A look at your candidates for Cariboo Regional District Area K (East Chilcotin)

Betty Anderson is seeking a second term as Area K director. She is a mother and grandmother.

What do you think are the top issues for your CRD area?

I feel the top issues in my area are restoration from the fires, economic development and cell service. Another item I would like to see move forward is a Seniors facility in Alexis Creek. The demolition of the Cook Shack buildings in Alexis Creek are slated for 2019. This has been long awaited.

Why do you want to be a CRD director?

I want to continue being a CRD Director for my area as I have the experience, local knowledge, time and passion to serve my communities in this position for another term.

What previous experience do you bring to the table?

I now have four years of experience as CRD Director for the East Chilcotin, Area K. My previous experience was in Real Estate and Social work in the area and surrounding.

What would you do to attract and retain doctors in the Cariboo Regional District?

As far as attracting Doctors, it is a difficult task but there are people specifically working in that capacity. Personally I would definitely promote our area as a great place to live and work. I recognize a strong need for more Doctors and it is something us Directors, as being also Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Health Directors, are keenly aware of.

What are your ideas to keep rural communities thriving with strong economies?

Supporting the local economy would include encouraging small business initiatives plus supporting companies investing in resource extraction, manufacturing and other development. Tourism is definitely something needing more support and expansion and could be an increased source of revenue for our area. First Nation resource and manufacturing initiatives are also coming to the forefront in our area and are important in providing jobs, income and a strong sense of accomplishment.

What role does the Cariboo Regional District play in relationship to all other levels of government, including First Nations governments, federal, provincial and municipal government?

The CRD is the grass roots organization, a governmental body that manages some of the local affairs and funding for our region. Some services are Regional such as the library, others sub- regional. We work cooperatively with mayors and council in the Cariboo region with joint committee meetings, Mayors, their alternate or appointed council also have a seat at the Board table. We do community forums with First Nations communities as well. We work toward influencing the higher levels of government to be aware of our concerns and hopefully act on them. At annual meetings we have opportunity to meet with Ministers and other government officials and we bring forth and vote on resolutions that when passed make their way to Victoria. We regularly have local MPs and MLAs speak at our meetings and often work with them on issues of common concern for our region.

How has your area moved forward since the 2017 wildfires?

My area was very hard hit last year with the fires and there has been much recovery activity including logging, clearing burnt timber areas, many long miles of fencing, home rebuilding, property reclamation and land restorations. People in my area and beyond are very hard working and resilient but it has been a very difficult time recently.

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Chad Mernett is also running for CRD director in Area K, however, did not respond to a request to participate in the question and answer session.