Sally Watson is running for election as the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Area E Director. She moved to 70 Mile House with her husband and young family to run a tire shop. There have been many changes she said, including a new husband but she’s still here and still loving the South Cariboo.
Question: When did you initially get involved with politics and how long have you been involved?
Answer: Like many others, [I] got involved in politics by being involved in my community. I was fortunate to have the time to volunteer with the elementary school and recreation programs for children.
Q: What made you want to run for TNRD Area E?
I originally ran for the Area E Directors seat in 2002 because I was very involved in the Seventy Mile Access Centre and was having a difficult time trying to find any information about funding for community services. There were many needs in our communities and few answers. I needed to find those answers.
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Q: What are some of the more important issues in the 70 Mile House area?
We have several important issues in 70 Mile House; lowering the speed limit, finding continuing funding for our Volunteer Fire Department, replacing or rebuilding the community hall to name a few. The area is much more than 70 Mile House. Pressy Lake needs all the help they can get to rebuild and rejuvenate that small community, Loon Lake lost their fire hall in the Elephant Hill fire and needs a new hall in a new location, and they need interim housing for the fire equipment. Big Bar community needs us to fight to control or end the spreading of biosolids on private and public land. South Green and Loon Lake and 70 Mile all need remediation of fuels in the crown forest surrounding the settlements. I also will be working with residents who are having difficulty with debris flow during rain events, the mudslides are a direct result of forest fires and our residents need some compensation to rebuild their lives.
Q: What do you wish to accomplish during your term if elected?
I will be working on all of the important issues listed above. First and foremost would be plans and grant application for the new Community Resiliency Fund and, of course, I will be working with Gold Country Communities to enhance tourism in our area.
Q: Why should the people of 70 Mile House vote for you?
Once again, Area E is so much more than 70 Mile House. I hope that the people will vote for me to keep working on these projects that mean so much to everyone. I have the experience, I have learned a great deal about the workings of funding programs and will use all of the tools available to me to make our communities work.
Q: How can supporters get in touch with you or find more out about your platform?
I am available by cell phone or text 250-395-0278, home phone 250-456-2423 email sallydwatson2017@gmail.com or on Facebook as Sally Watson or Director Sally Watson TNRD Area E Bonaparte Plateau.
brendan.jure@100milefreepress.net
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