Long-time Squamish resident Eric Andersen threw his name into the candidacy ring partly out of frustration."I must admit to impatience with aspects of the district land-use planning and economic strategy, although some good efforts are being made," he said. The research and communications consultant told The Chief he has taken part in a number of live and on-line discussions about the issues facing the community and was hooked. "I think I can generate good discussion," Andersen said. "There are a whole lot of good candidates. This is going to be an important election." Squamish must decide what it wants to become and for whom, he said. There are still many residents who came to town in the booming forestry days, while a flurry of younger families and commuters also call Squamish home, he noted. A collaboration of the two could help the town find a future direction, Andersen said. "We can get insight from the new and experience from the old," he said. Andersen has served on various district working groups, task forces and committees, including the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee. With that and a background in forestry, wood products and transportation industries, Andersen said he has a broad "local knowledge." The unbalanced jobs-to-housing ratio is the biggest challenge facing Squamish right now, he added. The district needs to roll up its sleeves and get to work. "It is up to us to avoid becoming just a commuter suburb," Andersen said. "It is not a necessary fate."
