Michael Jones is the second non-city council member to confirm he’s planning to run in October’s municipal election in Williams Lake.
Jones is a real estate agent, who returned to his hometown of Williams Lake last year after living in Korea.
“I experienced so much from my time overseas in economic development and watched that country drastically change itself over the 15 years I was there.”
He was inspired about how a community can work together and build a place.
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“I was fascinated with that and wanted to bring the experience I had over there to Williams Lake to see if we can work in a unique and different way that will foster the community and help us to become greater and bigger.”
Jones said he has been considering running for city council for about 22 years.
“I’ve been in and out of Williams Lake over the years, and when I came back last year, I thought ‘you know what, if I’ve given the opportunity to serve then I’ll take it, I’ll run with it and do the best I can.”
Jones worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters Williams Lake as a executive secretary in the late 90s and early 2000s before going to Korea.
In May, SD 27 trustee Sheila Boehm confirmed her intention to run for council.
Read More: Boehm announces intention to run for Williams Lake City Council
So far, Mayor Walt Cobb and Coun. Craig Smith have confirmed they will seek re-election, while councillors Sue Zacharias and Laurie Walters have said they will not be running again.
Coun. Ivan Bonnell, Scott Nelson and Jason Ryll have yet to make their intentions publicly.
Last December, Smith credited Jones for suggesting the web-based program that the City set up for residents to have input on the city’s budget.
Read More: Williams Lake opts for online citizen budget program
General voting day is Oct. 20, 2018. The nomination period begins Tuesday, Sept. 4 and runs until Sept. 14 when all candidates will be declared at 4 p.m.