Angela Wright, Candidate for Councillor – Ward 1

By Miriam King Bradford Times August 26 2010
Angela Wright was diagnosed with SMA – Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Type 2 – at the age of just 18 months. Her doctor advised her parents to “kiss her goodbye,” because it was unlikely she’d survive.
But Angie Wright is a fighter. “I outlived that doctor,” she says – demonstrating another trait that has helped her cope with disability: her sense of humour.
Wright has never let her condition dictate what she can and can’t do. A member of the Board of Directors for the Harbour Channel Co-op, treasurer of the Toronto FM Communication Society, a member of the Board of Governors for the Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association, a member of the BWG Accessibility Advisory committee, a volunteer and a business woman self-employed in the IT sector for the past 16 years, she has now turned to municipal politics, and registered as a candidate for Councillor in Ward 1.
“It’s been an interest. I just never really had the motivation,” Angie says, “but I feel that people are a little more receptive (to the idea of a person with a disability running for office). It might be ‘prime time’.”
A resident of Bradford since 2003, she sees a number of issues in the coming election. Transportation is number 1, but also the rapid growth that threatens to overwhelm the character of the municipality.
“Personally speaking, I don’t like the situation, that all the “big boys” are coming in and stepping on the little guys,” Wright says, referring to the proliferation of Big Box stores at the west end, and the hardships facing Mom & Pop businesses in the downtown. “I’d boost them first…”
The hustle and bustle is nice “in a way – but you have to be able to control it.”
She describes herself as “proactive, not reactive” – someone who is a “people person,” who is willing to listen, and learn from her constituents, who doesn’t make assumptions. “I’m hoping to hear from constituents as to what their issues are,” she says – whether it’s rough roads, economic growth, or the need to find lower-cost solutions to municipal problems, including accessibility issues. “A lot of municipalities are looking at the catalogue, without looking at the discount stores.”
Wright has the support of her family in her endeavours, including husband Doug, and a small army of volunteers and friends who are willing to do the legwork on her campaign. “I just don’t want to break their legs in the process,” she quips.
And she is willing to devote her time and ability to the job, if elected in October. One of the most important things she learned from her dad, is that “you can do more with a wink and smile than you can do with a frown and a growl.”
That said, she’s never backed down from a challenge, or a battle. “I lived life knowing that things are not handed to you just because you ask for them. You’ve got to work hard, and earn it.”
To contact Angela Wright, email angie@nof49.ca or call 905-778-1313 weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wright will be hosting a “How Can I Help You” BWG public question and answer forum – an opportunity to meet the candidate, and ask questions. Thursday, September 16, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bradford Community centre auditorium, 125 Simcoe Rd. Light refreshments.