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Former journalist running for Nanaimo city council seat

Hilary Eastmure one of 29 candidates for council
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Hilary Eastmure is running for Nanaimo city council. (Denisa Reyes/Fotograf)

A former broadcast journalist could go from being a news reporter to a newsmaker if she’s elected to city council.

Hilary Eastmure, 33, is running for a seat on Nanaimo city council in the Oct. 15 municipal election.

The former Coast FM radio reporter used to cover Nanaimo city hall and other newsbeats, and has since worked in the non-profit sector and most recently as a case worker for Nanaimo-Ladysmith’s member of Parliament.

“I want to be a strong advocate for all Nanaimo residents and I want to be part of the team that’s helping to build a more liveable, accessible and sustainable city for everyone,” she said.

Eastmure said although “there was certainly dysfunction around the council table” when she was reporting on Nanaimo news, what stands out more was “the heart in this community” – people who were passionate about causes. Her journalism experience gave her an understanding of civic issues, she said, and a sense of what really matters to residents.

“My strength really lies in being able to listen to people and bring those stories and those ideas forward in a compelling way,” she said. “I can listen closely to what people need and want and then bring that to the council table. I know how to do the research, I know how to ask the tough questions and I think that we really need that at the council table.”

Working in federal politics, she said, has expanded her knowledge of governance systems. It’s also given her new perspectives on the challenges that people are experiencing when they seek assistance, whether it be the real risk of homelessness, frustration at lack of access to health care or something different.

Eastmure wants to help with the housing crisis, for example by working to identify suitable sites for social housing and pushing for affordable components in new developments. She wants to advocate for health services and partner on initiatives to attract and retain physicians.

She anticipates being a lifelong renter and would bring that perspective to discussions about affordability, and said she understands the values of the “younger generation” and the changes they’re keen to see.

She said local government impacts people’s daily lives, and the idea of working as part of team to bring positive change appeals to her.

“I see a lot of people who are maybe feeling a bit fearful about things like community safety and … crime and some candidates are approaching this trying to capitalize on that fear-based angle,” Eastmure said. “But when I’m talking to people, I hear a lot of hope and lot of positivity and a lot of belief in Nanaimo’s potential and I think that is what people want to see from council.”

For more information, visit http://hilaryforcouncil.ca.

Anyone running for mayor or councillor in the City of Nanaimo or the District of Lantzville, regional director in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Area A, B, C or E, or school trustee in School District 68 is asked to contact the Nanaimo News Bulletin to set up an interview or invite us to a campaign launch event. Phone Greg Sakaki at 250-734-4621 or e-mail editor@nanaimobulletin.com.

ELECTION 2022: Candidates in Nanaimo, Lantzville, RDN and SD68



editor@nanaimobulletin.com

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