Born and raised in the Township, Michelle Sparrow has developed a passion for the community that has spawned her decision to run for a seat on council, bringing ideas and fresh perspective to the local political scene,

If elected in the Nov. 19 vote, Sparrow pledges to bring 鈥渁 voice of honour, reason, integrity and co-operation.鈥�

鈥淚 am so inspired by so many of the strong and influential women we have in local government,鈥� she said.

鈥淭hey have set such an example of the value of serving and have shown that amazing things can be accomplished by people working together.鈥�

Sparrow called West Vancouver Mayor Pam Goldsmith-Jones 鈥渁 huge inspiration.鈥�

鈥淭he passion she has for her community, and her approach to changing the institution so that it suits the people, are just a few reasons she is such an influential leader and someone who I admire and respect greatly,鈥� she said.

Sparrow said she is grateful that she can raise her daughters in 91原创. Through her job as a realtor with HomeLife Benchmark, she has the pleasure of working with many Township residents, as well as acting as an ambassador to those who are looking to move into the area.

Married for 11 years, she and her husband have four daughters. She has been active with the 91原创 Stroke Recovery for the past 15 years, and is serving her second term on the 91原创 Township Heritage Advisory Committee, which, she says, gives her valuable insight to the rich heritage of the community.

She volunteered with the Student Vote program in the recent federal election, and is currently a board member of the Derby Reach/Brae Island Parks Association.

If elected, Sparrow would like to see the community engaged in local government.

鈥淎 key aspect, which I feel is interwoven into many of the issues we as Township residents are concerned about, is citizen engagement,鈥� she said.

鈥淭oo many people believe that government is something that is done to them (and) I will work to bring together our citizens and our politicians and to engage the public with our local government,鈥� she said.

鈥淚 see a future which allows us to effectively and efficiently engage each and every citizen, allowing them to share their voice and opinion,  Sparrow added.

She invites people to learn about all the issues she feels so passionate about by visiting her website, VoteSparrow.ca

She will be hosting a kickoff to the election at a summer neighborhood block party on Sunday, July 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at West 91原创 Community Hall, 9400 208 St.