For the full interview, listen in to Connecting Albert County: The Audio Edit, wherever you stream your podcasts, or above.
Among the candidates in Ward 5 is Rebecca Davis, a Stoney Creek resident who brings a background in journalism, non-profit leadership, and community advocacy to her campaign.
Davis says her decision to run stems from both a deep connection to the community and a belief that change is needed at the municipal level. She described her candidacy as both a personal commitment and a response to what she sees as gaps in current leadership.
Among the candidates in Ward 5 is Rebecca Davis, a Stoney Creek resident who brings a background in journalism, non-profit leadership, and community advocacy to her campaign.
Davis says her decision to run stems from both a deep connection to the community and a belief that change is needed at the municipal level. She described her candidacy as both a personal commitment and a response to what she sees as gaps in current leadership.
Community Roots and Professional Background
Davis lives in Stoney Creek with her husband and their blended family of five children. “We put down roots here… we love it here, and we’re so proud to be part of this community,” she said.
Having grown up in multiple locations in the Maritimes, Davis pursued post-secondary education in Ontario. She returned to the Maritimes, settling in New Brunswick. “Whichever way I could get back here to the Maritimes and find my way to New Brunswick, I was doing it,” she said.
Her professional background spans multiple sectors. With a diploma in broadcast journalism, Davis spent approximately 15 years as a reporter covering all levels of government. “I covered a lot of the political sector… council meetings that go till two o’clock in the morning… making sure the community understands what’s going on,” she said.
She later transitioned into the non-profit sector, working in fundraising and communications roles and eventually serving as an executive director for an organization supporting autistic individuals and their families. She now runs her own business supporting charities, non-profits, and small businesses through grant writing, communications, and strategic planning. “I’ve raised millions over the years… and it’s really led me to meet so many people,” she said, adding that her work has remained focused on strengthening communities.
Leadership Style and Experience
Davis describes her leadership approach as people-centred and collaborative. “I’m a person who very much understands the difference between a leader and a boss,” she said. “If you help others to succeed, you’re all going to succeed together.”
She emphasized the importance of creating environments where individuals feel heard and supported. “I want people to feel that I’m part of a team… not so much of a dictator or a boss.”
When it comes to conflict, Davis highlighted listening as a key tool. “When you say less, what you do say tends to matter more. And when you’re not talking, you’re usually listening,” she said. She added that building understanding is essential in navigating disagreements, particularly in leadership roles.
Motivation for Running
Davis said her decision to enter the race came after initially considering supporting another candidate. “I originally set out to find the perfect candidate to support,” she explained. “Those conversations kept turning back around on me.”
She described her candidacy as a response to concerns about current governance. Framing her decision as a matter of responsibility, she added: "How could I not?”
Campaign Preparation and Community Engagement
Davis has focused much of her campaign on direct engagement with residents. “Most of it has been getting out there, talking to the people… hearing what the concerns are,” she said.
She noted that Ward 5 is both large and diverse, requiring a broad understanding of different priorities. In addition to door-to-door outreach, she has reviewed council documents, attended webinars, and engaged in local issues such as rezoning discussions.
Platform Overview and Key Priorities
Davis identified three main priorities in her platform:
“We have to find efficiencies… and do that in a unified way,” she added.
Approach to Governance & Transparency
Davis expressed strong support for mandatory training for councillors. “I’m 100% for required training.” she said.
She also stressed the importance of transparency and ethical conduct. Drawing on her background in journalism and non-profit governance, she said she would apply a cautious approach to potential conflicts of interest. “When in doubt, leave it out… you should err on the side of caution,” she said, calling for more detailed reporting and greater public engagement.
Environment and Natural Resources
Davis views environmental stewardship as a core municipal responsibility. “First and foremost—protection and maintenance,” she said. “Growth and development is wonderful, but not at the expense of our environment.”
She emphasized the need for stronger oversight and responsiveness to community concerns. “When a community… begs for things like an environmental assessment and you turn a blind eye, that’s a problem,” she said.
On glyphosate spraying, Davis was unequivocal in her opposition. “We know better… our communities deserve better than that,” she said.
