It has been 28 years since I publicly announced in our local newspaper my intent to seek a seat on council. It was new territory for me and the one-year term, created by a resignation, made sense. The short commitment would enable me to determine if I would enjoy the role and whether the time required would compromise family and employer relationships. That is history. Obviously, I accommodated all concerns and enjoyed having input in the growth of our community. I am now completing my 25th year. I served as a councillor for seven years before completing three terms as mayor of Squamish. Being mayor is very demanding and, in 2002, I determined it was time to slow down a bit. I ran and was elected as a councillor, a position I have held since.
Today, I am again using our local newspaper to announce my intent is not to seek re-election. It is possible, but highly unlikely, that I could change my mind. It is time for us to be able to enjoy our grandchildren and the activities others do in retirement. Today our only opportunity to leave town for more than a week without missing something is August and that just does not allow time to visit our kids, see our country or enjoy a warm winter.
I have been very lucky and privileged to serve as long as I have. I have worked alongside many councillors and five mayors, sat on provincial and regional bodies, come to know and respect many other local, provincial and federal elected. I have learned from each of them. Although there have been some tough times and issues, mostly the experience has been positive. I truly enjoyed the opportunity and would do it all again tackling a few issues a little differently. My heartfelt thanks to all who have placed their trust and confidence in me.
Soon you will go to the polls to choose the seven you feel are best qualified to move Squamish forward. Please consider candidates as if you were hiring them to run your business. The District of Squamish is big business. Council spends in excess of 20 million annually and a good portion of that comes directly out of your pocket. They create policy and set the budget-making decisions, effecting the delivery of services including water, sewer, garbage, roads, land use planning, diking, recreation, police and fire protection. A candidate needs to be well-rounded and not focused on a single issue. Council members need a lot of common sense, and a desire to consider and responsibly balance the needs and desires of all. In my opinion, your councillors are more than adequately compensated receiving approximately $20,000 per year, one third of that tax-free. We have excellent medical benefits and are compensated for expenses when outside the community. Our stipend ranks above average when compared to communities our size. Although the position of mayor requires close to a full-time commitment, that of councillor averages 20 hours per week. It does not warrant a full-time salary. This November, I hope to see a number of choices on our ballots. Please choose wisely.
