In the Thursday, May 30 edition of the simplymastery we profiled each of the candidates running in the by-election to replace councillor Ralph Fossum. Their profiles were based on the following questions and answers, which we are publishing in full online. Some answers have been lightly edited for grammar and proper spelling.
1. List your first and last name and tell me a bit about yourself. Who you are, what you do for work and how long you’ve been in the community for.
Marty Norgren. I am a husband and stepfather, volunteer and sorta semi-retired. My whole working career was spent working in non-profit community-based services. I am community-minded and a pragmatist. For me it isn’t about winning, its about being fair, honest, and finding a solution everyone can live with. Yes, there always is one.
I am currently a casual employee at both the BC Liquor Store and the Cariboo Chilcotin Funeral Services. I’ve been at both companies for three-plus years. Both jobs fit my thinking as they are both community-minded entities.
(I have been here f0r) four years, but my wife, son and I chose to live here. We searched for the right place for us to retire. 100 Mile is my home now. Heck, I even transferred my Branch 6 (Cloverdale) Royal Canadian Legion membership to Branch 260 here in 100 Mile.
2. What made you want to run for a seat on the District of 100 Mile House council? Is this a spur-of-the-moment decision or something you’ve been thinking about for some time?
Not a spur of the moment thing. I always had the dream of becoming the mayor of a one-man town. This, if elected, is as close as I might get to that dream. As soon as I saw the article about Ralph stepping down in the paper, I said to my wife I’m gonna run.
3. Do you have prior experience serving on council or another level of government? If so, what is it?
Not on a city council but I have been on provincial boards, such as The Hospital Employee Unions’ Provincial Executive and their Provincial Bargaining Committee, but also on the Health Employers of BC Provincial Bargaining Committee (figure that one out?). I have also volunteered on non-profit boards including the Co-op Housing Federation of BC, HWF Housing Co-op, the Canadian Mental Health Association South Cariboo Branch, among others on-and-off for decades.
4. In your own words, what do you think the role of a councilor entails and how will you go about fulfilling it?
Supporting events, people and businesses in 100 Mile. Supporting new ideas, industry, businesses, youth, and seniors, Develop strategic direction and implement policies and procedures. Then actioning them for the betterment of 100 Mile. Of course, you’re not going to be able to do everything everyone wants so it is prioritizing, making tough decisions, and most importantly actioning what can be done within the fiscal and legal frameworks we work within.
5. What are the biggest issues you see facing the community right now? If you were on council, how would you address them?
We have a housing report and direction from the Province and a brand new tourism plan to guide council. The water issue, but it appears that the council has plans for it. Housing of many kinds; purpose-built rentals, subsidized, seniors, other disabilities, youth, young families, Cooperatives.
We need to find opportunities for a wider variety of recreation options, post-secondary education (trades as an example), decent paying employment for youth and young families to hopefully not have the need to move away from their supports and community.
Are we able to attract and keep attracting tradespeople, doctors, nurses, teachers, lab techs, aids for the schools etc.? Keeping 100 Mile vibrant and alive but still with that small-town charm. Finally the C word: Climate-related events. How are we going to mitigate floods, fires, heat, poor air quality, drought weather events? These issues not only have effects on our homes and the town’s infrastructure but our very own mental health and wellness.
Well as you can see, many (of these issues) are out of the direct control of council. But collaboration and focus can move mountains. Develop a plan, communicate the plan, build partnerships. As you can see by my list none can be solved by 100 Mile House in isolation of its residents, other communities, and all levels of government.
6. Personally, are there any causes or projects you would like to see council support or start?
Housing is an easy answer. However, as the new councillor, my sense is I will be soaking up a lot of knowledge and wisdom around the table. It is my belief that if elected I am there to support the current plan. Don’t get me wrong, I will have questions and perhaps some ideas on the plan. It is always great having fresh eyes on an issue.
7. Many people in 100 Mile House complain about a lack of youth activities and services. What do you think council’s role is in addressing these concerns?
Well first we should define youth? There are wide variations in that definition. For me, for this purpose, it is under 30. Perhaps a youth focus group supported through the council is a start to seek what the youth feel they need. We know the skate park and mountain bike trail are an issue.
I was a bit surprised when we moved here and there wasn’t an outdoor ice rink. It appears with Council taking over the Rec Center they want to better utilize it. So there should be opportunities there for expansion of activities. The recent Disco night appears to have been a huge success.
8. The majority of 100 Mile House’s population falls into the senior category. How would you support senior citizens on council?
Well almost being an actual senior, trying to get public transit further out with useable schedules that fiscally work or some other form of transportation that works for seniors to get to town for appointments. Purpose-built senior housing in town where their services are nearby. Ensuring sidewalks are installed and kept in good repair.
9. Why should people vote for you?
Well, I guess that is the $64,000 question, isn’t it? I am a committed, community-minded, solution-focused, pragmatic, steady as he goes kinda guy.
10. If you do get onto council, would you run for a full term during the next regular election or do you plan to just be a transitional candidate?
I am not running for the fun of it. I am running to win. I want to commit my time, energy, ideas, and knowledge to the District of 100 Mile House. So barring any illness to a loved one (that includes me) I am here as long as the people of 100 Mile so choose to have me.
11. Is there any other issue or goal you have that you would like people to know about?
Oh, I have a few. Do we need to change our slogan from log home builder’s capital to something new? Can we bring more government services into 100 Mile as we are a hub for those services? With the new tourism plan are there opportunities to capitalize even more on those visits? We have to get thinking about weather-related events and the effects on the town and its citizens. Housing; every community including 100 Mile just needs more appropriate housing options.
12. Any final message you would like to end on?
Thank you for your time drafting this for us. I want to thank the other candidates who have stepped up and want to serve, wish them well (not too well though) in their campaign, and encourage each eligible voter to get out and cast a ballot on June 22 between 8 a.m. 8 p.m. Only 416 out of 1,569 eligible voters cast ballots in 2022. We as candidates have to do better to engage the citizens to exercise their democratic right.
