Small business owner enters Ward 4 race with a focus on practical fixes and community connection

After moving to Woodville two years ago, Shannon Reddom wants to be more involved in her community by being on council.

The 47-year-old owns Affordable Cleaning and Pet Services and says her experience as a small business owner would be beneficial should she get elected in October. On top of having organizational skills, she prioritises being efficient. “I don’t like to prolong things, so if someone needs something done or needs a phone call or an email to be sent, it’s done right away.”

Reddom was part of the committee organizing this year’s Woodville Community Festival. Through conversations with other residents during the festival, she got the impression that many felt their voices weren’t being represented on council.

Reddom has been knocking on doors across Ward 4, which includes communities like Oakwood, Little Britain, Woodville and Manilla to better understand what constituents want prioritized. “I just want to get out into the small communities and talk to people… They want to be heard.”

On her list includes getting sidewalks fixed, bringing a skatepark to Woodville, and getting more public trash cans. “The little towns don’t seem to have garbage (bins) out and about, so everybody’s throwing their trash on the ground.”

If elected, Reddom would host regular town hall meetings to keep residents up to date on what’s been happening at the council table, and how it effects Ward 4.

Reddom would also try to utilize spaces like the Woodville Legion to being more events like farmer markets and craft shows to the area.

“I want to be approachable to everyone,” Reddom said. So far in her campaign she’s made a point to be out at community events and visiting local business. She has an open-door policy, encouraging any residents to reach out to her directly to set up a time to meet up and chat about their concerns for the ward.

Reddom acknowledges that some might view her lack of political experience as a detriment to her candidacy, but she points out everyone has to start somewhere. “I’m willing to learn, and I think that’s important.”

Kawartha Lakes Weekly is reaching out to all candidates running in the October 26 municipal election to give readers a broader view of the people seeking a seat on council. Additional candidate profiles will be published as interviews are completed.