Kingston fourth to enter Northcrest Ward race
Wants more equality in city services, including cheaper transit
Shauna Kingston, who’s running for city councillor in Northcrest Ward in the election Oct. 24, says she moved to Peterborough 30 years ago “because of the really strong sense of community here.”
“But over the last few years, I’ve watched increasing levels of inequality fracture that community, threatening our collective sense of belonging and our ability to support each other,” she said in an interview.
“And that’s the reason I feel called to run now: because I think that building a safe and inclusive community where everyone can participate is worth fighting for. I feel that’s a little under-represented.”
Kingston, 49, lives with her husband and two children — ages six and 12 — in Northcrest Ward.
She’s currently finishing her PhD dissertation in child and youth studies through Brock University.
She moved to Peterborough for her undergraduate degree in psychology at Trent University, she said, and decided to make the city her home.
For the last 20 years she’s worked locally in various helping professions, most recently as a behaviour consultant for children and for adults living with an intellectual disability.
Early in her career she wasn’t especially focused on municipal affairs.
“But over the last five to 10 years I’ve come to understand that everything’s political — and local (policy) is really important,” she said.
“And participation is really important — that’s how things get done. So now — especially after years of experience in the community helping others — it’s just time for me,” she said.
Kingston says that if elected, her priority would be increasing access to affordable housing, safe shelter beds, food security and child and family services.
“Also cheap, accessible and efficient transit — so people can access their community,” she said. “Disability rights and supports are really important to me, as well as mental health and addiction counselling.”
Kingston said that if elected, she wouldn’t try to be “a voice” for Peterborough’s most vulnerable citizens: instead she’d seek direct input from such citizens, especially when developing policy affecting their lives.
“I think your job as a councillor — or as an advocate for others — is to amplify the voices of others,” she said.
In Northcrest Ward, incumbent Coun. Andrew Beamer is running for re-election while ward-mate Coun. Stephen Wright is running for mayor.
Former councillor Dave Haacke is seeking a council seat again in Northcrest Ward. Also running are Monarch Ultra co-founder and entrepreneur Carlotta James and RV sales consultant Aldo Andreoli.