Waterloo councillor reignites boyhood political dream, thanks to teen daughter
WATERLOO — Royce Bodaly dreamed of becoming prime minister when he was little. Then he moved on — until his teen daughter rewoke his dream.
He’s not prime minister yet. But he has been elected to Waterloo council after his daughter, pondering her own future, surprised him in the car one day by asking: what did you want to be when you grew up?
He revealed his boyhood dream. Just do it, she said with a fearlessness that inspired him. And so Aurienna, 15, gave her father the advice that helped changed his life. He ran for political office.
“We always ask our kids to open up to us. And then, out of the blue, sometimes they just do,” said Bodaly, who tearfully thanked his daughter upon taking his council seat on Monday night.
Four of Waterloo council’s eight members are newcomers. They’ll have lots to decide in the next four years, including controversial tax increases proposed to maintain deteriorating roads and buildings. But this debate is yet to come. For now, four rookies elected in October are excited to embark on a political journey alongside four council veterans to help guide them.
Bodaly, 37, helps sell and develop sporting goods and toys. He’s using the accomplishments of other councillors to motivate him to do the job right. He was elected in the suburban northwest Ward 2.
Social worker Jen Vasic, 35, has long advocated for people and families to help them navigate schools and bureaucracies.
“I’m still working with those people, but I’m also working from a decision-making position, which I didn’t have before,” said Vasic, who is studying toward a PhD.
Vasic was elected in the established southeast Ward 5, unseating incumbent Mark Whaley. “Coming into a position of more power is just a different situation for me,” she said.
Tenille Bonoguore, 40, is a former journalist who practised her craft by staying out of decisions in order to report on them. Now she will be on the inside helping to make them, representing the busy downtown Ward 7.
The Australian immigrant, a science writer and editor, has been working toward this transition since she became a community volunteer and advocate. “I’ve never lived anywhere so welcoming,” she said.
It’s becoming a tradition for Waterloo council to welcome former journalists. Departing councillors Melissa Durrell (television) and Brian Bourke (back on the radio) were both journalists before their elections.
Sandra Hanmer, 59, has worked with governments as a health-care executive and community volunteer. She has long advised politicians and consulted them. Now she has switched it up to join their ranks, representing the suburban southwest Ward 1.
“I thought it was important for me to be able to give back in a different way, and that’s why I chose at this time to run,” Hanmer said.
She works for a nonprofit agency that helps develop leadership skills. “I love to learn new things,” she said.
Council’s four newcomers are joined by returning members Jeff Henry, Diane Freeman, Angela Vieth and Mayor Dave Jaworsky. All were sworn in Monday.