Bob Wright: Bio
I moved to Nelson in 1967 at the age of 10. Attended Hume School, Trafalgar and graduated from L.V. Rogers in 1976. Achieved a diploma in forestry from Selkirk College.
After graduating from Selkirk College I started a reforestation firm which ran through the 1980s employing many locals.
In 1988 I took a full time job with Slocan Forest Products. After leaving the forest sector in 2002 I started a tourism business.
Currently employed by Kootenay Career Development Society charged with their targeted wage subsidy program.
More important than my work career is my volunteer career and commitment to this community. Dating back to my high school days coaching Nancy Green Ski Racers I learned that if you want things to happen you need to get involved. In the ‘80s I helped with Nelson’s Sno-Fest for two years. One of its legacies is the murals on Vernon Street.
After Sno-Fest and being a director on the Chamber of Commerce for a short time I got involved with Community Futures in the early 1990s (currently sit as chair).
Also chair of the Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership and past chair of the Provincial Association of Community Futures
The highlight of my life though is my family. Teresa and twins Tia and Tyler. It is my children and their friends that brought me into public life and the school board.
Recently graduated, both have gone on to further education. Seeing them through the public school system and seeing the kids that are struggling with education is what is motivating me to run for a third term as school trustee.
Top 3 issues
1. Replacement of Trafalgar. Trafalgar is an old outdated facility that is high on the replacement list with the provincial government. The school board along with the city need to ensure that it stays front and center on the governments list of projects that need to be completed.
2. Advocate for the children and families that fall through the cracks in our society while ensuring that we continue to be not only a provincial leader but a world leader in all aspects of education. Our school district with many thanks to all the staff that work hard has made this one of the top education centers in the province and the world. It is with this dedicated staff and partners that we will ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach there highest potential in life.
3. Continue responsible fiscal management. Since I was elected we have had a balanced budget every year.