Coun. Bryan Raiser will run for re-election in the November 2011 vote - thanks, he says, to the amazing outpouring of support he's received.
"I'm running again for the same reason I've run the last three times, I love the community of Squamish," Raiser said on Tuesday (July 12).
"This town and its people are amazing and I want to make sure there is a progressive voice in council chambers."
The first current council member to officially declare, Raiser said he feels it's only fair to take the experience and knowledge he gained during his first term on council into the next cycle.
"Everyone knows that a councillor's first term is like going to councillor school," he said.
"When most people start, they know nothing of procedure, inner or outer politics, or most of the issues the community faces. Well, I've just graduated council school and I'm eager to put my skills to use with the new team that is elected in November."
Raiser, who is notorious for his passion about safe routes to school, mountain biking trails and increasing councillor salaries, hopes to accomplish more of his priorities during a second term on council.
He said despite some disappointments, council members have accomplished a significant amount in the past three years.
"When on council you're only as strong as your team and while not all of my 'to do' priorities were done, many were," Raiser said.
"Personally I'm proud to say I campaigned very hard to hire a grant writer and our new CAO did so great success."
He also commended council's and staff's work on the Squamish Service Initiative, the infrastructure assessment, the Official Community Plan, the Trails Master Plan, the intergovernmental accord with Squamish Nation and start-up work on a public art policy.
He said despite other items, his first priority is listening to members of the community.
"This may sound simple but I'm going to continue my No. 1 priority and that's engaging and listening to the community," said Raiser.
"When the people of Squamish have a concern, I will listen and do everything in my power to encourage them to become engaged and write to council. This is something I have always done and see no reason to stop now."
Raiser said his next priority is jobs and collaboration.
"Jobs, jobs, jobs. And not minimum-wage, strip-mall jobs, but jobs that allow people to eat and sleep in this community," he said.
"Collaboration is no longer an option - it is a necessity. We have far too many groups working in silos doing the same work. This is not productive for anyone. Making economic development thrive can only be done if everyone in town is pulling the same rope. And I do mean everyone including Squamish Nation, Chamber of Commerce, BIA, District of Squamish, service and recreation groups."
Raiser reiterated his devotion to ensuring every part of the community has a safe route to school.
"Over the past three years Squamish has become a tiny bit safer for those not traveling by car in our community," Raiser said.
"However, we still have a long, long way to go. People, whether they be children, adults or seniors, who walk or bike to get around town should not have to take their lives in their hands. It's obvious this point has to be brought up again and again and I will certainly keep hammering that point home."
Raiser said he hopes his decision to declare will encourage others to seriously consider running for local office.
