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2018 General Local Election Candidate Bios

Mayor Candidates

 

Albert HOGLUND

After 30 years as a councillor, I have decided to enter the race for Mayor of the City of Kimberley.  I believe my time on Council has given me the much needed experience and skills to lead the City forward for the next four years. If elected Mayor, I would work hard with Councillors, staff and the public to keep tax increases as low as possible, keeping in mind not to decrease the level of service people expect.  I would make sure any city assets that are sold, are sold at fair market value; any city assets that are leased would be a good deal for taxpayers.  I also believe infrastructure replacement is a priority, especially the road network.  I would also arrange a meeting with Teck to discuss Light Industrial lands at the old fertilizer site. There is a lot of land there that has not had any development on them and that is the land the City should acquire.

Future meetings held with Provincial MLA’s, Cabinet Ministers or Federal MP’s will include an invitation to all councillors to attend.  In closing, I will commit to work hard for all the taxpayers in Kimberley, to earn their confidence and trust.

Don MCCORMICK

I am currently serving my second term on Council, my first as Mayor. Originally from Saskatchewan, Bev and I moved to Kimberley in 2003.  My first community commitment was joining the Kimberley Rotary Club, of which I am a Past-President; I am also a Past-President of the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce, a founding Director of Tourism Kimberley, a past Chair of the Community Futures East Kootenay Board of Directors and a served as a Director of Key City Theatre.  I am also nominated to begin a term as a CBT Board Director in January 2019.

My business background includes 17 years of corporate sales and marketing; adventures with several start-ups; and as consultant to entrepreneurs whose companies are start-up or early revenue stage.  I continue this work through Synersales Management Inc., my consulting company.

When I ran for mayor in 2014 I expected this would be a two-term job. We have made great progress and I want to finish the job.  Our financial health is much more positive, the infrastructure bleeding has stopped, and our community is exhibiting great confidence in the future. My priorities going forward are keeping Kimberley affordable, continued renewal of our aging infrastructure, and achieving sustainable growth to support the lifestyle we cherish.

Councillor Candidates

 

Mac CAMPBELL

Who?    I’m known as MAC, and pleased to present myself and my qualifications in this healthy democratic contest to serve as a City Councillor.  I have substantial community, business, executive and board experience. Career focus has been on research, analysis, finance and development. Education includes BA Economics/Math, MBA Western and corporate finance executive program at Harvard. Check Linkedin.com

Where? Born Calgary. Lived in Picture Butte, Lethbridge, Edmonton, London, Toronto,  Montreal and North Vancouver prior to selecting Kimberley. Great decision!

What?  Two term elected Trustee on the Rocky Mountain SD6 Board of Education and standing for re-election. Previously within our region I served as:
-Chair for a year of the Transition Committee on closing the Sullivan Mine
-Founding Chair of the Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance
-Director on the Board of the BC Chamber of Commerce for the East Kootenay.

Why?    I’ve been impressed with the solid constructive steps taken by successive Councils reacting to the announced closing of the mine and other significant economic events. I believe my unique education, broad board experience, research/analytical/people skills will be productive and appreciated complementary additions to City Council. Sustainability and economic development are critical elements we must sustain to continually improve services and safety of our growing community.

How?    Listening, observing, caring, and analyzing are positive steps in my view to coming up with the positive solution options for Council consideration and timely decisions.

Dave CORBOULD

Dave moved to Kimberley in 2017 with his lovely wife Tracey following a 35+ year career in the Canadian Armed Forces with the hope of never seeing a moving van ever again.

His background includes a varied career in the Canadian Army that saw several years in Victoria.  It also includes over 19 postings with family within Canada, the United States and Europe.  As well, Dave has participated in several UN and NATO operational deployments to include Cyprus, Kosovo, and Afghanistan (twice).  

More relevant is Dave’s experience in working at the international, national, provincial and regional levels of politics to resolve complex issues and work towards practicable goals.  His approach incorporates an ability to listen, a willingness to work with others, and a belief in transparency and accountability. 

Since making Kimberley his home, Dave has worked at the Ski Hill as a Resort Host and the Aquatic Centre as a lifeguard to help maintain critical community programs.  Also a Director with the Canadian Communities for Africa Charity (Director and Treasurer), Dave has considerable financial management experience in determining budget priorities, allocations and appropriate management approaches that balance citizen requirements with a City’s capacity to deliver.

Finally, Dave is approachable, open to persuasive arguments and focused on serving the array of interested groups in our community to the best he can. 

