Deb McIntosh - City council incumbent

  Ed Note: Councillor Deb McIntosh is a three-term incumbent who was born in Trail and moved to Castlegar 25 years ago. She's 48 years old and manages the Station Museum and Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park. McIntosh became a grandma for the first time just last month.

As your candidate and City Councillor for the past nine years, I have stood up and made my voice and your concerns heard. I have been the odd man out on occasion, but always with respect for my fellow councillors and you, the constituency. I have made hard decisions on your behalf and feel that we are headed in the right direction.  I have been available to hear the unhappy protests of some and the accolades of others, I have admitted when I was wrong and stood fast when I believed I was right.  I have involved myself in the community and willingly put forward a strong voice for those in our community who are marginalized. I have a deep respect for the business community as well as our local industry. I don’t always agree with them, but nevertheless proud to have them as community members and will always make every effort to be a voice of fairness for their concerns and needs within the community.
 
I strive to be an advocate of Health Care along with my fellow Councillors and will continue to engage in conversations to make Heath Care a priority. I will continue to encourage the beautification of the City and to work with the new Cultural Policy adopted earlier in the year.   I will work diligently on behalf of the constituency with my fellow councillors in ensuring that Castlegar is the hub of the Kootenays and is the best place for new business. We have stood up for our area schools and worked with our Trustees to put forward a strong voice. I continue to support and appreciate Selkirk College for the opportunities that it brings to our citizens and our local economy.
 
I have dedicated myself to helping in the non-profit sector and will continue to be a strong advocate on their behalf when and where warranted. I look forward to implementing new ideas from the Youth Strategy that was adopted by Council this year.
 
I am pleased to support water and sewer services across the bridge to help with the development of the airport land, as I firmly believe that it is needed to expand our tax base. I am also pleased that this will provide fire protection and potable water to the Doukhobor Museum land and the Kootenay Gallery.
 
I support and respect the work of our local RCMP.  I will continue to be a strong voice for renewed resources to help rid our community of drug dealers and, in particular, repeat offenders through the Integrated Crime Reduction Unit. I believe that through a tri-City approach we can reduce crime.  I want to be able to reassure my family, your family, friends and all others in the community that we are doing our part in keeping Castlegar a safe place to raise a family, own a business and to call home.
 
On Nov. 19, I ask that you for vote Deb McIntosh – your community partner.