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?
I was raised in the Red River Valley of southern Manitoba. Moving to Regina, Sask., in my late teens is when I met my wife, Audrey. In 1966, we moved to Toronto, Ont., then 10 years later returned to Regina. In Regina we operated a drywalling company for 13 years. My wife and I, in our holiday travels, fell in love with the beautiful Creston Valley, thus moving here and making Creston our home in 1988.
Volunteering in this community is one of the joys of my life. Over the past 26 years, I have served nine years on town council, been a board member and vice-president of the chamber of commerce, and board member and president of the Blossom Festival. I am currently a board member of restorative justice, the fall fair and the museum. I was on the team of charter members that initiated getting the International Selkirk Loop as a travel destination.
What is your top priority for the next town council?
Health care is critical for this valley. Losing my doctor this past spring and not being able to secure a family physician makes the situation very personal. I, when on council, worked hard recruiting doctors. I went to many a meeting discussing with the medical team possible solutions. We on council at that time assembled a booklet introducing the valley to prospective doctors. We hired a medical staff person able to help with the workload of the physicians relocating to Creston. Council, representing the taxpayers, must take an active role once again in working to secure adequate physicians for Creston.
Should the Creston Valley have a single, locally managed form of government?
I believe the residents of our valley would benefit if we were able to work together as one block (Regional District of Central Kootenay areas A, B and C, plus the Town of Creston). Research has been done on creating a district municipality. By amalgamating, we would have more influence with the provincial and federal governments.
When elected as a member of council, I will work to the best of my ability to make informed decisions for the betterment of Creston. I am a team player and want to make that difference. I am asking for your vote.