By Matthew Peterson - Ladysmith Chronicle
Local search and rescue member Bill Drysdale has decided to try for a councillor’s position.
Drysdale said he has tried to serve the community in many ways and sees the job as a way to do more.
“I figured lots of people don’t like to do the administrative work that needs to be done to keep a town running,” he said. “And I’ve got some experience … from my time in the air force.”
Drysdale said he has no ambition to try for the mayor’s chair and added he prefers to be one of the behind-the-scenes workers doing what he can.
And while he said he does have an administrative background, this is Drysdale’s first time testing the waters of civic life.
“It’s my first run at an official title.”
Over the last five years living in Ladysmith, Drysdale said he has been attending council meetings when he can to try and get a better understanding of what is needed to guide town policy.
“It’s good to have the knowledge of developments in the works, because those affect other things. If you have an idea of what’s planned you could possibly make suggestions.
Drysdale said he is in favour of new developments, but wants to see that they are done in a responsible manner — noting building brings jobs to town, but also increase infrastructure costs.
“You have to think quite a few years ahead in a lot of the stuff you are doing.”
Drysdale said it is important for a council to get done what they can right away, but that long-term plans are essential.
There are a number of things Drysdale would like to focus on if elected including the town procurement of watershed and watershed protection.
Drysdale said he flew over the area during Ladysmith Days and noted how close some logging is getting to Heart Lake and Stocking Lake.
“I think that would be the best legacy we could leave our children and grandchildren is for them to own the watershed.”
Drysdale would also like to see something done on the waterfront.
“I think everyone in town wants the waterfront developed, but I think they want it developed so it’s centred around all residents.”
Developing the waterfront is another opportunity Drysdale sees to further the town’s relationship with the Stz’uminus First Nation.
“Whatever we can do to foster that relationship, I think we should do it.”
There will be a special orientation meeting for hopeful or curious candidates on Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at council chambers.