Why I’m Running for Mayor…the Next Level of Leadership
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
I love the Cowichan Valley… it’s where my sons were born and where I’ve lived for over 25 years. It’s where so many of my friends are. It’s where I’ve grown multiple businesses. It’s where my heart is. And as we all know, one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Through my work with local business owners, and by paying close attention to what’s going on & to the direction we’ve been heading, I’ve seen both the loss of opportunity and a growing sense that we’re not moving forward as we could be.
We’ve lost some key pieces of our collective community identity over recent years. Our world’s biggest hockey stick – gone. Crofton Pulp Mill – closed. Chemainus Sawmill – indefinitely shut down. Forestry industry – on life support.
At the same time, I’ve seen increasing division in our public conversations… when what we need most right now is clarity, collaboration, and shared direction. Real leadership.
That’s why I’m running for Mayor of North Cowichan in October.
Not because anything is broken beyond repair… and not because the people currently serving don’t care. But because I believe we have an opportunity to lead & operate differently.
At the municipal level, this isn’t about partisan politics. It’s about leadership.
It’s about building trust. It’s about listening well. It’s about bringing people together… even when perspectives differ…and guiding conversations toward decisions that actually move our community forward. With intention & resuscitated identity.
I’ve spent the last 25 years in leadership roles where decisions and outcomes matter.
In my coaching practice, I work with owners and leaders to help them grow, make better decisions, and have the conversations that are often uncomfortable… but necessary. The same principles apply here.
Strong leadership creates clarity & alignment.
Clarity & action create momentum.
Cowichan is ready for this.
We already have so much going for us… a strong community fabric, incredible nature, and a lifestyle that people across the country are searching for.
But we also need to be honest about where we are.
Our traditional economic base has changed. We’ve lost key industries and good-paying jobs that supported families for generations. Too often, young people feel they need to leave to find opportunity. I’ve lived that.
My vision is for Cowichan to be known not only as a beautiful place to live… but as a place where people can build a life.
A place where families can stay & grow. Opportunities exist across multiple sectors. Responsible industry and good-paying jobs strengthen our economy. Growth is thoughtful, supported by the right infrastructure, and aligned with community values.
And where we match the beauty of this place with leadership that helps it thrive.
That means focusing on what’s right in front of us:
Improving how we engage with the public, so people feel heard and involved in the direction we’re taking
Investing in the infrastructure needed to support responsible growth
Building stronger partnerships… including with First Nations partners
Attracting the right kinds of industry and opportunity
Strengthening alignment around our community identity & long-term plans
It also means thinking longer term in addition to immediate term. Planting trees under whose shade we may never sit.
I’m running because I believe in what this community can become… and because I want to help move us from potential to progress.
We don’t need more politics and red tape. We need leadership that brings people together… and gets Cowichan moving forward, faster.
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