Long time community resident Bert Walker announced this week his intention to run for mayor. Politics are not new to Walker. He has been serving on Council for the last three years and prior to that he was a Thompson Nicola Regional District director where he served on the board for 12 years with three years as vice-chair. Also attached to his list of accomplishments are three years as school trustee, as well as numerous volunteer positions on boards such as Wells Gray Community Forest, North Thompson Economic Development committee, Municipal Finance Authority and Wells Gray Community Resource Centre.
“Every year for the past 36 years I have volunteered my time for the betterment of all residents within Clearwater and the surrounding areas,” said Walker in a recent interview. “During the time I spent as regional director I kept the community informed by being available to the press and by establishing the first in the province Services Committee; a practice that provided citizens a much easier access to influence the way the regional district budget is allocated.
When asked what his accomplishments included while on council, Walker provided the following list of accomplishments:
• Together with local council, we received provincial and federal grants to the tune of over $4 million which have benefited all Clearwater and area businesses and residents.
• The fuel management program provided support to laid-off workers to the tune of $2.4 million - I was instrumental in putting approximately 90 local people to work for the last two winters.
• Rotary Sports Park - I provided the “Project Management” saving Clearwater approximately $30,000.
• Wells Gray Country Community Forest - I supported the idea and did extensive lobbying with provincial government MLA’s to obtain license (contributing over $100,000 to the community as well as providing local jobs.
• Tourism Wells Gray started through Wells Gray Country Services Committee and has proven to be a great success.
Walker said, “While working on council for the last three years I have proven my commitment to the citizens of the community by working collaboratively with mayor and council any by providing leadership and direction on many issues that came before council.”
When asked -Why should you be mayor? Walker responded by saying: “I believe my experience and commitment make me your ideal mayor. I have many relationships within the government and have a proven willingness to listen and speak for the residents of Clearwater and area. I have the health, energy and time to represent our community in a strong robust way. I give you my commitment to devote fully to being your mayor.”