Penny A.P. Anderson, Kevin Boehmer, Evelyn Bradford, Jen Comer, Arnold DeBoon, Jim Elford, Daniel Guerts, Lon Hansen, Myrna Johnson, Joe Snopek, Karen Unruh, Ed Vondracek and incumbent Joanna Wilson are running for Creston town council in the Nov. 15 municipal election.
What experience do you have that would make you an effective councillor?
All of my work experience has been in the public sector from working at McDonald’s to a golf course pro shop to my current employment as a manager at Shoppers Drug Mart. I have been in a management role for the past nine years in a variety of Shoppers Drug Mart stores, as well as in my volunteer experiences. Through these experiences, I have learned the value of active listening and the opinion of others because I do not have all the answers. A councillor, like a manager, must be open to ideas, weigh the options, make a decision, implement the plan and be able to make the necessary adjustments to make it a success. I acknowledge that I have weaknesses but I am an individual who looks to improve myself and hopefully others through coaching, patience and encouragement to a brighter, more fulfilling future.
What is your top priority for the next town council?
My biggest priority on council is to bring industry and business to Creston to provide jobs that will keep our current residents in the valley and attract new individuals and families to Creston.
Should the Creston Valley have a single, locally managed form of government?
I believe there is a place for a single governing body over the valley. We are so dependent on each other for the success and growth in the valley. What happens in one area of the valley will affect the others. We must all be able to voice our opinions for matters that will affect us all. A local government over the valley will need to be thoughtful and considerate in the decisions that need to be made so as to maintain the virtues and attributes of this beautiful valley.
How many council/committee meetings have you attended in 2014?
I have only attended one council meeting in 2014 and it was only briefly as the meeting was adjourned shortly after I arrived. I must say that the timing of the current council meetings is limiting the ability to attend for those that are in the workforce. It would be a benefit to all to have a time that is more inviting to the workforce and the general public.