Hello Cache Creek voters, my name is Martin Dalsin and I’d like you to consider voting for me on Nov. 15 or at one of the Advance Polls.
My wife and I have lived in Cache Creek for 14 years, with the exception of the three years I worked in Chase, but kept our house here during that time, since it has been our intent to stay in Cache Creek since we first moved here.
Being a recent retiree, I have the time to focus on Council business, and have attended Council meetings regularly as a member of the public since my retirement.
I currently volunteer for: Graffiti Days Committee (although not able to participate this year); Thompson-Nicola Film Commission; and TNRD Solid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee. My past volunteer involvement includes the Cache Creek Beautification Committee; Economic Development Committee; and gym attendant.
Although I’ve never served in an elected position before, I have worked in municipal government for over 30 years in a number of different positions. I’ve been responsible for recreation, tourism, economic development, municipal emergency program, senior administration and more. I’ve also been involved in volunteer groups and professional associations in every community I’ve worked in over the past 35 years, often actively serving on the executive, including as chair.
There are a number of current issues facing Cache Creek, but they all come back to the same thing: economic development. With declining landfill revenues and the imminent closure of the landfill, economic development is the most important issue facing Cache Creek. Like most taxpayers, I don’t want to see an increase in spending unless it’s necessary. That being said, I think it is necessary that we hire an Economic Development Officer and get a marketing campaign up and running as soon as possible. A study was completed and presented to the public in May 2013, but I haven’t seen as much follow-up on it as I’d like.
I’d also like to see more public participation in Council affairs. I don’t think this is an issue as such, but it is something I’d like to see Council pursue. I’d also like to work more closely with Ashcroft on joint ventures, perhaps starting with something smaller like a joint business license for those businesses that work in both communities.
The only other thing I have to add is: please come out and vote and encourage others to do the same.
Martin Dalsin