Penny A.P. Anderson, Kevin Boehmer, Evelyn Bradford, Jen Comer, Arnold DeBoon, Jim Elford, Daniel Guerts, Lon Hansen, Myrna Johnson, Joe Snopek, Karen Unruh, Ed Vondracek and incumbent Joanna Wilson are running for Creston town council in the Nov. 15 municipal election.
What experience do you have that would make you an effective councillor?
With nine years of experience on Creston town council, I am an effective councillor as I know the community, know the issues and have a vision. A resident of Creston, I have lived here since 2004 and worked in this community from the 1990's. I currently hold two board chair and several alternate positions as a council representative.
What is your top priority for the next town council?
I see the ongoing revitalization of the downtown core as a priority of the next town council. This can be done through council advocacy for special tax incentives, ongoing streamlining of permit process and identifying innovative ways, such as public art, to bring vibrancy and interest to the downtown.
Should the Creston Valley have a single, locally managed form of government?
A single locally managed governance model such as a district municipality could result in efficiencies, improve communications and identify innovative ways to work together to move the valley forward.
The idea was explored in 2006 when a restructure study was carried out, and in 2009 more work was done to explore shared services and new governance models. Since then, some regional models, such as the fire service, have been implemented.
Further discussions including public meetings could identify the will to expand the shared services concept, and find an innovative governance model.
How many council/committee meetings have you attended in 2014?
In 2014, I have 100 per cent attendance of regular council meetings, and have missed two committee of the whole meetings.