Saltair/Gulf Islands Area G elected a new Cowichan Valley Regional District representative, with Jesse McClinton defeating incumbent Lynne Smith on election night Saturday.
McClinton tallied 689 votes to Smith’s 330.
“I was very happy with the results,” said McClinton, 42. “It was pretty emotional, to be honest. It was nice to see that hard work paid off.
“I’m excited for the challenge. Hopefully, I can make people proud.”
McClinton, a businessman, husband and father of two, grew up on Thetis Island and also lived in Saltair most of his life before relocating. His folks have continued living in the area and he just returned in 2020 at the outset of the pandemic to reside on South Oyster School Road.
“It was just perfect timing,” said McClinton. “It never really felt like I left. I was always up here anyway.”
One of the issues that prompted him to run for the director’s position was a situation in April when the Saltair Slo-Pitch League was initially denied a Special Events Permit by the CVRD’s Electoral Area Services Committee, but later given a reprieve to operate during the season at the Centennial Park ball fields.
Related story: Saltair Slo-Pitch League given Special Events Permit after all
“Stuff going on with the ball leagues was what got me to pay attention to what’s going on in my community a little more,” McClinton pointed out.
He added a division within the community is one thing that needs to be addressed.
“I remember Saltair being a friendly unified area,” McClinton said. “It just seemed like there’s two groups and I thought I could bridge that gap a little bit.
“The other thing I think people want to do is be involved. One of my strengths is encourage people to be included. Be a part of the solution. It’s part of the message and the feeling I got.”
McClinton said “on the doorsteps it was a positive response, for sure” to his candidacy.
He also decided to pay a visit to Thetis Island Sept. 25 for a meet-and-greet and Penelakut Island the next day to meet with Chief Joan Brown and residents. Both trips were productive, McClinton said.
“They shared all their issues with me,” he added.
Foremost among the concerns for residents of both islands are high speed internet and the condition of the docks at both locations, with those issues bearing significant emergency implications.
Once all the preliminary work was done, all McClinton could do was wait for the results. “I was a ball of nerves on election day,” he conceded.
With a hectic family and business life, McClinton said he’s ready to add another element to the mix.
“This is the time of your life you’re supposed to be busy. I’m happy to do it.”
Before making the transition to the job, he paid respects to his predecessor.
“She ran a really competitive campaign,” McClinton said of Smith. “I thank her for her service. She worked hard for four years for the community.”
“Thank you to the citizens of CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands for the opportunity to represent them over the past four years,” stated Smith. “Congratulations to Jesse McClinton and I wish him success.”
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