Cord LaFond - City council

 I moved my family to Castlegar in 1997 to go to Selkirk College. The climate agreed with my health  so I dug in my heals and Castlegar is my home. In a nutshell, this city has been good to me and I accept this opportunity to give something back.


Opportunity presented itself in the form of a 'hobby size' recycle business which has grown to be my primary source of income and an opportunity to provide part time employment to one other person. We are presently exploring options to diversify and expand.
In 1999 I saw the need for an online directory of churches. Today www.ChurchDirectory.Ca is the most comprehensive directory of churches in Canada.
 
I am an innovative individual who can work with the team to write ‘Happily Ever After’ endings for your situations.

I have always been an active member of my church and presently serve on their board. I am also a member of the local Lion's Club and recently accepted the role of Vice President. When two of my sons became active in Scouts, I took an active role including a term as local President.

I have no earth-shaking agenda. For the most part, I am encouraged by the track record of our city council, and simple math indicates that some of them will be elected to the next term.

To serve the community with any of them would be a positve experience for me and a condusive fit to be part of a productive process.

I bring to the table some administrative experience as well
as a blue collar perspective. I know about living from pay cheque to pay cheque. I know about pulling up the proverbial bootstraps to make a better life in a tough economy.

I asked a constituent what the three most critical issues were in our community.
His reply was, “I don’t know, I don’t care, and quite frankly I don’t have time to discuss it.”
He hit the nail right on the head.
 
“The main plank of my platform is that God has given me two ears and one mouth.” From that comes my simple slogan, “Let’s talk!”
 
My own concerns include: Keepin' it green, A balanced budget, . . . . and World Peace.
 
I know what my concerns are in Castlegar, but that's not the point. I want to know what the public sees as issues in Castlegar.
 
I believe that the City of Castlegar has the heart and resources to solve any problem and accomplish any goals we set as a community.
 
I am looking forward to working with the team of city councillors to identify the goals of the community and find innovative ways to make them tangible reality.
So far, almost every issue comes back to communication. I want to find ways to engage the public before the fact instead of hearing from them after policies are in place.
 
I have implemented an online forum which a few people are already starting to use. I hope that it remains as a viable link between the public and the council long after the election is over.

I also intend to have a few regular office hours every week expressly devoted to 'being available' to hear from people. I anticipate two sessions per week - one online and one live meet and greet over coffee at a local venue.

I am anxious to fall in line and help develop the 'youth initiative strategy' at the High school and will push for a similar presence at Selkirk College.
I am not asking for your vote to help me fulfil my personal agenda.

I want to hear YOUR agenda and as much as is possible bring YOUR agenda to pass. After all, Castlegar isn't the council's city. It is YOUR city.

I am planning to host 'meetings of the minds' in both the online and analog universes. (Details to come soon.)

In the meantime, visit the Castlegar City Council Forum to interact with participating councillors and hopefuls - and with each other.


Working together, we will pursue the 'Happily Ever After' that Castlegar is becoming.
 
 
 
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