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Meet the candidates: Ed Vondracek

Community involvement came easy for me. I take pride in giving back to my community through volunteerism...
54270crestonEdVondracek
Ed Vondracek is seeking election to Creston town council.

Community involvement came easy for me. I take pride in giving back to my community through volunteerism. Being president of the Creston Valley Blossom Festival, chamber of commerce vice-president, Community Pride Committee and other non-profit organizations have provided me with a good foundation as to the needs and interests of our residents for all age groups.

I am pleased to have had the privilege of being a charter board member of the International Selkirk Loop, which now puts Creston on the map as a major tourist destination point of an international scenic byway.

Elected and serving on Creston town council for nine years has given me insight as to the importance of the councillors being available to serve the taxpayers of Creston. To be effective as a member of council, one must have a community spirit and be willing to be there at the convenience of the taxpayer.

Some issues that need action in Creston are:

1. Council meetings to be held in the evening

2. Reintroduce council committee meetings.

3. Removing parking meters from downtown so as to encourage valley people to do their shopping locally.

4. Removing heavy truck traffic from the downtown core.

5. Adequate doctor retention in Creston.

6. Promoting Creston as a desirable community to reside in.

Committee meetings were an important tool for council in discussion of town issues. After full discussion at these meetings, issues were then moved to the council meeting agenda to be voted on.

Council meetings should not be held during daytime working hours, but held in the evening, allowing the working public to participate.

As a member on council, I will work to the best of my ability to make informed decisions for the betterment of Creston. Working together works; that is the goal. I am a team player and want to help make that difference.

Ed Vondracek is seeking election to Creston town council.

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The Advance asked each candidate for Creston town council and mayor, Regional District of Central Kootenay director and School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) trustee — as well as acclaimed directors Garry Jackman (Area A) and Larry Binks (Area C) — to submit about 300 words to describe their goals, background, qualifications, concerns — whatever mattered to them. Of the 27 candidates, only two, Jackman and Creston town council candidate Louis Mihaly, chose not to make a submission.