For School District 27 candidate Katie Blaxland, serving the community is a way of gaining greater perspective on the issues that impact her family and those around her.
The busy stay-at-home mother of three has put her name forward for the upcoming school trustee elections for the City of Williams Lake zone.
“It’s personal interest for me. I would like to be a part of the growth of the district in a positive direction,” said Blaxland, noting she believes there are many benefits to getting involved. “You get a different perspective on things when you’re more involved — you gain a better point of view.”
Blaxland moved to Williams Lake four years ago with her husband Mark and the couple are raising their family here; their son Max, 6, and two daughters, Georgie, 4, and Jessica, almost 3.
She said the people, the community-minded atmosphere and geography are just some of the many things they love about Williams Lake.
“I felt a sense of community spirit as soon as we moved here. You don’t find that everywhere,” she said. “And no commuting - that is a huge draw for us. I can’t image being stuck in traffic with small kids.”
Read More: Candidates officially declared for School District 27 2018 election
Blaxland grew up in Valemount, B.C. in a logging family, has a degree in anthropology from UNBC and believes her previous work experience and diploma in project management will be an asset to the board.
Previous project-based contract work has seen her working with the Vancouver and Victoria school boards on seismic assessments of schools.
She said she hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the board if elected.
“I want to take this seriously and take it personally.”
Blaxland currently volunteers on her son’s school PAC at Chilcotin Road Elementary School, hosted a Humboldt fundraiser with her children last winter, was a Beaver Scout leader and now, a hockey mom.
“Slowly I’m getting more involved in things as my children get older.”
In her spare time Blaxland enjoys going to Remedy Fitness, and spending as much time as possible outdoors with her family, be it downhill skiing, camping, boating, hiking and biking.
To learn more about Blaxland, you can go to her website at katieblaxland.ca.
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