Linda Rubuliak’s endorsement of Brent Granby for COPE Park Board candidacy
I live in the West End and work downtown with a large non-profit organization. I have worked with Brent Granby on a number of innovative projects related to immigrant integration and community building over the last few years. The projects have included organizing intercultural community gardens, a large symposium that brought together 75 organizations to learn more about inclusion and a unique youth project which builds leadership skills through bike building. Additionally, as an interested member of the West End community, I have taken part in large meetings organized by Brent and WERA. Through this experience, I have seen Brent’s capacity from a variety of perspectives.
I am pleased to endorse Brent for COPE Park Board Candidate because he has many of the skills and qualities that I believe are important in today’s civic and political leadership. Brent is a collaborator. He has clearly thought out opinions, but is very open to hearing other viewpoints, with the intent of finding efficient ways to meet community needs and engage people and organizations in community building. I think this is vital at a time when citizens are disengaging. Brent brings ample grass-roots level experience about how to encourage a diverse group of people to get engaged and work together.
Brent is truly committed to environmental sustainability and has a deep understanding of how that can be accomplished in a large urban context. Additionally, he has put a lot of effort into understanding elements related to social sustainability. I trust he will keep issues related to equality of access and social integration top of mind when determining policy.
Lastly, I like Brent. He is an intelligent and caring person. In a group, he is not the first one to speak. He listens carefully and puts forward his own ideas after thoughtful reflection. I believe we would be well served to have Brent on Park Board.
Linda Rubuliak