Peter Rusland is campaigning for a seat on North Cowichan council in next month’s municipal elections.
He said he’s running because he is deeply concerned and passionate about finding solutions to a list of critical, complex issues facing North Cowichan.
Rusland said the issues range from worsening water shortages, rising ecological degradation, rampant development sprawl, and the municipal forest reserve’s future, to chronic homelessness, tragic addictions crises, and the lack of affordable housing in North Cowichan.
“My four platforms are serving community needs; promoting economic health; preserving our environmental health; and providing a range of social-health solutions,” he said.
“My positive planks span renewed environmental and tree protection, striving for fair taxes, making our neighbourhoods safer, preserving our threatened water supplies, providing better waste treatment, promoting smart growth and planning through our new official community plan, building truly affordable housing, growing local food security, and increasing local jobs in many occupations.”
Rusland said he has no agenda in his campaign for council and that his vision is listening and helping citizens as a member of a creative, co-operative council team.
“The status quo is unworkable for the long-term,” he said.
“We simply need new ideas and more public input. As a 30-year North Cowichanian, and a 66-year-old retired local reporter, I know the background to most of our pressing issues. I also have the time necessary for a council commitment. I will work hard for our home called North Cowichan.”
Rusland’s Facebook page is www.facebook.com/rusland.for.council.