First and foremost, thank you.
I am incredibly grateful for the encouragement, support and confidence Area I residents have shown me, and honoured to have been elected by acclamation as your next CVRD Director.
Over the past seven months, there have been countless conversations — at community and public events, group meetings, drop-ins, over coffee, on the phone and sometimes simply when our paths crossed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to talk, ask questions, share concerns, challenge ideas and offer their support.
Those conversations matter to me and to our future — and they are continuing. Being elected by acclamation doesn’t change that. Direct, open communication with the people I represent in Area I remains a priority.
My values and priorities have been openly shared through my website, written materials and community conversations. That openness and accessibility will continue throughout my term. Please keep reaching out with questions, concerns and ideas — by phone, message apps, email, over coffee or whatever works best for you. I will continue attending community events, listening and staying connected.
A public Area I meet-and-greet is also being planned for soon after the October 17 election. Details will follow.
In the meantime, there is plenty of preparation underway. Last week, that included attending the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention in Vancouver at my own expense. It was important to start learning, building relationships and better understanding the issues and opportunities affecting Area I and our broader region before taking office.
I have also received a number of election questionnaires and interview requests, from organizations and election collaborations outside Area I, some advocating particular positions or perspectives. Some include questions and expectations outside the jurisdiction of an Electoral Area Director. With elections still underway elsewhere in the Cowichan Valley, I have chosen not to participate or insert myself into those election conversations, and instead to keep my focus on Area I and preparing for the role ahead.
As we move forward, you can expect regular updates about what is happening at the CVRD, the decisions being made and, most importantly, what they mean for Area I.
Thank you again for your trust and support. I am looking forward to being a strong advocate for our community.
