One more candidate has stepped into the fray for a run at District of Squamish municipal council this week, and two more are expected to throw their hats in the ring soon.After months of acknowledging that she's considering a campaign, Squamish Nation member Donna Billy confirmed this week that she will be running for a council seat in the November election because "it's about time.""I'm the first Squamish Nation woman to run," she said.Billy said she intends to run on a platform that includes social programs around housing and childcare, on economic development and on a more inclusive approach to governing."The people should help council. I think they should be coming up with the suggestions, what they would like, and not have council come up with the ideas themselves," she said. "Bring it back the community. I think if you bring it back to the community, we get more done." Part of the method she would use to ensure more open governance would be to spread methods Squamish has seen before."I would do charettes like we did with the waterfront lands."A lifelong resident, Billy was a member of Squamish Nation council for 13 years and worked for the nation for 25 years. "I've been here, and I've seen it good and bad," she said.She said Squamish District is doing "pretty good," but feels her input would be helpful.She also has a long history of community involvement. She's involved with the Howe Sound Women's Centre, and helped advocate, along with Chief Gibby Jacob, for a new home for the centre when developers bought the former property. She's been on the board of the Squamish Health Foundation for many years and is also a member of the Rotary Club and the Squamish Historical Society, just to name a few."I've been on just about everything there is in Squamish," she said. Another familiar candidate went public this week with a news release stating he is considering a Squamish council candidacy. David Clarkson ran in the 2006 by-election while still a teenager. Now a 20-year-old student and District of Squamish lifeguard and swimming instructor, Clarkson said he's considering running again."Lots of people have approached me and asked me if I would be running again," he said. "Right now, I'm giving serious consideration to my candidacy for the office of council." He said "several factors" will affect his decision, including work, volunteer commitments and school, adding he's would make a final decision "within the next few weeks."In the past two years, Clarkson has served on the select corridor trail committee and is a current member of the board of zoning and variance. He is currently completing an Associates degree at Capilano University in North Vancouver, and plans to major in biology. And finally Paul Lalli, who still holds the title for youngest elected representative to Squamish at 23 in 1996, is expected to announce his candidacy for council next week.