Kyle DALUM

Kyle Dalum is retired from the Canadian Armed Forces where he served three years in the Combat Engineers including a tour to Bosnia. He has traveled to several countries in Service and beyond. Through his military Service, Kyle gained an extensive skill set which has translated into a broad understanding of several employments since returning to civilian life. Kyle was born in Kamloops and has lived in several places in B.C. He first moved to Kimberley in 1987 and has lived in the area for over ten years. Kyle has been very active in the community particularly with Military Ames, most notably his extensive contribution to the Kimberley Veteran Memorial Park. He is also a peer support person, primarily for veterans. Kyle sits on the Board of Directors for Courageous Companions, a non-profit which provides Service Dogs to Military and First Responders past and present. Kyle is well known for his unwavering support throughout the community as a volunteer both as a dog handler and generally generous with his time. Kyle is currently studying to be a Master Dog Trainer which will encompass all types of dog training and behaviourism. He is currently building his home primarily with his own hands. Kyle enjoys being social and spending time with his Service dog Phelan, his horses, and his family. Demonstrating his interest in the community is evident in that he has hardly missed a Council Meeting in the past year in his quest to better understand the process. A true ‘Community Builder.’

Kevin DUNNEBACKE

Kevin Dunnebacke is a 44 year old Kootenay boy, raised in Fruitvale.  His dad worked for Cominco for 37 years so Kevin understands the importance of a healthy, working community.  He moved to the East Kootenays in 2004, settling in Kimberley 2013. 

Kevin is a journey bodyman/mechanic.  He graduated from Okanagan University College in 1994, and set up shop in Fruitvale, restoring and fixing anything that rolled through the doors.  When he moved to the East Kootenays, Kevin instantly fell in love with Kimberley and its relaxed atmosphere and friendly vibe.  A love that was solidified when he won the Spring Splash downhill mountain bike race in 2005. 

Kevin set down deep roots in 2015, starting with the purchase of OJs, now Ktown Custom Auto, a dream of his for 10 years.  A lot has changed for Kevin in the last 5 years.  As well as opening his business, he has started a family in the only place he wants to raise kids. When Kevin isn’t at the shop or at home with his family, he likes to enjoy the back country, get firewood or go to car shows. 

He sees a bright future in this town and for this town.  Kevin would like to give back to this community which has made him feel at home by focusing on the towns’ infrastructure.  He would like to make sure that Kimberleys’ hard earned tax dollars go towards permanent fixes and not bandaid repairs.   His focus is on the people of Kimberley and would like to see this town reach its full potential.

Kent GOODWIN

I am running for re-election because I feel that over the last 7 years I have contributed to a number of good decisions by City Council that have helped revitalize our town and put City operations on a more stable footing.  I would like to continue to contribute for another term and ensure that infrastructure renewal, modest tax increases and support for community vibrancy continue.

Over my previous two terms I have acquired a fair bit of experience in a variety of City-related matters. I have a good working knowledge of the Community Charter and Local Government Act and have actively supported the updating and creation of new bylaws and policies at the City.  I am good at digging into the details of staff reports and proposals and believe that my questions and suggestions add value to the great work that our staff are doing.

I have been appointed to and currently sit on the Boards of the Kimberley Health Centre Society and the Kimberley Community Development Society and have been attending Watershed Advisory Committee meetings throughout my time on Council. I have appreciated working with my fellow council members and although we do not always agree on issues we have been able to act (most of the time) in a collegial and constructive manner in the best interests of the community.

You can learn more about my priorities by visiting my website at kentforcouncil.blogspot.com.

 

Craig JANZEN

Craig Janzen moved his family to Kimberley in 2014 and is currently working in management for Canada Post in Kimberley and Cranbrook and also holds the elected position of Local Union/Association Kootenay President for his group within the company. Prior to Craig’s work in the public service sector, he spent the last two decades in business, doing a wide range of activities from owning and operating a No. 1-rated concrete and gravel plant to consulting to running a book-keeping business. Craig is passionate about volunteering and helping those less fortunate and has spent time serving in Iraq and the Caribbean for disaster relief. Craig’s platform is to bring his diverse experience, transparency, accountability and love for the region to collaborate with council members to streamline decisions, ensure smart management of tax dollars, and move forward collectively to see Kimberley become the best place to be for business, retirement, recreation, earning a living wage, and raising a family.

Nigel KITTO

Councillor Nigel Kitto is completing his first term on Council. Nigel immigrated from Adelaide Australia in 2006 with his wife Toni and son Christopher. He has been a Registered Nurse since 1993 with extensive experience in Emergency Nursing. Most recently he has been working in Primary Health and Diabetes Education for Interior Health at the Kimberley Health Centre.

