Though far from a one-issue candidate, for this election I support a yes vote for the Fire Hall borrowing referendum.
Decision making as a council involves future planning and protecting its citizens, valuable resources and infrastructure.
Since 2012, Creston’s volunteer fire department has been a focus of Council, ensuring an affordable Fire Hall workforce with enviable skills and capabilities including Road Rescue and Mutual Aid. In 2015 Council established a direction with the goal of a functional Fire Hall built for and serving Creston Valley for the next 50 years.
I served with other concerned citizens on the Fire Hall Advisory Select Committee tasked with creating a plan leading to the second borrowing referendum on October 20th.
The next four-year term is an opportunity to reach goals as outlined in the Official Community Plan. Economic sustainability, food and agriculture and an age-friendly community emerged as priorities selected through extensive citizen engagement.
I would advocate for a caring, inclusive community, supporting affordable housing projects, and programs such as TAPS, Better at Home, Kootenay Community Centre Society, and the early childhood and homeschool student programs in the Creston Education Centre.
An issue of importance in the next four years will be the Cook Street bypass, the final phase of the 10-year revitalization of the downtown.
Also, a focus will be the building of the family skate park and market park, projects to look forward to in Creston’s future.
After several terms on Town Council, as well as a term as Trustee on the Board of SD8, I feel as a candidate in this election I am familiar with the governance process and fluent with local issues. I bring to the table my perspective as a citizen of Creston involved in the vibrant everyday life of the community. I have chaired several boards, using leadership and networking skills along with an ability to engage in articulate debate.
Through my interests and aptitude, I have been involved in the artistic and cultural life of Creston, contributing time and talents to the best of my ability.
Pressing issues of the day include the timely construction of a new fire hall and regionalized fire service. Negotiations of the Town and Ministry of Highways related to highway realignment remains a high priority.
As is maintaining a positive, forward-looking blueprint for a continued progressive and inclusive municipality, using the Official Community Plan as a guide.