I am asking for your vote on Nov. 19. One goal that I would like to accomplish this term is the realignment of Highway 3 along Cook Street. Other goals include the bylaw enforcement review, the parking strategy with removal of the parking meter, waste water treatment plant upgrade and a form of regionalized policing. The Arrow Creek water agreement and upgrade is another important issue.
During this term, I have been a team player. I participated in discussion on all the issues and mostly agreed with the results. While practicing restraint is important, a balance has to be achieved to keep our community growing and moving ahead to a more sustainable future. Our accomplishments are many, including the 24 units of affordable housing for seniors and persons with a disability, the doctor recruitment program and our greatest accomplishment is bringing the new Ramada Inn and convention centre from a dream to reality. All these accomplishments happened as a result of teamwork. Administration, the mayor, council, and the regional directors all contributed to make this happen.
For the future, I would like to see a more concentrated effort with our economic development funding to create jobs and promote Creston to attract new businesses to establish themselves here. We need a plan and an identity. Who are we and where are we going? These are the questions council needs to ask itself.
For the people who are running for council, I salute you. Your commitment of time and energy will be appreciated. We have a great administration team and we rely on the expertise to help council make informed decisions.
Vote for Jerry Schmalz, team player, experienced and knowledgeable.
Jerry Schmalz is seeking re-election to Creston town council.
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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.