Rhonda Barter, Bill Hutchinson, Jared LeBlanc, Tom Mann and incumbent Ron Toyota are running for Creston mayor in the Nov. 15 municipal election.
What experience do you have that would make an effective mayor?
I’m a blue collar guy, having worked in the warehousing, transportation and logistics industry since I was 16. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty, work hard and get the job done. I’ve also worked with business associates who built companies that went from $0 to over a million in sales in just six months; they are university educated and I mentored under them for many years. We shared ideas, worked together as a team, building business concepts to take to market. I understand business, entrepreneurial spirit and enjoy working with people from all walks of life.
What is your top priority for the next town council?
My immediate top priority for the next town council is to move the council meeting time back to 7 p.m. from the current 4 p.m. This would allow the electors who voted council in an opportunity to have their say on topics up for discussion at any given council meeting.
Should the Creston Valley have a single, locally managed form of government?
This question is really one that is up for discussion, not only with town council but also with the surrounding Regional District of Central Kootenay regions and the people that reside in those communities. I believe the RDCK and the town council infrastructure works. Granted, there has been some lack of communication between both the RDCK and town on community issues, but things got done, one being the repaving of Erickson Road this summer/fall.
How many council/committee meetings have you attended in 2014?
I haven’t been to any council meetings, due to looking for work. As most people know, jobs are hard to find in town. With the help of Kootenay Employment Services, I was able to find work and played an integral part in the fibre optic installation in town. With council meetings commencing at the current 4 p.m., working long hours in the telecommunications industry didn’t allow much time off work to attend.
For a profile of Jared LeBlanc, click here.