He is a strong advocate for an active and healthy lifestyle and promotes the health benefits, working to encourage positive change with his clients and community. Nigel and his family were drawn to the mountains and to experience an outdoor lifestyle, skiing, biking and exploring Kimberley's trails. Finding a good balance of family, work and community is a conscious decision for Nigel and he feels Kimberley is a place that understands and embraces those values.

Nigel is president of the Kootenay Freewheelers, and an active volunteer with the Kootenay Orienteering Club, Kimberley Nature Park Society and Kimberley Trails Society. With these groups he is one of the organizers of the annual Round the Mountain Festival. Nigel and Toni also co-chaired the Mountain Bike events at the BC 55+ Games and continue to assist with other events and programs in Kimberley. He feels fortunate to call Kimberley home and proud to serve a welcoming and inclusive community.

Josh LOCKHART

kiʔsuʔk kyukyit. Hi! For those of you who don't know me, my name is Josh Lockhart. I moved to Kimberley with my family eight years ago and we quickly fell in love with the community and decided to stay! 

As a young man with a young family, I have a keen desire to see Kimberley grow and thrive. I am passionate about this city. I am committed to this community. I am invested in Kimberley, with my children in school for many more years.

In my short time living here, I have learned about Kimberley's fascinating history. The community has grit! The present right now is great, the Platzl is alive, there are young families playing at Rotary Park, plus there is a strong business and arts community. The future for Kimberley is bright.

I know that my experience in the community, combined with my education and training and past leadership roles, that I can be a strong advocate for people of Kimberley to ensure the place we call home prospers.

Jason MCBAIN

I am pleased to announce my decision to run for Kimberley City Council.

It has always been a goal of mine to be involved in the policies of my hometown. Kimberley is a wonderful city with much to offer people of all walks of life. I believe that I have the ability, the temperament, and the right attitude to be an effective member of Council.

I grew up in Townsite and left home at seventeen to pursue a hockey career. I retired from pro hockey after 11 years, turning my attention to school; earning two degrees from Portland State University. I have since returned back to Kimberley where my wife, Wendy, and I live in Chapman Camp with my two sons and her two daughters.

There are a broad range of matters that will need to be addressed in the coming years. I look forward to tackling all policy issues in a thoughtful and logical manner. Our aging infrastructure is of particular interest to me. As a practising Professional Engineer, I feel that I have critical thinking skills and the ability to provide sound judgment when balancing the needs of our citizens and the associated costs through proper asset management.

I plan on actively using social media to connect with electors but I find that nothing beats face to face discussion. Therefore, I encourage everyone to say ‘hi’ if you see me around town.

Lastly, I would like to wish all candidates the best of luck!

Michelle NEX  

Michelle Nex, mother of three and grandmother of two, grew up in Sooke on Vancouver Island. She made Kimberley her permanent home 16 years ago and chose to raise her family here because she was impressed by the warm welcome she received when she arrived, both by newcomers and long-time residents, and was impressed that business was still done the old fashioned way - on a handshake.

Michelle is a former care aid who enjoyed working with the elderly and people with disabilities and is now the owner of Blondie’s Karaoke, as well as part owner of a commercial building in Kimberley. She is also employed part time by the Rocky Mountain International Student Program and has hosted students from around the world for 13 years. This experience has taught her patience and creativity in communicating and problem solving.

Michelle loves playing pool, is a two-time winner of the American Cue Sports Alliance referee of the year, and finds that her referee experience has given her good conflict resolution skills. She can often be seen at various music related events around town and enjoys meeting and chatting with the locals. Michelle comes from a long line of veterans in the family, which has given her respect for veterans and empathy for the issues affecting them and all who have served.

Michelle believes that Kimberley needs to re-achieve self-sustainability, which includes supporting local businesses and attracting new business and green industry to Kimberley so that the tax base can be expanded and diversified. She is also committed to working with provincial level government to help address the lack of rental housing in the city, as that has become a very real and pressing matter for many residents.

Darryl OAKLEY

Darryl Oakley is a third generation Kimberleyite. He is currently seeking his third term on Kimberley City Council. He is deeply committed to making sure that Kimberley remains a healthy and affordable place to raise a family. Over the past seven years serving on council he has worked on many of the non-profit committees that help make Kimberley such an outstanding place to live, including; the Kimberley Underground Mining Railway, Seniors Helping Seniors, Kimberley Urban Deer Committee, Kimberley Trails Society, and the Kimberley Nature Park Society. He is also very involved in supporting Kimberley's infrastructure renewal program - making sure the community is rebuilt for our children and grandchildren. Frequently, you will see Darryl out enjoying our beautiful community as his dogs walk him throughout town. 

