Current occupation - Retired newspaper production worker but working part time at the Chamber of Commerce and also part time farm worker.
Background - Our family has always been active in many organizations and functions in Ladysmith. I feel that if you enjoy the benefits of your community, you should be able to put something back into it for others to enjoy. Tracy and I moved here in 1975 (for 3 years) and have been here ever since. Our three daughters all grew up here and Trina and Kara their husbands and four of our grand children still call Ladysmith home.
I have been a member of the Ladysmith Kinsmen for over 40 years and an active Life Member of Kinsmen Clubs of Canada. I am the chair of the Ladysmith Show and Shine, a member of the Festival of Lights for over 25 years and chair of the Loggers Sports. I have co-chaired the Ladysmith Days Parade for over 20 years, and the Light Up Parade since its beginning, as well as helping with other community activities such as Ladysmith Days, the Ambassador Program, Tour de Rock, Chamber of Commerce and others. I also chaired the Spirit of BC committee and the local Olympic Torch committee. I have been involved in raising funds for playgrounds, the spray park, the skate park and the welcoming figure (to be unveiled Nov. 8th) at LSS and other community projects over the years.
Why are you running for council?
I enjoy being involved and love to see the positive progress that happens in our Town. I would like to continue as a member of a team that views Ladysmith as a progressive community that values what Ladysmith sees both now and for it’s future. I have seen amazing changes in our town as well as have heard many accolades and I would like to continue to be a part of a team that keeps that tradition going… but also keeping the needs and concerns of residents upper most.
If elected, what will your priorities be for the term and how you will tackle them ? My priority will be to work as a member of a team that has the best interests of the community at heart. As one person I can’t do anything, but as an active member of a group I can have a voice and be involved in constructive decision making. Things that I hope that we can address soon would be implementation of the waterfront plan as well as working with our Stz’uminus neighbours, industry and others, in cleaning up the harbour. I would also hope that ensuring that our water and watershed is protected and guaranteed would be a high priority for the new council. I guess that a “priority” for me would be a more thorough communication platform for council and the Town. There is way to much “hearsay” and untruths on social media … that the Town needs to get the right information into every home in Ladysmith.
What’s the best path forward for growth on the waterfront?
I believe the present plan is a good plan… nothing is perfect …. but what is there now is a positive approach that was put together by many members of the Ladysmith and Stz’uminus communities and our neighbours. With totally limited funding, to create a hallmark waterfront, it’s going to take innovative thinking and the sale of some pieces to generate the required funds as well as economic partners. In the long run the benefits to our business community and the entire town will be hugely beneficial.