In the Thursday, May 30 edition of the 100 Mile Free Press we profiled each of the candidates running in the by-election to replace councillor Ralph Fossum. Their profiles were based on the following questions and answers, which we are publishing in full online. Some answers have been lightly edited for grammar and proper spelling.
1. List your first and last name and tell me a bit about yourself. Who you are, what you do for work and how long you’ve been in the community for.
My name is Lori Fry. I am a former federal government employee working in Personnel as a Pay & Benefits Specialist who migrated to 100 Mile House 35 years ago. I raised two children here and have been involved in the volunteer sector serving the Cariboo and beyond for over 30 years.
2. What made you want to run for a seat on the District of 100 Mile House council? Is this a spur-of-the-moment decision or something you’ve been thinking about for some time?
There are several reasons for my decision to run for a seat on the district of 100 Mile House council including staying active and healthy.
I would not say that my decision to run in the upcoming by-election was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it was unexpected at this time as no one could have foreseen that a Councillor position would become vacant prior to the end of the term in 2026.
Over the years it has crossed my mind, but that is as far as it went until more recently When I realized that I have spent most of my life helping people and as a result I have been fortunate to have acquired a wide range of leadership skills that could be taken to a higher level; an opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for serving others; to expand my ability to continue contributing to a great community.
Since the Mt. Kilimanjaro trek in 2020 was cancelled, I have been looking for a new mountain to climb and running for Council is an opportunity to reach new heights, for both those I serve and myself.
3. Do you have prior experience serving on council or another level of government? If so, what is it?
I do not have any previous experience serving on Council, but as mentioned, I did work for the federal government and have served on boards, panels and committees at local, provincial and national levels in the not-for-profit sector.
4. In your own words, what do you think the role of a councilor entails and how will you go about fulfilling it?
The role of a councillor is to represent the community in a dignified leadership capacity with the responsibility of making decisions on behalf of the residents in the best interest of the local population and community.
I would achieve this by listening to the wants and needs of the residents, working extremely hard and cohesively with my colleagues and learning WHAT I NEEDED to fulfill the expectations of those who elected me.
5. What are the biggest issues you see facing the community right now? If you were on council, how would you address them?
The biggest issues facing the community right now are not unique to 100 Mile House and are the foundation and human rights of life that include water, food, housing and health services.
The shortage of available and affordable housing, a lack of transportation, insufficient health & hospital services along with the overdose epidemic as well as protecting the environment and natural resources, our source of water and food security are areas of concern in our community. This does not leave out other concerns related to local business, employment, education, agriculture, industrial or environmental issues and it is vital not to forget the priority attention that is required for emergency preparedness to combat modern climate challenges keeping residents as safe as possible.
If I were on Council, I would hope to address these issues by working closely with fellow Council members, residents and community stakeholders; to acquire input, knowledge and expertise from those who know their part in the community best, “Nothing about us without us; to engage through collaboration seeking out the knowledge required and asking for help where needed from other levels of government, regionally, provincially and federally if need be in order to meet the needs of the residents of 100 Mile House.
6. Personally, are there any causes or projects you would like to see council support or start?
I am very enthusiastic about building an accessible community that would encompass everyone.
Even those individuals who might not think we need such accessibility would be surprised to discover the incredible benefits towards inclusiveness for the entire community; not just seniors and/or persons with disabilities. Equal access is for everyone and includes education, employment and recreation.
Furthermore, the federal and provincial governments have mandated new requirements through the accessibility acts that will impact the future in a positive way and it is the responsibility of our elected leaders to promote and implement these changes. Eventually, there will be deadlines imposed by the federal government to meet the targeted goals so it would be wise to take steps towards the accessibility initiative sooner than later.
7. Many people in 100 Mile House complain about a lack of youth activities and services. What do you think council’s role is in addressing these concerns?
As with any community concern, the role of Council is to be sure the elector voices are heard and their concerns are addressed through proper process leading the way to find solutions and sustainability of services for all residents of all ages.
Investing in our youth is essential as they are the future. It is imperative to give them a solid foundation to build upon.
8. The majority of 100 Mile House’s population falls into the senior category. How would you support senior citizens on council?
I cannot emphasize enough how crucial it is to build an accessible community. Through this approach, there would be a tremendous reduction in the hurdles and challenges for everyone with the end goal being a barrier-free community.
I realize that this long-term process will not address the immediate needs of seniors so I would make every effort to do whatever is possible in the present to support their journey with healthy aging.
9. Why should people vote for you?
People should vote for me because I have a deep empathy for and understanding of my fellow humans beings, (I am) extremely fair and see things from a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree angle; looking at things from all sides with the ability to try and put oneself in other shoes.
I believe in equality and inclusion for all citizens.
I have a strong ability to be impartial.
I have experience facing barriers and challenges.
I am energetic, hardworking and disciplined in commitment and have acquired skills and tools that will help me to learn and build with.
10. If you do get onto council, would you run for a full term during the next regular election or do you plan to just be a transitional candidate?
If I were to be successful to get on Council this time I would hope to run again in the next regular election.
11. Is there any other issue or goal you have that you would like people to know about?
It is important for everyone to know that I strongly believe the District needs better quality control and contractual accountability regarding District tenders and the quality of the final projects.
A lack of enforcement for noise control caused by commercial traffic entering the District is also an issue that needs more attention.
12. Any final message you would like to end on?
Regardless of the outcome of the election, it is the responsibility of each of us to do our part to protect and improve the community in which we all live.
It is important for everyone to remember that your elected officials are not superhuman, but they are willing to take the lead on behalf of us all while they sacrifice other things in their lives for their electors. It is not an easy task to take on as we all know that none of us will ever please everyone and despite any mistakes made along the way, with kindness, respect and understanding, we should all work hard to support each other while building a solid community.
It should not be a competition as to which age demographic or other community sector receives the most attention and/or help; it should be a unified approach to meet the needs of all of us in our ecological system … and yes, this is an incredibly challenging goal!
