Two of the three South Cariboo area directors for the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) say they will run again in the Nov. 15 local government elections.
CRD Area G (Lac la Hache-108 Mile Ranch) Director Al Richmond says he will run for on the board because it needs to keep the Cariboo an affordable place to live.
"We need to develop a sustainable local economy that can provide the foundation to a fiscally strong region. Through the jobs our businesses provide and the taxes we pay, we need to ensure we are delivering the right level of service and the taxpayer is getting the best value for money."
The CRD needs to work with the provincial government to develop new formulas for how local governments are funded, the board chair explains. Richmond says the current model of property taxation is not effective.
"Our property taxes are maxed out and we need to look to new ways to fund our community’s needs. We need to develop a sustainable economic plan that will provide direction on how to promote our communities and attract new opportunities for our residents."
CRD Area H (Canim Lake-Forest Grove) Director Margo Wagner says she has planned to run for a second term since before the last election.
"It was my first term ever in municipal politics and it is a huge learning curve, so in order to be as efficient and as successful as you can be, you have to take the time to learn."
Wagner says she will continue to battle for high-speed Internet and cell service for remote locations in Area H if she is elected.
"That is a very uphill battle. It comes down to how much money the companies that offer it can make. They will not do it if they're going to lose money and it's very frustrating."
Wagner will also continue providing updates in her newsletter, she says, adding the recycling she has fought for will be implemented at the Forest Grove Transfer Station in October.
"I love doing this. I find it very rewarding. I'm a retired nurse and I loved nursing, but if I'd known I was going to enjoy this as much as I am, I would have quit nursing sooner."
Area L (Lone Butte-Interlakes) Director Bruce Rattray is retiring after six years on the CRD board. So far, no candidates have publicly released a declaration to pursue the vacated position of Area L representative.
Rattray notes anyone considering running for this position can access information on the new rules for campaign financing from Elections BC online at www.elections.bc.ca.
Other pertinent candidacy information is on the Ministry of Community Sport and Cultural Development website at www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/2014elections/index.htm.
Information about the CRD and its directorial areas is at www.cariboord.bc.ca.