Rhonda Barter, Bill Hutchinson, Jared LeBlanc, Tom Mann and incumbent Ron Toyota are running for Creston mayor in the Nov. 15 municipal election.
What experience do you have that would make an effective mayor?
Two terms (six years) as mayor and a genuine desire to want to serve for another four years. My previous involvement in several committees and organizations providing my “leadership style” prior to becoming the mayor for the Town of Creston has given me the experience that is needed to better understand how to work with many different situations.
What is your top priority for the next town council?
To continue with strong leadership and open communication as I have done for the past six years! No promises; I lead by example! Open communication for me is to be fully transparent; my office door (or email or phone) is always open, providing my council and town staff with my activities as they happen. Working with our local media and being allowed to write monthly articles and doing Coffee Talk bi-monthly sessions are ways that I see open communication: as valuable ways to be in the public eye.
Should the Creston Valley have a single, locally managed form of government?
Yes, we should examine the possibilities. Studies and reports are on record of how this might be structured, The creation of the regional municipality in Fort Nelson in 2008 is an example of a possible model. The split of Comox-Strathcona Regional District in 2008 to create two smaller and distinct regional districts is another example of what the B.C. government has allowed.
How many council/committee meetings have you attended in 2014?
I have 100 per cent attendance so far in 2014 — 34 town council and town committee of the whole meetings. In addition, I have provided 130 mayor reports to my council and town staff, which represents any official function or meeting I have attended. Examples are Regional District of Central Kootenay, Columbia Basin Trust, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, Creston Valley Health Working Group, Kootenay East Regional Hospital District, Lower Kootenay Band, network society, Coffee Talk, Crestbrook Gardens, Cops for Kids, Pet Adoption and Welfare Society, and the list goes on.
For a profile on Ron Toyota, click here.