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100 Mile House council lines up for re-election

Fiscal prudence, debt-free District a common theme

The District of 100 Mile House mayor and councillors all intend to run again as candidates in the Nov. 15 civic elections.

Mayor Mitch Campsall says he will definitely stand as a candidate for another term.

"I genuinely love working for the people of 100 Mile House. I believe in the community."

Campsall adds he is "very proud" of the work council and staff has done over the past six years to build a "stable, progressive" community.

Continued upgrades to infrastructure, equipment replacement and staff to meet changing needs; council's ongoing commitment to strong financial stewardship, and to be debt-free by fall 2018 are what he wants to see happen, Campsall explains.

Ensuring the community is well positioned to absorb the upcoming impacts of timber supply realignment is also important, he explains.

Campsall says the longer four-year term made "no difference whatsoever" to his decision.

Councillor Spence Henderson says he will run again to build on the growing relationships with the Cariboo Regional District and Chamber of Commerce.

"I am very pleased with the direction council and staff are headed in reducing and soon eliminating debt and preparing for opportunities that come our way."

Noting the Bible passage about owing no man anything except love, Henderson says this would be what he most "hopes to address."

"Life experiences as a referee and on council show me that there are at least two sides to every story and both sides are convinced they're absolutely right. My goal would be to love and help the people of the South Cariboo by being open to finding and doing the truth that is most often somewhere in between."

Coun. Ralph Fossum says he has decided to run again for several key reasons.

"I love 100 Mile House. I have considerable experience, and I believe I know the community; and I have time to more than do the job."

Fossum explains he seeks to address balance – financially, economically and socially – and to communicate with the business community.

His plans also include continuing to move forward with the Age-Friendly initiative, he adds.

He says the new four-year term seems appropriate for senior government positions, but it is a challenge for councillors who are "primarily volunteers."

"Our stipend works out to about minimum wage for senior input/output. Those of us who choose public life do have other attractive choices ... and some of us are getting older."

Councillor Bill Hadden says he had to think "very hard" on continuing on District council before deciding he will run again this November.

"Mainly, the four-year term was a factor – it is a long time to commit to.

"Having said that, six years ago the council I was first elected to set a goal of paying down our debt in 10 years. The district is close to doing that.

"We have been a fiscally conservative group, and I would like to see that continue."

Councillor Dave Mingo is enthusiastic to continue in the role and will run to hold his seat.

"I enjoy serving our community; therefore, I have decided to seek re-election as councillor. I will use my experience to continue for the betterment of 100 Mile House."

He also points to council's fiscal responsibility efforts as one of his key priorities.

"We plan on having the District of 100 Mile House debt free by 2018. This will allow us to continue to keep our tax rates low, and low tax rates encourage economic growth."

This also leaves the municipality in a strong economic position for future infrastructure and other community needs, Mingo adds.

"I look forward to the new four-year term. This allows for continuity and stability for local governments."