Kaslo’s mayor Suzan Hewat has decided to run for re-election. She has served one term as mayor and before that was elected to council in a by-election in 2005.
Her reasons for running are mostly about unfinished business.
“I would like to get the liquid waste management plan completed and submitted to the government for approval,” she said.
Hewat would like to complete the process of a strategic plan for the use of city-owned land, and work for continued improvements at the Kaslo Aerodrome.
“I would like to work to increase safety and enhance tourism opportunities at the aerodrome. We have done some work there already — achieved a grant to do fencing — and there is a grant we have applied for that we hope will see some survey work.”
Hewat said affordable housing is a priority, and that the city has reached an agreement with the Kaslo Housing Society for a long term lease on a piece of city land beside the works yard.
“This will give then security when they apply for grants,” she said.
She also said her council has lobbied for the replacement of the Kaslo River bridge, a project expected to start in the next couple of years, and for the installation of LED lighting for the city.
And she says council needs to create a plan for boat moorage, after the recent loss of marina space in the village.
Asked if there are new initiatives she wants to undertake, Hewat said, “I don’t go into it with a personal agenda. Whatever the public brings forward as important to pursue, I am open to looking into, within reason, if we have the financial capacity or staff capacity.”
Former Kaslo mayor and perennial candidate Pat Mackle is also running, as is former RDCK area representative Andy Shadrack.