I arrived in Port Alberni in July of 1976, newly graduated from high school and here to help my Mom and Dad set up the Macleods Store on Third Avenue.
I was hired at Port Machine Works in 1978, married in 1979, my daughter Kristen was born in 1981 and son Cody in 1983.
My career at Port Machine lasted nearly 30 years before I left to join Alberni Engineering in 2009.
I have been an active member in Kiwanis for more than 27 years, having the honour of being president on four occasions.
I am also proud to still be the co-ordinator for the “Our Town” program since 1992.
I joined the Port Alberni Salmon Festival in 1984 and have been president 15 years out of its 40-year history. I’m looking forward to No. 41.
I have been part of nearly all the B.C, Games hosted in the Alberni Valley, and most recently served as chair of the 2010 Port Alberni Community Committee (Spirit of B.C.).
I was first elected to city council in 1999 and served one term. During this time I went on a huge learning curve of the goings on in municipal politics.
Being out of the game for nearly a decade, I found I still had an interest in what was happening in the Alberni Valley and began attending council meetings and watching them on television.
Hence, when election time came around I felt it was time for me to return.
I will admit I don’t have all the answers but then again, all the questions have not been asked.
I feel I am accessible, have an open mind and am willing to help make the changes necessary to make a good Alberni Valley great.