Hello, my name is Baramdai Sharma, most people call me Alicia; I am running for a seat on the Mount Olive Town Council. I’ve lived in Mount Olive for over half a decade, but I was born in Guyana, South America where I lived for over half my life before immigrating to Canada and eventually the U.S.A. Growing up, my family struggled financially, my father worked as a security guard while my mother took whatever jobs she could find to help make ends meet. I had to overcome many obstacles and economic challenges to get to where I am today.
I have always been someone who gets involved in my community, from Guyana where I worked to support a feeding program and implement a skills training workshop for children, to Canada where I served my Church, and right here in Mount Olive where I work as both a crisis counselor and on the Mount Olive 150th anniversary celebration committee. I am running because I want to give back to Mount Olive, a township that has given me and my children so much.
With over thirty years of experience in accounting and finance, I understand the importance of a balanced budget and sound financial decisions. I am a strategic planner and am ready to use my financial expertise to develop Mount Olive’s economy. Not only working harder, but working smarter in finding innovative new ways to attract small businesses while being fiscally responsible with your hard-earned tax dollars.
I believe that there should be open communication between residents and their Town Council, far more communication than there is now. In my thirty years of working with businesses to craft financial plans, I have the communication and interpersonal skills necessary to build a more accessible and accountable Town Council.
As an immigrant, woman, and person of color, I believe in equity, diversity, and inclusivity. I believe diversity brings a wider range of perspectives, which promotes innovation to solve complex challenges. Currently, I am part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team working with students in this program. I will partner with our churches and businesses to implement policies and programs that are inclusive and fair for all residents.
I am passionate about creating a real vision for Mount Olive, where fiscal responsibility is a requisite for improved service delivery. So remember to vote for Sharma on November 2nd!
