Ramara council candidate says she ‘knows how to get things done’
Dana Tuju, who is seeking the job at Ward 3, says she will bring “energy, data, focus and perseverance” to “high-stakes community affairs.”
Editor’s note: OrilliaMatters has asked council candidates in the neighboring townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn to provide a summary of why they are running in the October 24 local elections. The following was submitted by Dana Tuju, who is running for election in District 3 of Ramara Municipality. For more election coverage — including Candidate profiles and other election news — Visit our 2022 Local Elections page by clicking here.
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As a lifelong community organizer, I believe all voices should be heard. If elected, I commit to amplifying those voices and including them in the process of solving the problems they face every day.
Over the years I’ve built important relationships with environmental and provincial organizations and helped people navigate policies and systems that aren’t always user-friendly.
During my time at Statistics Canada, I learned that sometimes people just need a friendly face and guidance to assuage uncertainties in government. In other cases, people need a fierce leader who fights for what is right. The important thing is to know the difference.
Four years ago, I helped start a grassroots movement against a quarry spreading dangerously close to lakeside homes and sensitive wetlands. A few concerned people around a kitchen table grew into an official NPO representing 150 people! As the NPO’s research and communications coordinator, I have been well attuned to the strategic collaboration required for this type of David vs. Goliath conflict.
High-stakes municipal issues are a long game of ups and downs. Key factors are: energy, data, focus and endurance.
My current position with the Court of Appeals has refined my understanding of Ramara’s charter and process. I presented several deputations to the council and called for speed limits and community safety zones. I have mobilized concerned citizens to stand up against having their safe drinking water taken away from them.
I successfully campaigned to bring a forgotten neighborhood into a broadband internet initiative. As the proud parent of autistic children, I have served as a representative on my district’s Special Education Advisory Committee, advocating for neurodiverse children and those with other learning differences. I know how to get things done.
When several people came up to me and said, “Dana, you’ve been doing Councilman work unofficially for a long time. We want you to run”, my first thoughts were with my children. How would running for office affect them?
When I shared the idea over dinner, support was unanimous. My youngest said, “But Mom – aren’t you already doing this?” My kids are my most honest critics – if they support this journey, I know I’m on the right track.
As Councilor of Ward 3, I will use my political steadfastness to bring out the concerns of the most densely populated and community-driven region of Ramara. Imagine the good things we could do together should I get an official seat at the table.
https://danatuju.com/