Voters in Area K have three choices for Cariboo Regional District director.
After the CRD put out a call for candidates because no one had signed up by the deadline, Betty Anderson, Geraldine Charleyboy and Melynda Neufeld stepped up to the plate, making an election possible.
Describing the East Chilcotin as beautiful and diverse, Anderson said she has worked as a realtor and social worker in the region. She and her husband also own a small ranch.
Anderson pegged lack of jobs, the decline of tourism and other businesses, and the need for developing respectful working relationships with First Nations as key issues in this election.
Candidate Geraldine Charleyboy is originally from Tsi Del Del and has lived in Alexis Creek for seven years.
In Area K First Nations and non-First Nations live side by side, she said.
“Once we all come together with common interests, success is inevitable,” Charleyboy said.
Working part-time as a paramedic has made her realize how rural communities lack accessibility.
The lack of road names, house numbering and communication can hinder response times by emergency personnel, Charleyboy said.
A resident of the rural Chilcotin for 40 years, candidate Melynda Neufeld said she is running after being involved with the advisory planning commission for Area E for four years.
“I would like to see work on resolving and dealing with vandalism and theft, as well as the speed limits along the much-used Highway 20,” Neufeld said, proposing through community awareness and involvement she will help tackle these issues.