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Rhonda Barter running for Creston mayor to create opportunities, stability for residents

Town of Creston: Barter, Rhonda — Mayor Candidate will focus on cost efficiencies, vacant downtown storefronts...
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Rhonda Barter is a Creston mayoral candidate in the Nov. 15 municipal election.

This is one of five profiles on 2014 mayoral candidates for the Town of Creston. Running for mayor are Rhonda BarterBill HutchinsonJared LeBlancTom Mann and incumbent Ron Toyota.

Rhonda Barter thinks there are a lot of things that can be done to ensure a brighter future for Creston and that she has what it takes to lead the way.

The former educator, business owner and current full-time student has plenty of campaign experience, having unsuccessfully challenged for the Nelson-Creston NDP nomination in 2008 and finishing eighth in the race for Creston town council in 2011.

But she has continued to prepare herself for public office, earning a 4.0-plus grade point average in her pursuit of a business degree in management/leadership from Thompson Rivers University’s Open Learning program.

“I love this community,” she said. “But I have seen it decline in opportunities and sustainability. It would be great to have this valley a place where economically it would be viable for my children to move back here.”

The 18-year resident of the Creston Valley raised three children and operated two businesses here, and has been an active volunteer for many organizations.

“I would like to see this town marketed better, with a focus on it being the agricultural sustainable food capital of Canada,” she said.

Focusing on what we have here, and making it a good place to stay and shop, is important.

“You don’t guilt people about shopping locally — that’s a bad approach and it doesn’t work.”

Barter is not shy in taking on challenges. She was a homeschool parent and her oldest daughter never attended public school classes before starting her post-secondary education — she graduated this year with a bachelor of science in nursing degree.

“I have also taught my three children to be ethical, active community members,” she said.

Included in her personal history is a three-year Bible school diploma and work as a church minister and administrator.

The arts have always been important to her. She is a violinist and teacher, has led children’s choirs and been involved in drama and art, teaching in both areas.

“I have volunteered for thousands of hours in the Creston Valley, the Fraser Valley and throughout much of the world,” she said.

Courses in her business studies include marketing, accounting, economics, law, financial management, leadership, international business, change management and environmental studies. She said financial management of the town is important.

“We need to find better cost efficiencies so people will have a better life here,” she said. “People on fixed incomes still have to pay for food and shelter and taxes, and it isn’t easy.”

“We should also be marketing Creston as one of the most social, friendly places you will find.”

The longtime West Creston resident who now lives in town thinks residency is important.

“I think you should live here — then people can tell you things that are going on. I would be visible in all areas of the community, not just the coffee shops.”

Her interests include global perspectives and local needs.

“Injustice is very important to me. When I see people who aren’t treated equitably, I wonder how can we not get involved.”

Like many residents, Barter worries about the growing number of vacancies in the business core. She doesn’t think the situation is hopeless.

“I have lots of ideas about what we can do, and I know a lot of others who do, too,” she said. “We need to bring them in on the conversation.”

Public life might put off otherwise qualified people from seeking public office, but Barter said she is up to the challenge.

“Spotlights never scare me,” she said. “Politics is all about being approachable, which I am.”