Housing, Cost of Living, and Poverty
Davis described housing affordability and cost of living as complex but urgent issues. She supports increasing affordable housing while ensuring responsible development. She also raised concerns about taxation and municipal spending. “People are saying… ‘I’m having trouble affording to feed my family… but I pay my taxes,’” she said.
In addition to financial measures, she suggested community-based initiatives such as food security programs and shared resources. “There’s so many different things… if we were getting creative,” she said.
Economic Development
Davis believes economic growth depends on both internal support and external promotion. “We have to really focus inwards and then outwards,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of supporting existing businesses and reducing barriers for new ones. “If local businesses are saying… ‘we’re not getting anywhere,’ that’s going to be a red flag,” she said. She also pointed to the need for improved financial stability and infrastructure to attract investment.
Arts, Culture, and Heritage
A former theatre participant herself, Davis spoke to the value of arts and culture in community life. “The creativity… the beauty that the arts bring… that’s worth its weight in gold,” she said.
She supports greater municipal involvement in promoting and supporting cultural initiatives, suggesting creative approaches to tourism and community engagement.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure—particularly roads—was one of the most frequently raised concerns during Davis’s campaign outreach. “It’s 95 percent of what I’m hearing about door to door,” she said. She highlighted disparities across the ward, with some residents reporting decades without road improvements. “When seniors are saying… they haven’t seen their road paved in 40 years… where are the tax dollars going?” she asked.
Davis also pointed to the impact of heavy traffic on road conditions and suggested exploring shared responsibility for maintenance costs.
Amalgamation and Regional Collaboration
Reflecting on municipal amalgamation, Davis expressed concerns about how the process was implemented. “If I knew then what I know now… I don’t think I would have been in favour of it,” she said. However, she emphasized the need to move forward collaboratively. “We can’t keep focusing on what was… we have to start working on this together,” she said.
She also noted that Ward 5 faces specific challenges under the current structure and pledged to advocate for greater balance while promoting unity across the municipality.
Closing Thoughts
Davis described herself as a straightforward and approachable candidate. “You get what you see… I’m genuine,” and emphasized her willingness to engage with all residents, regardless of differing views. “Even if you don’t think I would agree… [your opinion] deserves a place in the conversation.”
Contact Davis by phone: 506-874-8474, email : [email protected] or on facebook:
www.facebook.com/share/17FWdLAe7L/?mibextid-wwXlfr
Davis lives in Stoney Creek with her husband and their blended family of five children. “We put down roots here… we love it here, and we’re so proud to be part of this community,” she said.
Having grown up in multiple locations in the Maritimes, Davis pursued post-secondary education in Ontario. She returned to the Maritimes, settling in New Brunswick. “Whichever way I could get back here to the Maritimes and find my way to New Brunswick, I was doing it,” she said.
Her professional background spans multiple sectors. With a diploma in broadcast journalism, Davis spent approximately 15 years as a reporter covering all levels of government. “I covered a lot of the political sector… council meetings that go till two o’clock in the morning… making sure the community understands what’s going on,” she said.
She later transitioned into the non-profit sector, working in fundraising and communications roles and eventually serving as an executive director for an organization supporting autistic individuals and their families. She now runs her own business supporting charities, non-profits, and small businesses through grant writing, communications, and strategic planning. “I’ve raised millions over the years… and it’s really led me to meet so many people,” she said, adding that her work has remained focused on strengthening communities.
Leadership Style and Experience
Davis describes her leadership approach as people-centred and collaborative. “I’m a person who very much understands the difference between a leader and a boss,” she said. “If you help others to succeed, you’re all going to succeed together.”
She emphasized the importance of creating environments where individuals feel heard and supported. “I want people to feel that I’m part of a team… not so much of a dictator or a boss.”
When it comes to conflict, Davis highlighted listening as a key tool. “When you say less, what you do say tends to matter more. And when you’re not talking, you’re usually listening,” she said. She added that building understanding is essential in navigating disagreements, particularly in leadership roles.
Motivation for Running
Davis said her decision to enter the race came after initially considering supporting another candidate. “I originally set out to find the perfect candidate to support,” she explained. “Those conversations kept turning back around on me.”
