, coordinating partnerships, and advocating to senior governments for the resources our community needs.

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

   Financial Responsibility and Smart Growth

   Residents consistently tell me they are worried about rising taxes and whether City Hall is spending their money efficiently. Kelowna is growing rapidly, but growth must be managed responsibly. I would review carefully major capital projects and operating budgets to ensure taxpayer dollars deliver clear public value.
   Improve transparency so residents understand how decisions are made and how funds are allocated. Encourage continuous reviews of administrative processes to improve efficiency while maintaining quality public services.
   Support responsible development that provides housing while ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth.
   Council approves budgets, sets tax rates, establishes financial priorities, and oversees municipal operations. Council has a direct responsibility to ensure every tax dollar is spent wisely and transparently.

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

   Housing, Infrastructure, and Livability

   Kelowna's rapid growth is placing increasing pressure on housing affordability, transportation, infrastructure, and community amenities. Growth should enhance and not reduce our quality of life.
   I support expanding housing options in appropriate locations while respecting established neighbourhoods, streamlining development approvals without compromising good planning, and investing in roads, active transportation, parks, recreation, and utilities that keep pace with growth. I also support creating complete communities where residents can live, work, and access services closer to home.
   City Council plays a key role by setting land-use policy, approving development, investing in infrastructure, and planning for sustainable growth through the Official Community Plan and responsible budgeting.

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

   My professional and volunteer experiences have prepared me to serve effectively on Council.

   I have been a teacher, entrepreneur, author, and business owner, giving me experience in budgeting, leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Through Cherry Lane Homes and ZS2 Technologies I have developed a strong understanding of construction, housing, sustainable building technologies, and economic development.

   Community service has always been important to me. Over the years I have volunteered with organizations supporting families, youth, cancer research, food security, education, and community development. These experiences have allowed me to work alongside people from many different backgrounds and understand the importance of collaboration.

   Most importantly, I believe leadership is about listening. My 1,000 Conversations Tour has reinforced that residents want elected officials who are approachable, accessible, and willing to hear differing perspectives before making decisions.

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

   Every decision should begin with one question: what provides the greatest long-term benefit for Kelowna while being responsible with taxpayer dollars?

   I would begin with listening, gathering the facts, and asking what will provide the greatest long-term benefit for Kelowna while being responsible with taxpayers' money. I will evaluate priorities based on community need, financial impact, evidence, legal obligations, long-term sustainability, and whether they align with Council's strategic goals.

   I believe in transparent decision-making. Residents deserve to understand why one project moves forward before another and how those decisions affect taxes, services, and future growth.
   I would evaluate decisions by considering:
   *the evidence and available data
   *the financial impact
   *the long-term sustainability of the decision
   *community input
   *legal obligations
   and whether the investment aligns with Council's strategic priorities.

   Not every worthwhile project can happen immediately. Good governance means setting priorities, making difficult choices transparently, and explaining those decisions clearly to residents.

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

   Some of the best decisions come from respectful disagreement.

   I believe every person deserves to be heard, even when we disagree. My approach is to listen carefully, ask questions to understand the reasons behind different viewpoints, look for common ground, and remain open to changing my perspective when presented with better information.

   Council works best when members collaborate respectfully rather than becoming divided by ideology. I will always advocate strongly for what I believe is right, but I also recognize that good governance requires compromise, professionalism, and mutual respect.

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

   I believe leadership is earned through service.

   Throughout my life I have worked in education, business, construction, community organizations, and volunteer leadership. Those experiences have taught me that trust is built by showing up, listening carefully, and following through.

   Since graduating university with Kappa Gamma Pi award in recognition of leadership, service and academic excellence, I have always seen that award as more than an achievement, I have seen it as a responsibility. It reminds me that leadership is not about holding a title, it is about stepping forward when you believe you can make a positive difference.

   As a grandmother, I think often about the kind of city we are leaving for future generations. I want Kelowna to remain a place where people feel safe, businesses can thrive, families can afford to build their lives, and residents know their voices matter.

   If elected, I will be an accessible councillor who listens respectfully, works collaboratively, asks difficult questions when necessary, and always strives to make decisions that serve the best interests of our entire community.

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