I moved to Nanaimo on March 1, 1970. Raised in Vancouver up until the middle of Grade 8, I came here and went to Grades 8-12 in Nanaimo. I became an office machine mechanic after school, fixing typewriters, cash registers, photocopiers and adding machines. I then got involved in the photography field for quite a few years. I also have quite an extensive involvement with the transportation industry working for airlines, bus, taxi and limousine companies.
I have had an interest in the political arena since 1966, initially in the provincial government. My dad was quite involved in politics in Vancouver where I had opportunities to met many different people involved in City, Parks and Provincial governments. After moving to Nanaimo I was inspired by Tommy Douglas, Frank Ney, Dale Lovick and Larry McNabb’s political teachings in many discussions with them all plus many others, I learned how municipal governance differed from provincial governance. City governance is the closest way to engage with the public, out of all other levels of government. I have regularly followed Nanaimo’s elected officials and gave my first presentation to them in 1984. My attendance and participation has increased since 2011 by actively giving presentations, being a delegate, and serving on the community engagement task force which is proof of my dedication. I believe a successful city is one where Nanaimo council members engage successfully with the public, staff and other council members positively. I unsuccessfully ran as a candidate for the 2018 City of Nanaimo council race.
I am still quite involved with the political scene in and around Nanaimo. Early this year (2019), I was appointed to the Regional District of Nanaimo Solid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee (environment), am active with Emergency Communications for the City of Nanaimo & Regional District (safety). For Bathtub weekend in Nanaimo, I was a former member of the Safety & Communications team (Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society) aboard a barge serving as a checkpoint. I am also a member of the Uplands Walk Community Advisory Committee (supportive housing). When there is a City of Nanaimo Council meeting or a Regional District of Nanaimo Director meeting, you will see me in attendance or watching the event on my computer at home. Recently the Dover Community Association is seeing a revitalization with the new developments on McRobb and the proposals put forth regarding Green Thumb Nursery.
