Nancy Ann Branscombe
Nancy Ann Branscombe (born Oct 17 1957 in Rivers, Manitoba is a politician in London, Ontario, Canada. She is currently a member of the London City Council, representing Ward 6 (University district), elected in 2006.
Early Life
Nancy Branscombe was born and raised on military bases in Canada and overseas. Her father’s final posting was to Kingston, Ontario where they stayed for the next 25 years. Nancy’s mother was always involved in politics and encouraged Nancy’s participation in elections at a very young age. Nancy attended Queen’s University but left to help with the newly acquired family business, a country store.
Background
Work History
Upon selling the family business in 1984, Nancy became a Real Estate Broker until July 2007.
Awards
- Peterborough Civic Award in 2001 for outstanding contribution to the community
- Canadian Library Association/ Association canadienne des bibliothèques (CLA/ACB) Award for the Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in Canada for 2008 (May 2, 2008)
Early Political Career
Nancy was very involved in Conservative politics at the provincial and federal level peaking in the mid- nineties when she was involved as a national, senior spokesperson and political strategist for the newly founded Reform Party of Canada.
Nancy ran in the June 1997 federal election placing second to long time Liberal incumbent, Peter Adams. She was elected to Peterborough City Council in November 1997. Her main area of responsibility was Chair of Arts and Culture (which changed to Arts, Culture and Heritage) including sitting on the Boards of the Art Gallery, Museum of Peterborough, PACAC, Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough Public Library and Community Funding. Marriage to Ken Kalopsis and Life in London
Nancy was married in July 2000 to London businessman Ken Kalopsis and moved to London, Ontario in November 2000 after finishing her term on Peterborough Council.
She ran in the November 2000 federal election placing second to Liberal Cabinet Minister, Joe Fontana. She then gave birth to her daughter in 2002. Nancy’s desire to be involved in improving our community inspired her to run for London City Council in 2003, while 6 months pregnant with her son, who was born in the same year.
Elected to London City Council
In November 2006, Nancy was elected to London City Council as Ward 6 (the University Ward) representative. At the time of her campaign, London was using the revised ward system of 14 wards--each represented by one councillor--based on communities of interest. (The previous system had 7 wards with 2 councilors each, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_City_Council) The chief point of interest for Ward 6 is the University of Western Ontario and its impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
During her election campaign in 2006, she made commitments to key issues, one of which being greater accountability at City Hall. In order to uphold her promise of transparency and accountability, Nancy has listed on her website all key elements of her campaign platform as they were stated in her 2006 campaign materials and website. http://www.nanbran.com/2006-campaign.htm
Community Involvement
Nancy currently serves as Chair of the Planning Committee, Trustee for the London Public Library Board, Chair of the LTC Long-term Working Group, alternate for the Huron Water Board, member of the Downtown Parking Committee, Chair of the Service Review Committee, member of the Convention Centre Board, Vice Chair of the Town and Gown Committee, and sits on the Advisory Council for Habitat for Humanity, London Inc.
The Killer Bees
Nancy Branscombe is known in London as one of the “Killer Bees” – a nickname for an unofficial group made up of Controller Gina Barber, and Councillors Joni Baechler (Ward 5), Nancy Branscombe (Ward 6) and Judy Bryant (Ward 13). The invocation of the “Killer Bees” label tends to create strong reaction, with native Londoners being either for or against the “Killer Bees” politics. Nancy Branscombe has taken the label as a sign of pride, using a winking bee for her personal branding.
Current Family Life
Nancy and Ken live in old North and are waiting to add to their young family. They will be adopting a little girl from China this year. Nancy is a strong supporter and patron of the Arts. Nancy loves to cook in her spare time and travels extensively with her family. She spends six weeks each year in Beijing, China where her children attend school for one term.
References
- Canadian Library Association Award for Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in Canada (CLA Award)
- London Free Press Blog - In praise of Ward 6 Councillor Nancy Branscombe
- London Free Press – Civic Election 2006
- Nancy Branscombe Website - Bio
Killer Bee Items
- The Killer Bees in The Taste of Money, Honey!
- London Free Press (Interactive Letters) Industrial development paid for by taxpayers
- Free Press (Interactive Letters) Message to reporters - "chill" the metaphors
- London Free Press (Interactive Letters) Jim Chapman - Board of Control
- London Free Press (Interactive Letters) Paul Berton new urban fantasy
- London Free Press (Interactive Letters) Retail development near Meadowlily Woods could mean hundreds of new jobs