I would like to take this opportunity to thank the current town council, town management and town staff for an enjoyable three years as your mayor. We have accomplished much but there is much more yet to do and I want to continue as your mayor for the next three years.
My election platform in 2008 was “strong leadership”, to make positive changes for the Creston Valley and to listen and respond to community concerns. My platform in 2011 remains the same: leadership, positive forward movement and open communications.
In three years, we can now appreciate that the Creston and District Community Complex aquatic and fitness center is awesome, we have a Tim Hortons open 24/7, Creston Place has enhanced our downtown, Crestbrook Gardens is now open, a hotel and restaurant are under construction, and our farmers’ market is promoting growing and eating local.
Behind the scenes, our town council has implemented a feral cat bylaw, and staff have finalized our master plans for our water, sewer, and roads. We are negotiating for a long-term solid waste (our garbage) landfill program. Our enhanced rural regional policing model is near the final stages. Our memorandum of understanding and friendship with the Lower Kootenay Band council and members has built stronger relations. Council is exploring how to reduce fire burning and improve recycling and composting, and our physician recruitment committee will continue to bring in new physicians.
Another major undertaking was to improve the working relationship with our Regional District of Central Kootenay area directors. The last three years has seen a positive dialogue develop between our town council and the three RDCK area directors.
I want to continue as your mayor to promote and develop more major opportunities for the Creston Valley! On Nov. 19, vote Ron Toyota for mayor! Visit my website at www.voteforron.ca, visit my campaign office on 10th Avenue or phone me at 250-428-6506.
Ron Toyota is seeking election for a second term as mayor of Creston.
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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.