Wendy QURESHI

Hi, my name is Wendy Qureshi and I’m running for Councillor in the City of Kimberley. My family, the Ratcliffes have lived here for more than 90 years. We have a wonderful community, most especially regarding the arts. We have brilliant musicians like It’s Arne Sahlen who inspires us to excellence. I play clarinet in the community band and we are most important during our ceremonies.

There are some municipal problems that need attention.

I don’t feel comfortable addressing any specific issue because I don’t know enough. The benchland issue I don’t believe was handled properly. City of Kimberley council meetings are not televised, They should be.

 

Sandra ROBERTS

Councillor Roberts was elected for her first term in office in 2014.  She arrived in Kimberley in 1950 and was educated here.  After a number of years of living in Alberta, Sandra returned to Kimberley, met and then married her husband, Bill.  Making a home for their two children, she became an ardent community volunteer.  As a member of the Kimberley Neighbourhood Improvement Committee, Sandra initiated the development of Center 64.  Sandra retired as Manager from Kootenay Savings Credit Union (formerly Kimberley Credit Union) after 30 years. Her financial experience has been an asset in her role as an Advisor for Tembec Ltd., as a Governor of the College of the Rockies, and as the President of Kimberley Chamber of Commerce as well as the Area Representative on the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Sandra and her husband maintain Hardrock Publishing, a partnership that handles the publication “The Best Miners in the World:  Stories from Canada’s Sullivan Mine”.  Sandra is also deeply committed to Rotary International as a member of Kimberley Rotary Club, District Administrator and as a Trainer.

Steven ROYER

Since moving to Kimberley in 2016 from Courtenay, on Vancouver Island, I have been impressed by the “neighbourhood “friendly atmosphere. I enjoy the freedom in the nature trails, the vibrant energy of the downtown, the Platzl, the Farmers Market, the Saturday festivals, attending the entertaining Dynamiter’s Hockey games, and the passion the residents have for their history and quality of life.

While focusing on developing my new business in Kimberley, Royer’s Landscaping and Property Maintenance, I have participated in speaking at the Kimberley Gardening Club, socializing with residents and racing in the Round the Mountain Race. I am still discovering the many things I can do in Kimberley and every time I do, I am so glad I moved to this community.

In the past I have represented Canada (Canadian champ 1995/96) in the 100km race at the 1995 and 1997 World Championships in Winschoten, Netherlands. I was the head coach for the Courtenay Cougar Youth Track and Field Club for 17 years and President of the Vancouver Island Runners Association for 8 years. I was a committee member on the Waste Management for Comox Valley Regional District for 5 years. I was also honoured to be a Torch Bearer for the BC Winter Games in 1995.

As an owner of a small business in the Landscaping and Property Management industry I understand the challenges faced by small businesses. My entrepreneurial spirit has prompted me to run for council and utilize my knowledge to improve the housing and rental deficiency challenge, assist in improving infrastructure around the city.

I am the father of three children, and I understand the challenges of raising a family. My commitment is to work together with everyone, to ensure that Kimberley is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable for all, both now and for future years.

Jay SIMON-CUMMING

I moved to Cranbrook, BC from Ontario in September 2005 to attend the Business Administration (Marketing) program at the College of the Rockies. During my education there, I was the Student Association President from 2005-2006. Throughout the year I promoted community, student life and recreational opportunities for everyone. Once I completed my college education, I moved to Kimberley, BC as I was drawn to the small town versus the big city and have resided here since.

I am passionate and committed to continuing expanding our recreational opportunities for the people of Kimberley. I feel that an even better advertised network of trails may help bolster summer tourism in town.  

Kimberley is an expanding city, with new residents wanting to enjoy the lifestyle we are all so lucky to enjoy. With that comes higher housing prices, and flat out less room. We need to update some of the bylaws as houses are now home to two families where there once may have been one. We should also be more open to multi family development within town to make home ownership more attainable for the first time home buyer.

While Kimberley may never return to it’s mining roots, we should look toward bringing light industry into town, to help keep the tax burden lower on our residents while still allowing to provide ample services.

While I can’t claim to have all the answers, I am willing to work hard with my fellow councillors to find solutions for problems we all face as Kimberley residents.

Thank you.

