Lisa Deacon
Courtesy Photo
EMBRUN – “My love and commitment to Russell Township runs deep. It would be an honour and a privilege to apply my extensive business, community development, and project management skills to serve residents on council,” Lisa Deacon said.
Deacon is running for councillor in the upcoming Oct. 24 municipal election. She is the co-founder of Datafest, a project management firm where she’s consulted and collaborated with more than 60 regional partners and businesses to mobilize more than $1 million of social service relief projects from the province during the pandemic.
“I get things done – I have a proven track record, 15-plus years of delivering service excellence and representing the community around complex and interrelated issues of affordability, economic growth, community development, fiscal responsibility, and environmental sustainability,” she said. “Our community, and indeed the world, has changed drastically in these past few years. With my rural upbringing, extensive community engagement, business background, and project management work for local governments, non-profit organizations, and farming groups, I have a real pulse on how people have been affected and what the key issues are for the coming years.”
Deacon has supported research for a local agricultural newspaper to explore key issues in the farming community. She’s also supported the Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network in design projects that address regional food sovereignty and food insecurity.
“We have grown exponentially, and we need to roll up our sleeves to welcome and engage new neighbours, ensure balanced, accessible growth, and keep pace with infrastructure needs. Improving road safety, sound oversight of the Sportsplex and Embrun library projects, helping local businesses by addressing labour shortages, kickstarting municipal composting and increasing tree cover are all priorities for me during this campaign,” Deacon said. “We can be more effective and efficient with tax dollars in this work by addressing the silos that persist between departments, council, and residents. It’s also imperative that we prevent township projects from moving forward without the support of residents, which costs us all time and money.”
Currently, she volunteers with the Eastern Ontario Land Trust, Business Sisters, Eco East, Leadership féminin Prescott-Russell, Prescott-Russell Community Food Forum Steering Committee, and Embrun Area Female Entrepreneurs. Deacon’s campaign slogan is “Better, together.”
“I am a fully bilingual, approachable, and a strategic candidate who will work hard and maintain accountability and integrity in this office,” she said. “I’m eager to connect as much as possible in the coming months. I encourage residents to reach out and/or join the conversation with me on Facebook and Instagram @deacon4russell or my website (deacon4russell.ca).
