Harriet
Francis-Ehnholm
Kauniainen
"A representative who listens and thinks about representing EVERYONE. Fair and equal access to daycare activities, basic education and ALL services. More information and support with assimilation and integration for immigrants. "
I am originally from Great Britain, but have lived in Grankulla for 15-years and am now a Finnish citizen. I live with my husband and 4 wonderful children. I’m a clinical psychologist and soon to be qualified as a psychotherapist through Åbo Akademi. I have 9 years experience of working in schools as a School Psychologist and Wellbeing Lead and am passionate about equality and access to learning and education. I now own a psychology practice in Helsinki serving immigrants in Finland. I have a broad and in-depth knowledge about immigrant mental health, and what is involved in healthy assimilation and integration, especially within the context of Finland. I am keen to support Grankulla in its journey to creating better support for the 11% immigrant population that now lives in the town.
Important political topics
Children, Youth, and Families
Making sure our children and young people are thriving is key to a healthy community. Excellent services for children and young people will also attract more families to Grankulla, which is good for the economy and the community.
Thriving citizens
I believe that if we prioritise everyone’s wellbeing then this will naturally lead to a thriving community and economy that people care about and want to engage in.
Equality and Equity
Finland is in economic hard times. Hard times lead to cuts and difficulty decision making at the municipal level. Cuts and savings often mean that the people in our society who are in the most in need suffer the most. Having seen how economic austerity (since 2010) has pushed Britain to a place where it might not recover, and how this will affect generations of people who have less, I am certain that we must be clear about fairness and protecting the rights of the most vulnerable in our society when we try to save money. We don’t want or need a huge class divide; The “haves and have nots”. In the long run this is a disaster for any economy.
Candidate's answers in election machine
1 / 14
We should have a swimming hall in Kauniainen.
A very well used amenity in our town. so important for everybodyäs health. Many people would find it difficult to exercise and stay healthy without the swimming pool nearby them.
2 / 14
The Swedish-speaking municipal daycare should continue to be concentrated at Kasabergets daghem daycare center.
I think Swedish speaking families should have more choice, just like all the other families in Grankulla.
3 / 14
Both Finnish- and Swedish-speaking early childhood education and schools should continue to be governed by their own committees.
Swedish speakers don\'t just represent a group of people who talk a different language. This group represents another culture, and it is important that this is recognised in the planning of education children and young people in a town like Grankulla where many Swedish speaker live.
4 / 14
Early childhood education should be free for everyone.
I think the system as it is right now, is fair.
5 / 14
Schools should prioritize traditional textbooks over digital learning materials.
I think we need to be really conscious about digital material and make sure that children and young people still learn to access \"normal\" books. There is now research to suggest that too much digitalisation is changing all of our brains for the worst (including increasing stress & anxiety). We need both and we need to maintain the abilitiy to access and reference real books. AI will take over humanity unless we are able to meet it with our full brain capacity and question it.
6 / 14
One of the municipality’s most important tasks is to invest in sports facilities and opportunities for exercise and recreation.
7 / 14
It is important to provide all residents with equal opportunities for cultural activities.
Grankulla now consists of 11% immigrants and this number is growing. We need to meet all of our citizens equally and this means we need to change and adapt and become more flexible and open to difference, giving everyone the same opportunities. Difference and diversity brings richness to any community, and if we welcome difference by giving everyone the same possibilities, we everybody we are stronger.
8 / 14
The municipality should introduce or improve opportunities for residents to influence how municipal funds are used through participatory budgeting.
9 / 14
The municipality should invest in public transportation.
I think public transport works pretty well, and we need to concentrate our resources on other important issues.
10 / 14
It should be possible to be a resident in more than one municipality, for example, through digital municipal citizenship.
11 / 14
The municipality should better facilitate the expansion of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power.
Yes good idea, but not necessarily a priority in hard economic times.
12 / 14
The municipality should mix more housing types in planning than is currently the case.
Again not a priority, and I like the way Grankulla looks and am worried about \"ugly\" tall buildings destroying the nature and open feel of the community.
13 / 14
The municipality should introduce anonymous recruitment.
Absolutely. Municipalities, cities and public sectors need to lead the way here!!
14 / 14