Two new candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to run in the upcoming Cariboo Regional District (CRD) elections on Nov. 19.
Margo Wagner says she will run for the three-year term as CRD Canim Lake-Forest Grove Area H director.
A Canim Lake resident and retiree for the past seven years, she arrived from England 36 years ago and worked as a nurse in Alberta.
"I think it's important to have good representation, especially in a rural area because ... the majority of decisions are made in big cities, so the rural area has to have a voice that can be heard."
Currently, the Canim Lake Community Club president, a Canim Lake Citizens on Patrol Society captain and a first responder trainer with the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department (FGVFD), Wagner explains she has volunteered for the past 25 years.
While it's her first foray into municipal politics, Wagner adds this has always been her goal, but required the Canadian citizenship status she recently obtained.
Ron Lister has declared he will also run in the election for the position of CRD Area H director.
"I've worked with the CRD a fair degree since 1995. I've enjoyed myself immensely in this community, and I just think I can do more for the area from an inside position."
A resident of Canim Lake since 1994 and a current FGVFD deputy fire chief, Lister says he helped develop the earlier Canim Lake Fire Department and was its fire chief for 10 years before the two amalgamated.
Among Lister's other volunteer work were activities with the Forest Grove 94 Lions to help save the Forest Grove Elementary School, he notes.
While it's his first foray into politics, Lister says his skills and experience has developed significantly since he began volunteering in the area, particularly with his public speaking.
Incumbent Area H Director Art Dumaresq recently announced he will step down from the position to devote more time to his business and family.