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Q&A with Castlegar council candidate Sue Heaton-Sherstibitoff

Find out about the seven candidates are running for Castlegar City Council
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Sue Heaton-Sherstibitoff

Castlegar News sent the following questions to each city council candidate. Candidates were given 100 words maximum per question. Answers appear as they were submitted, unless they were shortened for being over the 100-word limit.

There are seven candidates running for six seats: Darcy Bell, Brian Bogle, Sandy Bojechko, Shirley Falstead, Sue Heaton-Sherstibitoff, Cherryl MacLeod and Florio Vassilakakis.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Castlegar has been my home since 1988. This is where I live, worked, and raised my family. I have been married to my husband Curtis for 27 years and have two beautiful daughters - Jordan and Sydney. I recently retired, which has allowed me to spend even more time volunteering in our community. I am a passionate volunteer for many different organizations, including cooking when available for the Community Harvest Foodbank, helping out at Pass Creek Fair, sending Smile Cookies for the Castlegar and District Hospital Foundation - just to name a few.

What is the biggest issue you see facing the city and how would you address it?

The biggest issue is the lack of affordable housing. Housing demand has been vastly outpacing supply. For instance, there has not been any major multi-housing development built in decades. Cedar Manor was built in 1980, and Selkirk Manor 1987. As our population grows, people are going to need a place to live. Businesses can’t grow as they are having a difficult time attracting employees as there is no housing. I also hear from individuals who are losing their rental homes as the owners are selling in hot real estate market. My plan to address is below.

What are your top three city priorities?

My three top priorities are to focus on the housing crisis, ensure continued investment in vital infrastructure both now and in the future, and continue to work towards improved reliability at the West Kootenay Regional Airport.

How do you think the city could address the housing shortage?

First, all levels of government need to work together to invest in housing, including affordable housing to supportive housing. To do this, we need the tools and funding. Next, whenever possible, Castlegar needs to facilitate quick approval turnarounds for any housing developments. Further, if the city has land available for housing developments, we need to work with developers to get housing built. Finally, I would like to see a housing committee formed to think outside the box, come up with new and bold ideas, and work towards getting shovels in the ground and roofs over people’s heads.

What type of development would you like to see in our community, and what steps would you take to attract it?

The first step is to get shovels in the ground for housing developments. People need a place to call home, a place to rest their head at night, and a place to feel safe. Once that happens, businesses will be able to expand and grow, which in turn will bring added economic development opportunities, not only to our community but to the region. To do this, we all need to work together at all levels of government.

What skills or experience do you have that would make you a good councillor?

I have been a Councillor for the City of Castlegar for over 11 years and have a proven track record of rolling up my sleeves and getting things done. I am known for being honest and acting with integrity, and I always keep my word. I’m approachable, I listen to the community, and I am inclusive. I’m also a critical thinker. I always do my homework, and I’m not afraid to speak my mind and do what’s right for our community.

Why should local residents vote for you?

In today’s world with so many competing interests, we need relevant, genuine, experienced, and forward-thinking leaders who understand the complexities of the challenges we face at the municipal level. For the past 11 years, I have demonstrated that I bring these traits to the table. I am very proud of what we have accomplished, but there is still more work to do, and I’m ready to continue to do the hard work to get us to where we need to be now and in the future.

READ ALL OF THE CANDIDATE’S Q&As:

Darcy Bell

Brian Bogle

Sandy Bojechko

Shirley Falstead

Sue Heaton-Sherstibitoff

Cherryl MacLeod

Florio Vassilakakis

MAYOR Q&As:

Lawrence Chernoff

Maria McFaddin



newsroom@castlegarnews.com

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