A former two-time Campbell River councillor, Steve Wood, is running for mayor.
Wood is up against current mayor Walter Jakeway and Coun. Andy Adams.
Wood says he is committed to working with all elected councillors and city staff to provide the full-time leadership required for the community’s future well-being.
“It’s time to build a respectful, cohesive working relationship between all involved, in order to make Campbell River the place we all desire to call home,” Wood says.
As mayor, Wood says with the support and direction of the newly elected city council, he would initiate a city-wide comprehensive organizational and core services review, in order to find efficiencies and cost savings.
“This would lay the groundwork to protect the current level of services and programs in our community,” Wood says. “The Core Services Review, with an inclusive opportunity for public participation, would greatly help council to decide on the priorities of Campbell Riverites for the coming years. Also, it would allow council to work together with local businesses and residents, to meet these priorities within the fiscal boundaries which we are currently facing.”
Wood says he would commit to work respectfully and cohesively with all councillors, senior staff and bargaining unit employees.
“I will listen to and build positive working relationships with all community stakeholders,” he says.
Wood says with hard work and dedication, his goal is to achieve a zero tax hike in the second year of budget deliberations, if possible. Wood says the organizational review to find cost savings and efficiencies would be crucial to a possible tax reduction.
Former councillor Wood says he will also focus on public consultation and participation with the objective of creating and keeping long-term good paying jobs in the community.
“A key role and responsibility of the mayor is to create a cooperative and functioning team within city council and City Hall, in order to provide positive, effective community leadership,” Wood says. “Public communications in dealing with other levels of government and First Nations must be proactive, respectful, and goal oriented.”
Wood, who served as city councillor from 1993 to 1999, was born and raised in Campbell River.
Wood’s extensive work history includes: mine worker, educational assistant, city employee, family support worker, and eight years as the executive assistant to the president of a national telecom organization.
Wood has had a life-long commitment to supporting, managing, coaching and volunteering in youth sports, including: boxing, hockey, baseball, football and rugby.
As a former city councillor, Wood says he brings recognized and seasoned experience in working with a functioning mayor and council, and effectively getting the job done.
Wood invites residents to contact him with questions, and thoughts on issues of concern within the community.
Wood intends to open a campaign office and the location will be confirmed next week.
Constituents will have the opportunity to have a coffee and discussion with Wood who is encouraging everyone to get out and vote.
“In 2011, just 22 per cent of the eligible voters in Campbell River participated in the election for mayor and councillors,” Wood says. “Only 38 votes determined the mayor of Campbell River. We respectfully suggest that the next four years are much too important to not have a say and voice your views.”
Mark your calendar for November 15 and most importantly, vote, says Wood.
Residents are encouraged to contact Wood by phone, 778-420-5515, through email, steve.wood@shaw.ca or on Facebook.