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MERRITT HERALD FREE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2014 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS
BYELECTION 2014
GET READY TO CAST YOUR BALLOT The Merritt Herald sent a list of questions to each of the six candidates in the 2014 byelection for one city councillor. The responses are printed alphabetically by candidate’s last name. The candidates will also be available to answer more questions at a forum tonight at NVIT at 7 p.m. and another on Feb. 20 at the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame between 10 and 11 a.m.
• Mike Jolly Page 3 1. What experience makes you a good candidate for city councillor? I have lived in Merritt for over 40 years. During those years, I have been a volunteer with many organizations: board member for Nicola Family Therapy for over 20 years; secretary for the Nicola Valley Heritage Society for 14 years; treasurer for the Nicola Valley Association for Community Living (Ska-Lu-La) for 12 years; helped with the Merritt Country Christmas concert and recently organized the Children’s Community Choir. I also assisted in organizing Multicultural Day for Merritt’s 100th birthday in 2011. My employment since I came to this valley 45 years ago has been primarily with the public (School District 58) and private (First Nations) education systems as an educator. 2. What made you decide to run for city council? I have the time, background, interest and ambition required to contribute constructively to the decision-making process. 3. Are you familiar with city council and municipal government? What are your past experiences with civic politics? My interest in local government began when my father was the treasurer for Lanark Township in the Ottawa Valley, and local government happenings were often a topic at the supper table. Since 1973, civic government has been a part of my life in Merritt. I often attend council meetings, public forums and have directed petitions toward city council concerning various municipal issues.
• Neil Menard Page 3
LINDA BAIRD 4. What issues represent your priorities for the city? I would like to see more serious public discussion about sustainability issues. City council needs to be aggressively searching to attract stable industry that will supply sustainable jobs. 5. What is the biggest challenge facing Merritt today? One of the biggest challenges facing Merritt at this time is our aging and deteriorating infrastructure. City council needs to be rigorously proactive in the search for federal and provincial grant opportunities. 6. Merritt has had two byelections in two years. Are you committed to city council? If you’re elected, will you run again in the general election in November 2014? When elected, I will be committed to serving my full term of office.
• Ginny Prowal Page 5 1. What experience makes you a good candidate for city councillor? I moved to Merritt in 2004 from the Township of Langley. My husband Jack and I owned and operated an auto body repair shop so I am aware of the trials and joys of being a business owner. I am employed as an accounting and payroll clerk with the Nicola Tribal Association and I have been a bookkeeper for about 32 years. I volunteered as a 4-H youth leader for 10 years in Langley and in the Nicola Valley. I have been treasurer for many organizations and I have lobbied for government support of community organizations that I have been involved with. I am presently on the board of directors for Community Futures Nicola Valley and I am secretary for the Merritt Vintage Car Club. I have a strong background in business and personal finance.
• Julie Van Koll Page 11 attended and watched council meetings on TV on a regular basis. I have never been on a city or municipal council, but I know how the process works and I have a great desire to learn and serve. 4. What issues represent your priorities for the city? I feel the top priorities for Merritt are economic development and the revitalization of the downtown core. We have a rich heritage of history and outdoor living in this city and the climate for community activities that could attract tourists and residents alike. I am concerned with the tax costs to homeowners and businesses.
NOREEN CROSS
2. What made you decide to run for city council? I decided to run for city council because I believe in this city and want to see it flourish. I want to make a difference in the community where I live and work. I want to be of service to the citizens of Merritt. I also feel that the present council is in need of a new perspective and help in working together for the common good of the community. 3. Are you familiar with city council and municipal government? What are your past experiences with civic politics? I have always followed city and municipal council meetings where I have lived. I have
5. What is the biggest challenge facing Merritt today? I feel the biggest challenge for Merritt today is cultivating growth and development to become a community that attracts businesses and people alike. I do not believe taxation of existing businesses and residents is the only answer to raising capital to support community growth. Improvements to infrastructure and development are key to attracting people to our community. 6. Merritt has had two byelections in two years. Are you committed to city council? If you’re elected, will you run again in the general election in November 2014? I ran in the last byelection in 2012 and I will run in the November election. This term will help me serve this city. I am dedicated to this city and I want to help Merritt grow and prosper.
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