I am a proud resident of Area C, a diverse community rich in forestry and agriculture. After graduating from PCSS in 1982, I worked at Wynndel Box & Lumber to pay my way through Simon Fraser University, majoring in Economics and minoring in Indigenous Studies.
My wife Eunice and I purchased property in Creston in 1989, where we raised three sons; in 2000, we moved to our farm at Alice Siding. Here, we’ve farmed organic garlic. Our dream home, which is heated and cooled by geothermal energy and overlooks the flats, was built by myself and my three sons. My platform is based on improving infrastructure.
I am also proud to have been a businessman here this past 29 years. My store has been a mainstay on Canyon Street, while my son’s new restaurant, Mulder’s, has been warmly received by Valley residents. In addition, I’ve volunteered as president for a variety of organizations, including the Downtown Business Association, Creston Valley Minor Hockey, Alice Siding Water Society, and Creston Valley Shrine Club. As well, I’ve served on the Rotary and Chamber of Commerce boards. More recently, I’ve contributed time to Creston’s Fire Hall Advisory Select Committee (ASC) with a cost reduction focus.
Of the volunteer work I’ve done in this community, I’m particularly proud of my work to help form the Alice Siding Water Society. As many of you know, Alice Siding is a four-kilometre stretch of land between Creston and Wynndel, with a population of around 200 people. ASWS aims to provide adequate water and fire supply to our area, as half of our residents currently get their water from local springs or wells or have it haul it. I founded the society by knocking on every door in the community; then, together with our great volunteers, we formed a board (I agreed to act as President). Two years ago, we went to Area A and C Directors to find out how to apply for funding for a feasibility study on Alice Siding water supplies: we subsequently received $11,000 to pay for this study. Over the next few months, our society expects to hear a major decision about water supply to our area.
During this campaign, I’ve heard a variety of concerns about Area C from our residents. Some have flooding and dyking on their minds, while other residents have asked me about the completion of our fire hall, upgrades to our existing water lines, and overharvesting of timber near their homes. Almost everyone I’ve talked to is concerned about good paying jobs in our area. Improving infrastructure is my commitment.
My commitment to residents of Area C is to listen to all your concerns, whether these come via societies and committees, or as individual requests for information or help. I am (relatively) young, energetic, eager to learn and semi-retired; my wife says “Tony gets stuff done.”
I would be honoured to serve as Area C Director. On October 20, please get out and vote!