What is your background or political experience?
Hope has been my downtown core for 38 years. While our saw mill was feeding people right through to Chilliwack, we had a family business of 120 people, employing many people from Hope. I have been fully engaged in local government – chair of Hope Hospital, director on Chamber of Commerce and a good record of negotiating with corporations and government.
What are the most pressing issues facing Hope?
A lack of openness (transparency) and a shortfall in the understanding that everything is connected and everything in our region from Laidlaw, Sunshine Valley to Boston Bar impacts all of us, as we found out when the Boston Bar mill closed. We need to encourage one another to move forward in a positive way for our small region.
If elected, what would be your main priority as mayor?
My main priority if elected will be to try and bring about a level of respect amongst all the players on the team of Hope – shareholders (taxpayers), elected people and town staff. I believe the most important ingredient for success in any field is respect, coupled with passion for what we are doing.
Why should people vote for you?
My extensive experience with three large corporations, small business and local government has positioned me very well to bring the right leadership to Hope at this time. I would appreciate your vote and I will remain true to listening, taking action and if mistaken be openly honest about it.