Incumbent Janice Morrison seeks re-election to Nelson City Council
By Nelson Daily Staff
The list of people vying for Nelson City Council is growing after incumbent Janice Morrison filed papers Tuesday.
“It is now official: I will be seeking a second term as Councillor for the City of Nelson,” Morrison said in a media release.
Morrison said she is fielding concerns about the need for good governance, infrastructure renewal, economic development and support for our local arts, culture and heritage.
“The issues have not changed but have actually become even more important. Nelson is on many people’s list of places to come to work, to do business, raise a family and have some good old-fashioned fun,” Morrison explained.
Morrison said the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), an international non- profit research organization focused on job creation and economic development in the broadband economy, just released a comprehensive ranking, and Nelson ranked 5th in communities around the world with a population under 50,000.
“With the expansion of our broad band fibre-optic network and ever increasing interest in Nelson as a high-tech hub, combined with our low tax rate, employment opportunities will continue to grow,” she said.
“Activities like the tech club at the youth centre are helping our youth become excited about future careers in science and technology.”
Morrison said May edition of BC Business identified Nelson as a diverse city with a strong economy and more restaurants per capita than Manhattan and San Francisco. And in the BC City Guide, Nelson had the second lowest business tax rate in BC. These are just two examples of the exposure Nelson is receiving on the Provincial and international scene.
“We need to ensure that our infrastructure is keeping pace with our development,” Morrison said.
“This requires long term planning to ensure our growth is sustainable. With $23 Million worth of development permits already being issue in 2018, strong forward thinking is needed to maintain and improve our roads, sewer/water, utilities and protective services.”
Morrison feels council needs to support the arts, culture and heritage to draw tourists to and provide core community value allowing Nelson to be a healthy and livable city.
As well, Nelson needs to work with residents outside the city limits to share costs for recreation and parks, wildfire and emergency management and resource recovery.
“I believe these issues to be the most pressing and most important to Nelsonites, but I would like to hear from you if you have other concerns and issues that you feel need to be addressed,” she said.
Morrison said good governance is key to making sure all the above happens without burdening Nelson residents and tax payers.
“Sound fiscal decisions need to be made to ensure citizens’ investment in Nelson ( their taxes) are spent wisely,” she said.
The field of residents seeking council position is getting crowded as the close of nominations nears.
The list includes Travis Hauck, Michelle Hillaby, Stephanie Wiggins and Cal Renwick as council candidates under the CORE banner, Charles Jeanes, Rik Logtenberg, Leslie Payne and incumbent Robin Cherbo.
Brian Shields also announced his decision to run for council Tuesday under the CORE banner.
In the mayor’s race, John Dooley is challenging incumbent Deb Kozak.
Residents go to the polls Saturday, October 20, 2018.
