Michelle Wasserman has lived in Ward 10 in Knysna since 1999 and understands the challenges facing its residents and businesses. She is a qualified attorney, former practising advocate and accredited mediator, holding BA (Law), LLB and LLM degrees. She has served as Deputy Executive Mayor, Speaker and Ward Councillor on the Knysna Municipal Council. She also worked as a legal officer at the South African Human Rights Commission, specialising in municipal accountability for water and sanitation services.