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TNRD Area I candidate Steven Rice

Spences Bridge resident Steven Rice is seeking his first term as Area I Director

1. I have lived in Spences Bridge for 23 years, raising five incredible children with my wife, Paulet.

2. The first 11 years at Hilltop Gardens where my Dad taught me to farm and the last 12 years at Secret Gardens on the Merritt Highway. I have farmed fruit and vegetables for all 23 years. Four plus years ago we opened a small coffee shop which has now blossomed into a wonderful restaurant, The Packing House, thanks to my wife and our incredible staff.

3. I volunteer often from tourism meetings to the Steelhead Association to emcee of the Desert Daze Music Festival. I also write to many publications about issues that affect our area.

4. I currently am a trustee on the SBID board but this is my maiden voyage into TNRD land.

5. First of all, if elected I will put on my listening ears. It will be extremely important to understand the best way to navigate within the TNRD mandate to best serve the voters of Area I. Much homework will be needed but I hope the trip on the TNRD “learning curve train” is a short one.

Issues such as water are important to us all - maybe the most important in rural BC. Walhachin and Spences Bridge have indicated that there is more work to do in this arena.

6. Most important is surrounding myself with a good team that represents all cultures, all population bases of Area I. Geographically, Area I is huge. This can be a challenge. One person cannot truly canvass the entire area effectively. Feedback from the voters and team members will be crucial.

7. Politician and promise has become an oxymoron. At this point I am prepared to promise only one thing…

I will be available by phone, by email, by a visit to the farm or the Packing House. If you need me to visit your community to discuss an important issue I will find the time do so. Many matters are time sensitive so response time can be crucial. I may not respond as fast as my First Responder wife Paulet, but you will hear from me in short order - this I can promise.