 

School Trustee

Betty Lou BARRETT

I have been a trustee for 15+ years and have faced both challenging and easy decisions. I make all decisions with an open mind and with compassion. The basis for my decisions included but are not limited to:

What is best for Kids
What is best for staff
What we can achieve with what we have to work with
How can I listen better in order to take in all the criteria

I am a single parent with two kids and two grandchildren, I own a ranch that is 6 generations young and have lived in this community most of my life.

I have a vested interest in education with a grandchild in kindergarten and some of my family being in the education system themselves. I believe education is what society thrives upon.

I worked for TECK corporation until the mine closed, as an underground worker and a surface worker for 20 years. I am currently the BASE ADMINISTRATOR at the airport.

I am open, honest and hardworking.

Mac CAMPBELL

Candidate for Re-Election
Board of Education Trustee
Rocky Mountain SD6

Education is critical to our future sustainability and economic development.It has been a privilege serving on this board for two terms, and I look forward serving for a third and final term with the support of Kimberley and RDEK Area E residents who vote. 

Voter turn-out and education are significant challenges and I’m encouraged that we have a competitive election in this region for the Board of Education this time.

Its has been very educational and challenging personally learning all the institutionaland organizational structures around k-12 education, the shared and relative authorities for influencing and making decisions impacting our district, and appreciating the provincial government issues addressing competition for funds and regulation between ministries and through-out the province.

We must be leaders as to how to organize and operate the Board.  Standing Committees of the Board should have Trustees as Chairs. Schools should be identified consistently across the district as to Primary (k-3), Elementary (k-7), Middle (4-7) and Secondary (8-12).

I’m grateful for the support received to preserve our unifying Middle schools in each of Golden, Invermere and Kimberley.  Thank You, and I look forward to you votes and continued support.  Appreciated.  MAC

Ron MCRAE

There are a number of reasons why I, Ron McRae, am interested in serving as a School Trustee on the Rocky Mountain District Board of Education.

Firstly, I served two terms from 1990 to 1996 as a trustee on the Kimberley School District #3 Board prior to the amalgamation of the Kimberley, Invermere, and Golden School Districts.  During these   interesting and challenging years, I worked closely with the superintendents, staffs, and board members affiliated with the three Districts in the formulation and implementation of the plan necessitated by the provincially legislated amalgamation of the three districts.

Secondly, I have a thorough understanding of how legislative government works having one term as a City of Kimberley Councilor 1999 – 2002, and two terms as Mayor for the City of Kimberley, 2002 – 2005 and 2011-2014.

Thirdly, with experience as an Educator in the Public Secondary School system and as an Educator and Senior Administrator in the Public Post-Secondary Education System,   I have developed a deep understanding of the wide range of educational needs as experienced by students enrolled in our District Schools and following into the post- secondary level.

Fourthly, my volunteering and participation on community boards and societies in the East Kootenay, has given me a broader view on the multifaceted nature of students’ educational needs.

Finally, I have 3 grandkids in our schools and they, along with ALL students, deserve the best education we can provide.  I would like to contribute to that cause.  Thank-you!

Sandra SMAILL

Bio not yet recevied.

Jaret THOMPSON

Raised in Fort St. John, and recently choosing Kimberley as the new home for his family, Jaret is looking to continue his 10 years work as Board of Education Trustee. Following on successes in Peace River North School District 60, he is has served as Board Chair, Provincial Council, BCPSEA Rep, Chair of numerous committees and was recently selected as Vice-Chair of the Board and Elected Provincially as a Director on the Board of BCPSEA, validating his dedication to representing them from afar, having moved away from the area, to Kimberley 3 years ago.

Students First – What is best for the student’s long term outcomes?
Parent Advocate – What matters to the parents and the community?
Build Relationships – Working towards building relationships with the Teachers, Staff, Administration, Community Partners, and the Ministry of Education to better our Rocky Mountain School District.

Wanting to ensure Kimberley has a strong voice on the Board, Jaret brings experience from a very successful and progressive board that will help to strengthen our District. He will continue to advocate for the student experience and for the parents in the community, as already demonstrated in the recent Reconfiguration attempt.

Actively serving community through:
President of the Kimberley Rotary Club
Co-President of the Kimberley / Cranbrook 2018 55+ Games
10 Year Trustee, Currently Serving in School District 60, Peace River North
Director - BCPSEA – Northern Interior Region
Entrepreneur with Multiple small businesses.
Children in Kimberley Public Schools.

Jaret can be reached at 250-427-2588, or jthompson@prn.bc.ca