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Macdonald seeking re-election

Longtime Nelson city councillor Donna Macdonald will seek another term in next month’s municipal elections.
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Donna Macdonald files nomination papers Wednesday with deputy chief election officer Frances Long.

Longtime Nelson city councillor Donna Macdonald will seek another term in next month’s municipal elections.

She filed her nomination papers Wednesday at City Hall.

“The last three years have been very fruitful,” Macdonald said in a news release. “As well as concrete accomplishments, like infrastructure upgrades, we did a lot of planning. We set the stage for action and I’d like to be on that stage.”

Macdonald was first elected to city council in 1988. Re-elected five times, she has served more than 15 years on council. She ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1996 and 1999.

“I’ve learned so much over those years,” says Macdonald. “My experience shows. I get things done. I work hard. I’m thoughtful and questioning.”

Macdonald cites the progress of the Cultural Development Commission and the creation of the Nelson Housing Forum as two examples of her leadership. She was also pleased to be part of the library’s recent growth.

However, she’s concerned about Nelson’s economy.

“Watching Europe, we all worry what that might mean for us and for Nelson,” she says. “The challenge is to also see opportunities to build our self-reliance and unleash our local creativity and entrepreneurial energy.”

Macdonald says it’s key that we keep our eyes on the future, because change is occurring quickly in many spheres.

“Sometimes we get comfy in our little valley and forget to look over the mountains to see what’s happening,” she says. “That would be very unwise at this time of rapid change.”

Macdonald says she has great confidence in the people of Nelson.

“We’re all here because we love this place,” she says. “I want to keep working with the community to maintain our home in a healthy condition, in all senses of that word.”

She is the fourth councillor to confirm she will be seeking re-election, along with Bob Adams, Marg Stacey, and Robin Cherbo.

Deb Kozak, Kim Charlesworth, and mayor John Dooley have not yet announced their intentions.