The past decade of inaction and lack of progress prompted Auli Parviainen to enter Squamish's mayoral race, the independent business consultant said.
The District of Squamish has a reputation of "not being open for business," an image Parviainen said she wants to turn around if given the top spot in the November municipal election.
"Bubbling under the surface, people are restless," Parviainen said. "They want to see a council that reflects the community."
With a university background in political science and a long history of starting and running her own companies, the Finnish-born Parviainen said she has what it takes to lead council toward a more transparent, inclusive future.
Parviainen has lived in the Sea to Sky Corridor for 26 years, of which the past two have been in Squamish. It is in the interest of some politicians to play the long-term residency card, but that doesn't automatically make you a better candidate, Parviainen said. She sees her newness to the community as an advantage, noting she is not intertwined in Squamish's history of politicking. Parviainen said she is a quick learner, who always intends to speak with residents to learn about the community's needs.
"I think you can understand history by speaking and listening to people," she said.
Parviainen said she is taking her bid seriously. Last week, Parviainen terminated her community engagement contract with the Paradise Trails development proposal so she could run for the job.
Parviainen supports Squamish's Oceanfront project, but not the way it is currently being handled. The Squamish Oceanfront Development Corp. is 100 per cent owned by the municipality, she said, yet there is not enough transparency about its workings.
"The district has no business being a developer," she added.
The local and commuter transportation issues are also challenging, she said. There are few small communities across Canada in which public transportation runs without costs, she noted. Some outside-the-box thinking and community dialogue is key to solving the currently inadequate systems, she said.
Parviainen wants the district to embrace new technology, such as social media, to gain such input. People have busy lives and holding public meetings and open houses doesn't always cut it anymore, she said.
Coming from a small business background, Parviainen said she also wants to ease the path for Squamish entrepreneurs.
"We have talent here but perhaps the barriers are too great," she said.
Squamish needs to break away from being a bedroom community, which is not economically, socially or environmentally sustainable, Parviainen said. It needs to embrace the many sectors that make up its economy, she noted, adding there is room to add to all sectors. One example would be developing value-added services for the forestry industry, Parviainen said. Recreational tourism is also an industry the community could do a better job of promoting, she said.
"It is time for us to do more than just put a sign on the highway," Parviainen said.
If elected, Parviainen promised to be an accountable mayor. She said she will not be afraid to admit her mistakes, take responsibility for them and move on. She wants to see Squamish seize its potential, Parviainen said.
"I am unprepared to wait another three years," she said.
