My name is Allan Patton and I’m running for a third term as Electoral Area C (Rural Oliver) Director. At the Regional District I have been appointed Chair of the RDOS Planning and Development Committee, Chair of the SIR Operations and Advisory Committee, Vice Chair SIR Board, Co-Chair Oliver Parks and Rec Society and Chair of the Valley-Wide Air Coalition.

My wife and I have been married over 20 years and have resided in the Oliver area for more than 30 years. I have spent much time volunteering for both the Agricultural industry and the Greater Oliver community over the years. I enjoy year-round outdoor activities and sports which our area has an abundant high quality supply.

I know it sounds cliché but it is true that there is still plenty of unfinished business I would like to see to the end. First off, the most urgent issue for me is to continue lobbying the Provincial Government to finalize agreements with the affected residents from the Testalinda slide. It has gone on long enough; it is time to settle so these people can get on with their lives which at this time they can’t do.

The other immediate job to focus on is street naming. At this point, I am totally focused on completing this project so that everybody’s address is done right the first time. No way do I want to see any changes to anybody’s address after we make the big switch with Canada Post.

Providing a sewer for Gallagher Lake is also very important. I would like to continue to work on the development of the infrastructure to allow those who want to connect, the opportunity to do so immediately. I also want to do more work on cost reductions so in time everybody in the area can connect at an affordable rate.

Trails are now a high priority for not only me but the whole Regional District. I look forward to complementing our growing and vibrant tourist industry with the development and expansion of a comprehensive trail system for Area C and its neighbouring jurisdictions. We have an excellent trail along the river now but we can expand on that and look at new potential locations.

I am also heavily involved in establishing and supporting farm programs at the Regional District like Sterile Insect Release, agricultural wood chipping, starling control program, agricultural plastics recycling, the Loose Bay pickers’ camp and the Oliver Farmers market.

I am excited about obtaining a third mandate from the residents of Rural Oliver to continue to work on issues relevant to our beautiful Rural Oliver area and its great mosaic of community minded citizens.

I believe I have represented the interests of Area C at the Regional District in an effective and positive manner. With the respect I have earned at the Regional District Board and the experience I have gained from two terms as your representative I am sure that I can accomplish even more for our Area in the next three years. Please Area C residents exercise your right and get out there to vote on November 19, 2011. Thank you.

Note to Joel Edgar Malcolm: Cannot locate a phone number or e-mail address for you. Please contact Jack Bennest at 250-498-0753