The Campbell River Rotary president and a former councillor is vying for a spot on city council.
Patricia Gagnon, President of the Noon Hour Rotary Club and executive director of the Campbell River Community Foundation, is eager to return to public office.
“I really love being on city council, being on the forefront and working for the constituents,” Gagnon says. “As a small business owner I understand the business community and where they’re coming from.”
Gagnon, a mother of two, served on Port Hardy council seven years ago after winning a by–election. After spending a year and a half as councillor, Gagnon spent the next three years as a school trustee for the North Island region. This time around, she hopes to win a spot on Campbell River city council.
“I have the experience, I have the education and I have the knowledge,” Gagnon says. “I also have the time and the energy to put in – I’m a keener, I want to do it.”
As a business consultant and project manager, Gagnon says she has been “extremely successful” in writing grants, a skill that could benefit the city when applying for grant money.
Gagnon says there are new opportunities within the forestry sector, alternative energy sector, aquaculture and INfilm.
“We have everything it takes to make this city a good place to live and attract not only retirees but young families,” Gagnon says. “I think if you have a council willing to be creative and if we’re open-minded, we have a great opportunity here.”
Gagnon says she would also like to improve communication at City Hall.
“I think it’s really imperative to have clear, definitive roles and responsibilities for councillors, for the mayor and for city staff,” Gagnon says. “I think there needs to be better communication and city council setting the direction for city staff. I think communication is lacking – especially with the voters.”