If elected, my pledge to you is to work on your behalf with no personal agenda. I stand on my performance on council during my 12 years, six on council and six as mayor. An election is not about who can afford the most or biggest signs. It is about commitment to the job.
My past position with the Union of BC Municipalities put me on a first-name basis with all ministers and opposition MLAs, a plus for bringing Creston issues forward. I belong to no club or fraternity, allowing me to work with no conflict of interest. I am self-funded in all election spending.
On council, I was involved with the following improvements for all residents: RCMP station, Millennium Park, International Selkirk Loop, Arrow Creek water, landfill, airport upgrades, Cavell Street realignment, Terasen purchase, purchase of Home Building Centre land, doctor recruiting committee, plus many more issues.
I have been a resident taxpayer businessman since 1982. We must seize the opportunity to develop more shopping opportunities as more new facilities are added. We have to solve the cement bunker issue, revisit the town’s operations and delivery of services, control of taxation and fair water costs shared with Erickson. There are many more issues that will face council, such as policing costs, Pioneer Villa and affordable housing, to name a few.
I do not hunt, golf or fish, but I believe in working hard on the responsibilities given to me. If elected, my pledge to you is to work hard on your behalf. I will not promise what I cannot deliver. I am president of Glaser Terrace Handy Capable Housing Society, chair of the restorative justice committee, fall fair director and life member of Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments.
When you see me shopping around town, feel free to stop and ask me your concerns. I ask for your vote so that I can work hard for you.
Joe Snopek is seeking election as mayor of Creston.
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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.