Jim Glassford is throwing his hat into the ring as a candidate for Cariboo Regional District Director of Area I (Narcosli/Nazko/West Fraser) in this fall’s elections.
He is no stranger to the role, having served as director for six years (2008-2014) before being voted out four years ago.
His replacement, Dylan Cash, has opted not to seek re-election this year, citing wanting to spend time with his two young children as the main reason for stepping away from the role.
If elected to the position, Glassford says he would like to continue attempting to get a bridge across the Blackwater River.
“I worked for four of five years [while previously CRD Director of Area I] at getting that bridge,” he says.
“It was slated to be done last year and they had the money to do it,” he insists, “And it would give us access to NewGold,” he continues, referencing the proposed mine west of the city.
“I think when NewGold gets all their environmental studies finished, it will be nice for Quesnel to supply some of the goods and services.
“As we slow down a little more in the forest industry, it would be nice to diversify so we can stay prosperous.”
Another top priority for Glassford will be attempting to get the Ministry of Transportation to speed up the repairs necessary after the West Fraser Road washout.
“There’s too much time doing studies and not enough time getting the road built so people have access to Quesnel,” he says.
“A lot of people are going to Williams Lake because the road is better,” arguing the detour is taking business away from Quesnel.
“Winter time is coming and it will get even worse,” Glassford continues.
“I want the CRD to write a letter [to the Ministry] to try to get them to provide at least one lane of access for next year [2019], even if the road isn’t completely built.”
Glassford says he also wants to bring more accountability to the role, mentioning he would like a referendum on whether Quesnel Sub-Regional Recreation should pay to put in a new gymnastics centre.
“People should have a say on whether they want to spend more money for Sub Regional Rec. to have it,” he says.
He points to the referendums on the Indoor Soccer Facility, in which it was voted down by the pubic twice and still installed under his replacement.
“It may have been legal to put it in, but it was unethical,” he says.
Elections for Cariboo Regional District directors will take place Saturday Oct. 20. Nominations will be announced Sept. 14.
READ MORE: Two CRD directorships open up in areas near Quesnel; one director seeks new term
ronan.odoherty@quesnelobserver.com
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