Incumbent Cariboo Regional District (CRD) director Byron Kemp is being challenged by newcomer Phyllis Webstad in this year’s race for the Cariboo Regional District Area E seat.
Kemp has lived in the Cariboo for 40 years and said he’s aware of issues facing the region.
“The Mountview sewer and water problem, a new road off Highway 20 into the Esler Sports Complex and the downloading of issues by the provincial government without additional funding,” Kemp raised as priorities.
Kemp hopes to address the issue of funding for projects and to work toward having the government recognize that rural area people receive as much recognition and consideration as those in cities and municipalities.
“Seeing as a major part of the government funding comes from resources in rural areas, we need more recognition and the government needs to realize that one shoe does not fit all,” Kemp said.
After five years serving on the CRD’s heritage steering committee, Webstad is ready to become more involved.
“Although I do not reside in Area E, it’s where I come from,” Webstad said, adding her ancestral home is there.
When it comes to water and sewer for the Dog Creek Road area, she will attempt to explore funding from a variety of sources.
Another priority for her is communication with area residents.
“I will have open house meetings at various locations and pledge to report out regularly to all residents,” Webstad said.
She also pointed to reconciliation with Canada’s First Nations people as very important.
“I will participate in public awareness and insist on interactive community outreach to promote community-based reconciliation initiatives,” she added.