1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
2. What part of Quesnel’s Official Community Plan do you care about most and want to see action on?
3. What solutions or ways forward do you see to address concerns around crime, affordable housing, transportation infrastructure and homelessness in our community?
4. What do you think needs to be done to attract and retain professionals such as health care providers in our community?
5. What are a few fun facts about yourself?
Quesnel has been my home for 47 years. I moved a lot as a kid, so raising my family with lifelong friends and roots was important to me. After reinventing myself several times over the years, I lucked out with starting my current business, Eiffel Flowers. In one of my former lives here, you may recall I sold real estate. I am a past president and proud lifetime member of the Quesnel Billy Barker Days Society.
I have little commitment to the “Official Community Plan.” The city plan ought to be revisited and recalibrated with ongoing challenges and not be pursued if opposed by the people. There has been wasteful city spending, and that’s a tough pill to swallow with our taxes increasing every year. Tightening our belts, fixing the infrastructure, and working with all levels of government to promote our beautiful region is necessary for growth and prosperity. Inclusion, communication and transparency is key. Politicians ought never forget who pays their salaries.
Municipalities need to stop passing the buck when it comes to which level of government is responsible for declining health care, homelessness, crime, the opioid crisis and poverty, to name a few. For starters, let’s invite the local folks who work tirelessly in the trenches to the table with their first-hand expertise. Additionally, we must tirelessly lobby our government for what we need and deserve. Question everything and speak out when the decision-makers go sideways. We are the change we’re looking for.
My family and community are my priorities. I will be part of building a more autonomous, safer, charitable community for them and you. I despise injustice. I’m fearless when I have to be, and I put my pants on one leg at a time, just like you. I’m eager to represent you, the people of Quesnel.
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.