She described her candidacy as a response to concerns about current governance. Framing her decision as a matter of responsibility, she added: "How could I not?”
Campaign Preparation and Community Engagement
Davis has focused much of her campaign on direct engagement with residents. “Most of it has been getting out there, talking to the people… hearing what the concerns are,” she said.
She noted that Ward 5 is both large and diverse, requiring a broad understanding of different priorities. In addition to door-to-door outreach, she has reviewed council documents, attended webinars, and engaged in local issues such as rezoning discussions.
Platform Overview and Key Priorities
Davis identified three main priorities in her platform:
- Fiscal responsibility and financial transparency
- Responsible growth and development
- Improved transparency and accountability in governance
“We have to find efficiencies… and do that in a unified way,” she added.
Approach to Governance & Transparency
Davis expressed strong support for mandatory training for councillors. “I’m 100% for required training.” she said.
She also stressed the importance of transparency and ethical conduct. Drawing on her background in journalism and non-profit governance, she said she would apply a cautious approach to potential conflicts of interest. “When in doubt, leave it out… you should err on the side of caution,” she said, calling for more detailed reporting and greater public engagement.
Environment and Natural Resources
Davis views environmental stewardship as a core municipal responsibility. “First and foremost—protection and maintenance,” she said. “Growth and development is wonderful, but not at the expense of our environment.”
She emphasized the need for stronger oversight and responsiveness to community concerns. “When a community… begs for things like an environmental assessment and you turn a blind eye, that’s a problem,” she said.
On glyphosate spraying, Davis was unequivocal in her opposition. “We know better… our communities deserve better than that,” she said.
Housing, Cost of Living, and Poverty
Davis described housing affordability and cost of living as complex but urgent issues. She supports increasing affordable housing while ensuring responsible development. She also raised concerns about taxation and municipal spending. “People are saying… ‘I’m having trouble affording to feed my family… but I pay my taxes,’” she said.
In addition to financial measures, she suggested community-based initiatives such as food security programs and shared resources. “There’s so many different things… if we were getting creative,” she said.
Economic Development
Davis believes economic growth depends on both internal support and external promotion. “We have to really focus inwards and then outwards,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of supporting existing businesses and reducing barriers for new ones. “If local businesses are saying… ‘we’re not getting anywhere,’ that’s going to be a red flag,” she said. She also pointed to the need for improved financial stability and infrastructure to attract investment.
Arts, Culture, and Heritage
A former theatre participant herself, Davis spoke to the value of arts and culture in community life. “The creativity… the beauty that the arts bring… that’s worth its weight in gold,” she said.
She supports greater municipal involvement in promoting and supporting cultural initiatives, suggesting creative approaches to tourism and community engagement.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure—particularly roads—was one of the most frequently raised concerns during Davis’s campaign outreach. “It’s 95 percent of what I’m hearing about door to door,” she said. She highlighted disparities across the ward, with some residents reporting decades without road improvements. “When seniors are saying… they haven’t seen their road paved in 40 years… where are the tax dollars going?” she asked.
Davis also pointed to the impact of heavy traffic on road conditions and suggested exploring shared responsibility for maintenance costs.
Amalgamation and Regional Collaboration
Reflecting on municipal amalgamation, Davis expressed concerns about how the process was implemented. “If I knew then what I know now… I don’t think I would have been in favour of it,” she said. However, she emphasized the need to move forward collaboratively. “We can’t keep focusing on what was… we have to start working on this together,” she said.
She also noted that Ward 5 faces specific challenges under the current structure and pledged to advocate for greater balance while promoting unity across the municipality.
Closing Thoughts
Davis described herself as a straightforward and approachable candidate. “You get what you see… I’m genuine,” and emphasized her willingness to engage with all residents, regardless of differing views. “Even if you don’t think I would agree… [your opinion] deserves a place in the conversation.”
Contact Davis by phone: 506-874-8474, email : [email protected] or on facebook:
www.facebook.com/share/17FWdLAe7L/?mibextid-wwXlfr
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