I was born and raised in Oliver. My family has had roots here for over 60 years.  After graduation moved to Calgary for 15 years and worked for a large corporation. During that period I worked as an employee, a union representative and management.  I also met and married Brenda my wife of 30 years.  I went to night school at the University of Calgary and hold a certificate in business managment.  I gained  much experience working with diverse groups,moving projects forward, and managing budgets. I returned to Oliver, purchased and operated several successfull businesses with upward of twenty employees. I have since sold my direct business interests and spend my time enjoying the great lifestyle Oliver offers. Oliver has been very good to me and I now have time to give back to our community.

I believe my small town roots and big city experience give me a great background to help Oliver move to the future it deserves. You might think my background makes me pro business (which I am), but I am also pro taxpayer.

My number one priority is to hold the line on any tax or fee increases.  The taxpayers of Oliver are both shareholders and customers of the town. Oliver must live within its means. In case it wasn’t noticed, we are in a very poor economy and the paycheques of most taxpayers are not increasing.  Oliver needs to live with its current paycheque.

As a second priority I think with a proper plan Oliver can attract investors to build the hotel we all desire.  I have one plan for this goal.   I’m sure the people of Oliver have other plans and ideas and I encourage them to bring them forward.  I will be happy to share my thoughts with the next council, whether I am elected or not.

My other goals for council and Oliver (in no particular order) include:

• Continued improvement and development of our downtown.   We need to create an environment where individuals and companies want to invest.  Where they want to build and fill the empty spaces.
• Take a second look at water and metering charges and develop alternate ways to lower costs to the taxpayer.
• Listen to and act on the concerns and ideas of residents. Let’s tap into the collective wisdom of all of Oliver’s citizens.
• Work to establish more affordable housing for low income residents.  In the past service groups have built affordable rentals.  I believe that with council support groups and individuals can do it again in the future

I bring an ethic of hard work, honesty and dedication to council and ask for your vote on November 19th.