Local businessman Dan Rye has experience in municipal government and is keen to add to it.Rye, a 12-year resident of Castlegar, previously lived in the Vancouver Island town of Gold River where he served eight years on council.Manager of the Kootenay Market since arriving here, Rye has been an active member of the business scene, having held the president's position with both the local Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.
Asked on Sept. 16 for his outlook on the pressing issues leading up to the November election, Rye said he felt everyone is likely focussing on the airport-related topics."The airport, to me is a huge issue. We need to see if they can do something on it, to get it a little more reliable. Hopefully they can come to some conclusion."I believe if we can get that airport opened up, we'll really open up this whole area a lot more."Rye gave credit to work which has been done on this matter to date."From what I understand there is some stuff out there that council's been working on, and I think that should be a priority."
Empty storefronts, particularly in the downtown core, are an ongoing concern to Rye. He wants an opportunity to work cooperatively toward a change in that trend, and also says he hopes to see the momentum continue toward the Millennium Park Master Plan.
With Randi, his wife of 37 years, and daughter Kristine (a Nelson resident) Dan Rye is looking forward to Kootenay living over the long term.
"I don't think I'm going anywhere," he stated."People ask me, 'are you going back to the Island to retire?' I tell them, 'No, but I love to visit'"