Rick Consalvi, Mayoral candidate
To all my fellow residents of Tumbler Ridge, My name is Rick Consalvi and I have put my name forward to serve as Mayor of our great community
With an educational background in Addiction and Community Support Work, I have learned the importance of working together and building connections with openness and full transparency.
As a former Senior Elected Provincial Executive of the British Columbia General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), I learned about leadership, negotiation, governance, financial management, inclusion, equity, and fiduciary responsibilities.
As a father and partner, I have learned patience, understanding, unconditional love and gratitude.
As Mayor, I will attend all council meetings, speak with constituents, answer questions and listen to concerns. I will represent our town at meetings with officials of other government entities, attend public events in an official capacity, and work towards fostering healthy economic growth to make our residents more prosperous. I will show empathy, understanding, and try my hardest to find common ground when discussing public matters.
Darryl Krakowka, Mayoral candidate
After two terms on Council, the last four years as Deputy Mayor, I am running for Mayor to lead Tumbler Ridge to become more diversified with industry and tourism. I currently serve on Council committees for Mayor’s Health Task Force, Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation and alternate for the Geopark and Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC). Volunteer organizations I have been on include BC Ambulance (retired 2018), and Tumbler Ridge Lions Club.
I moved to Tumbler Ridge with my family in 2007. I have successfully owned and operated my own business for 30 years, with 15 of those years being in Tumbler Ridge. Fiscal responsibility has been maintained through budgets and costs being on or below budget.
I am a people person, approachable and believe in accountability and action. I will always respect others positions, be honest, and ethical.
Challenges for Tumbler Ridge for the next few years will be childcare and healthcare. These are priorities as putting families first, providing childcare is a basic need. Creating partnerships to provide training for Early Childhood Educators will assist in ensuring childcare of the highest standard. In regard to healthcare, the pulse needs to remain on ensuring that all services are maintained in Tumbler Ridge and the staff have a life-work balance. I will continue advocacy and pursue partnerships in Tumbler Ridge for mental health and drug and alcohol counselling services being available to our residents.
With the changing work environment many professionals are able to work from their homes. Working with Internet Services Providers to upgrade connectivity in Tumbler Ridge will also be a priority.
We have a great community with services offered in the District that are second to none. We will continue to improve on those services creating efficiencies, ensuring our staff are trained with the skills and abilities to provide a positive customer service to everyone.
A cohesive council that leads with respect is a must. There will always be different opinions however, decisions need to be made in the best interests of the whole community.
Using strategic planning to set achievable capital upgrades, and priorities of Council will assist the District in creating an environment that will attract residents, business and industry while continuing to improve on the current services offered and provide good governance to our community.
Don McPherson, Mayoral Candidate
I have been a resident of Tumbler Ridge for over forty years. During that time I have served on council for eighteen years, four of those as Mayor. I have been through the best of times and the worst of times in this beautiful community of ours. I am a problem solver and this attribute has led me to play a big part in solving issues that this community has faced over the years. This experience will serve me well in addressing the issues that are presently facing council.
Owning and operating a successful business all my life has lead me to be strong leader and good listener. I have the time, dedication and knowledge that the job of mayor demands, especially at this time.
I am very open minded and appreciate any conversation on any topic. Thanks for your time. I would really appreciate your vote.
Advance voting for mayor and council happens October 5 and 12 at Town Hall, while the general voting day is October 15. In order to vote, you need to be a Canadian Citizen at least 18 years of age on general voting day, Have lived in BC for at least six (6) months, are a resident of Tumbler Ridge; and are not disqualified by law from voting.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
