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Council candidates tell their stories

Profiles of the seven candidates running for the six seats on District of Clearwater town council
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Election '14: Comprehensive coverage of your 2014 municipal election:

The following are profiles of the seven candidates running for the six seats on the District of Clearwater town council:

Barry Banford

My name is Barry Banford and I am running for re-election as a councillor for the District of Clearwater. I Barry Banfordhave lived and worked in Clearwater since 1998 and with my wife Marcia enjoy the natural beauty of our valley. I have been involved with the Community Resource Center board, Clearwater Improvement District, North Thompson Communities Foundation Board and currently your district council. This experience has given me an understanding of many aspects of our community.

The last three years as one of your councillors has been exciting for me. We have enhanced our working relationships with both provincial and federal leaders, established needed bylaws for future growth, completed critical planning processes, reduced speed zones for improved safety and implemented a strategic goal setting framework which has provided focused direction for both council and staff. Reviewing all the information presented to council and evaluating the risks so that sound fiscal decisions can be made is something I believe in. My desire is still to make Clearwater a great place to live, to work, retire and do business.

Although we have accomplished a lot there is more to do. We need to develop a housing plan which includes assisted living and affordable housing. We need to actively market Clearwater as a great place to live and do business to broaden our tax base. Completing our pathway and trail network will enhance our community and improve safety for all visitors and citizens. Strong partnerships have been key in the success of our Healthy Living, Age Friendly and seniors initiatives and we must continue to pursue all grant and partnership opportunities. Improving our infrastructure for future growth in a fiscally responsible manner will be a priority over the next four years. The people you elect should serve you and bring your concerns to council. I would be honored to continue to serve you.

 

 

Merlin Blackwell

I was first elected to council in 2011, following a brief term as Chamber of Commerce vice president, then Merlin Blackwellpresident. I own and operate Blackwell Park Operations, which in one form or another has been providing services in Wells Gray Park since 1989. My company is currently finalizing a new contract that will see us as the prime service provider in Wells Gray Park until 2025. Beyond the park and council, I have worked in restaurant management, construction and radio, and also as a magazine writer.

I feel I bring leadership and decision making skills to council, an understanding of marketing and presentations, and plenty of business and project management experience. Even though my business keeps me hopping, I feel that it Clearwater needs continuity in leadership and that's why I decided to run for a second term.

My goals in running for council are to keep taxes sensible, to keep improving infrastructure in a well thought out manner, and to make our town a great place to live and do business. Many towns our size are not in as good shape as Clearwater is, and I think that is in part due to strong leadership from the current mayor, administration and council, and I want to be part of that continuing team.

 

 

Dennis Greffard

I am a lifelong Clearwater resident who is passionate about the place, the people and the politics of the Dennis GreffardNorth Thompson. As a local small business owner on several counts, I am personally invested in seeing the area grow and prosper.

Carrying the torch of the family business, I believe in fostering an economic climate conducive to entrepreneurship and also intent on ensuring positive recreational options in Clearwater. I currently sit as the president of the Clearwater Ski Club, where I co-spearheaded the Clearwater Disc Golf Course, and have been a past volunteer for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Ducks Unlimited.

I studied at Thompson Rivers University in Water Treatment Technology and at British Columbia On Site Sewage Association in Wastewater Treatment and Maintenance.

My true devotion is my family, which includes a daughter and two sons, also born and raised in Clearwater, B.C.

 

 

Melanie Harwood

I was born and raised in Clearwater – both sets of my grandparents were homesteaders.
My husband and I Melanie Harwoodhave raised our children here and have been supporters and volunteers for many community events and groups such as: youth group, Clearwater Bible Camp and fostering children.

I have worked for the past 22 years as a certified educational assistant at Star Lake Campus, Raft River Elementary and Clearwater Secondary School. I have also been involved in Voices United Choir, North Thompson Community Choir and the Ladies FoxFire singing group. I have volunteered for the past several years at the Canoe Regatta and at the Canada Day events.
If elected, projects that I would like to support are: affordable housing, literacy, sports, arts, healthy living and seniors programs. Clearwater must continue to provide the resources necessary to make sure all citizens thrive.
As councillor I will bring new ideas and initiatives.

 

 

 

 

Gord Heisterman

I have lived in Clearwater over 36 years and have seen the good times and the slow times. With that in Gord Heistermanmind the future looks great with the foundation set and the right outlook for future development.

With the right people to lead the way and positive outlooks amongst us, the future is bright. I feel that with my help and enthusiasm Clearwater will be a positive place to live, work and play.

Going forwards will not be an easy thing put with the right attitude all things are possible no matter how big or small they are.

With the experience of the returning council and the addition of new councillors, the ideas that will come forward will be positive.

So l ask that you take the time to look over the candidates and "Vote" for whom you want to lead Clearwater.

 

 

 

Ken Kjenstad

I am a retired businessman and have lived in Clearwater since 1972. I am married with three children and Ken Kjenstadsix grandchildren.

My community involvement has been as chair of the Hospital Board, the Regional Health Board and Chamber of Commerce. I also have been on the executive and an official for minor hockey and minor ball.

I was elected to the District's first council and have served for seven years. It is important to work with all members of our community to enhance the many programs and facilities we have been able to achieve – to be a team member, work towards affordable housing, and care for our seniors.

We must work towards being fiscally responsible, do important work on a sustainable water system and infrastructure improvements. I would be honoured to serve on your council.

 

 

 

Shelley Sim

(running for school board and Clearwater town council)

Born and raised in Vancouver, Shelley Sim moved to Clearwater in 1993. She is the primary owner and Shelley Simmanaging director of Original Holidays Inc. and she has over 20 years tourism and business experience.

Cited as an active and engaged community member, Sim serves on several local boards including the executive for SILGA (Southern Interior Local Government Association), Clearwater physician recruitment committee, Clearwater Youth Soccer and the Clearwater Ski Hill. Sim is a strong advocate for education and was an active task force member of the superintendent's committee on mathematics for School District 73. Having worked with PACs in Vavenby, Raft River and CSS, she has spearheaded projects that were focused on math, literacy, digital literacy and expanding technology within the classrooms. As PAC chair at CSS, she worked hard to bring a variety of extracurricular opportunities to the school ranging from academics to sports to music, art and drama. Additionally, she encouraged collaboration between Raft and CSS to co-sponsor projects such as the robotics program.

Some of her other favorite community experiences include the Clearwater Canoe Regatta and participating with the Age Friendly Committee.

Goals for council:

1. Expand the Healthy Living program to offer a diversity of events including arts and culture

2. Invigorate economic development that will attract small, medium and large business to the North Thompson

3. Advocate for seniors housing and services

4. Develop Dutch Lake for expanded community enjoyment, recreation and accessibility

5. Continue to lobby the provincial and federal governments regarding Internet and cell phone issues that impact the community

Goals for school board trustee:

1. Work with parents, teachers and administrators to identify educational concerns on a local level to enhance and improve student achievement

2. Advocate on behalf of rural to ensure that classroom composition issues are prioritized

3. Address deficiencies regarding classroom resources and actively tackle this funding issue in the budget

4. Create innovative solutions for extra curricular activities and educational opportunities

5. Stay engaged – listening, learning and ensuring our students have the resources they need to be successful.