The former alternate and current director for Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Area C wants to continue representing Extension-East Wellington-Pleasant Valley.
Charles Pinker was acclaimed in a spring byelection, replacing late director Maureen Young, and wants to keep serving on the board. Pinker said he learned much from Young, and also learned a lot since being sworn in in June.
“She was a great mentor, I’ll tell you that. Fifteen years being her backup, and when she came down with the diagnosis a year ago May, then I stepped in and took over,” said Pinker. “It was a bit of a learning curve, because I hadn’t been on seven different committees that she was on. Over a period of time, I got used to it … That’s one reason why I’m wanting to run again this year, is because I’m right up on what’s happening as far as with the RDN’s directions within the next 5, 15, 20 years.”
Pinker points to the direction of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, through the regional hospital district board, transportation infrastructure within the district, agricultural land reserve requirements, building codes and fire services as things he has learned about. He wants to maintain the rustic atmosphere of Area C.
“The biggest concern, I think, is lifestyle,” Pinker said when asked about pressing issues. “Keep it as as simple as we can, keep us rural. Water supply is one of the big concerns as far as wells, drilled wells. And I’ve always had that concern ever since I’ve been on the board with water, because of the development of subdivisions, logging, it has an impact on how much water we can retain over a period of time, because we’re talking 50, 100 years that hopefully we can have enough water just to supply all three areas.”
Pinker, who has experience as a volunteer firefighter and Mountain Fire Protection District chairperson, said residents of a South Forks Road subdivision have been taxed for 16 years for construction of a satellite fire hall. He said he ordered a study which is in the works, with a consultant’s report expected in November.
“It would be beneficial for them, I honestly believe that,” said Pinker. “It’s up to the residents of that subdivision … whether they want to go ahead.”
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
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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