If elected, how do you plan to stay informed about the needs and concerns of the community?
I believe ongoing engagement with community members and local organizations is essential. I make an effort to stay connected by meeting with people and continuing to be fully available for in-person, text, email, cell phone communications.
I also plan on reaching out and talking to people, and also attending community meetings.
What is your vision for the future of Golden, and how would you work toward that vision if elected?
My hope is that we can continue to provide services that meet the needs of our community while ensuring those service levels align with residents’ willingness and ability to pay for them.
I would also like to see Golden maintain a strong, diversified economy, where residents have access to the services they need and want. Just as importantly, I want Golden to be a community that values its members and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
I believe we can work toward these goals through thoughtful Council policies, continued advocacy, bringing people and organizations together, and providing direct funding where appropriate.
What previous experience do you have that will help you serve effectively on Council? I have been a business owner, operator and entrepreneur throughout my working life, including the past 38 years here in Golden. I also previously worked as a tradesman, which has given me a practical understanding of what it takes to get things done.
I have a long history of public service in the community. I have served on Golden Town Council for 15 years, including three years as a councillor and 12 years as Mayor. Prior to that, I served as the Electoral Area Director for 12 years, from 1999 to 2011, and as a School Board Trustee for six years, from 1993 to 1999.
Throughout my time in public service, I have maintained a professional working relationship with Town of Golden staff. Together, my experience in business, the trades and local government has given me a broad understanding of the community and the work involved in serving on Council.
What do you believe are the three most important issues facing Golden over the next four years, and why? One of my priorities is ensuring sustainable service delivery. Simply put, that means making sure we can afford the essential services our community needs, such as water, sewer and roads, while also being able to provide the services residents want, including protective services, recreation, arts and culture. Most importantly, we need to ensure these services remain financially sustainable not only today, but over the long term and for future generations.
We also need to continue advocating for our community’s needs in areas that may not fall directly under municipal government responsibility, but are critically important to Golden. This includes issues such as access to healthcare, housing affordability, workforce shortages and access to regional resources, both financial and otherwise. It also means advocating on issues such as timber supply and wildfire risk reduction that have a significant impact on our community and region.
Finally, we need to continue strengthening our partnerships and financial relationships with the residents and ratepayers of Electoral Area A and throughout the region. Working together and sharing resources will be important in ensuring the services our communities rely on remain sustainable into the future.
Tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Golden: I have lived in Golden since 1988 and have been married to my wife, Carmen, for 45 years. We have three grown children who all continue to live and work in Golden, as well as three grandchildren who are growing up here.
Over the years, I have owned and operated several local businesses, including Selkirk Glass, which I operated for 15 years, as well as Golden Motor Sports, Snowpeak Rentals and North Bench Mobile Home Park.
I have also been an active volunteer in the community for the past 38 years. During that time, I have been involved with Rotary, Kinsmen, the Golden Fire Department, Golden Search and Rescue, and served as a Cub leader, along with participating in numerous other local committees and community groups.
Why have you decided to run for Golden Town Council?
I enjoy being involved in our community and, while I am ready to step away from the added responsibilities of serving as Mayor, I still want to continue being of service to Golden.
After speaking with members of Council, one of the current councillors was willing to put their name forward for Mayor. I personally believe that someone serving as Mayor should have previous experience as a councillor.
With four of our current councillors not returning for the next term, I also believe it is important to maintain some continuity on Council. Given my experience, I felt it was my responsibility to put my name forward and offer that continuity while continuing to serve the community.
