Annelise Iacoe is running for School Board Trustee for the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board in Sault Ste Marie.
Annelise Iacoe (she/her) has been married Rico for over 41 years. She is a mother to two daughters named Annetta and Emilie. She is blessed with three grandchildren (Drew, Abby and Presley). She has been an educator for over 42 years. She retired as an elementary school principal seven years ago, but she continues to teach literacy to children in both English and French.
Why are you running for this position?
I want to be a trustee so I can be a strong voice for our community and help contribute to the education of our students at all levels.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
I would like to see the revitalization of our waterfront. We live in such a beautiful part of Northern Ontario surrounded by our Great Lakes. We are also a border community with our American counterpart, Sault Ste. Marie Michigan. This would not only enhance our tourism; it would also keep our young adults here to work and encourage others that are away from home back to Sault Ste. Marie.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
I would bring small businesses to the Sault and attract more medical support and personnel to our community.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
We face many challenges. Supports to assist the people in the community that have substance abuse, addictions, and mental health.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
I would send out a monthly newsletter or as needed, as well as social media platforms.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love supporting local establishments. I also love visiting my family and grandchildren and giving them experiences at our local parks and beaches.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
I believe that equal opportunity is essential as well as inclusivity regardless of gender and race.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
A feminist city is a city that supports all groups including both men and women.
Please identify the most critical policy, project, or initiative in your platform that addresses systemic barriers faced by women in your municipality, and describe why:
Teaching is historically a women-dominated profession and so I feel there are a few important initiatives here. One initiative: ensuring committees and negotiations have a strong female representation. Another initiative: considering the female voice in the schools. Are female youth represented on school council, in sports and clubs etc.? It would be interesting to do some evidence-based research in schools so that we can analyze the statistics to see how well we are doing in this area as a school board and develop next steps.
Where can people find you?
Where can people find you?
Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok
