On Nov. 19 Elect Alanda Carver for Regional Director.

Why vote for me?

"Every election we have choices and often we stand in the polling station and are forced to pick between what seems like the lesser of two evils. I am not one of those candidates.

I entered this race because I believe I have the caliber and strength of character that can truly make a difference in our community. I entered the race not because I wanted to be in office but because I want to serve my community.

I love where I live and I love how I live. This place and these people give me so much.... My only goal is to help this area to be the best that it can be." - Alanda

THE ISSUES

Good local governance is directly related to community involvement in decision making.  I will provide more opportunities for citizen participation by revitalizing advisory committees that have been underutilized over the past three years. And I will hold town hall meetings in each community so that residents can exchange ideas and express concerns. I would  address the concerns of all sectors of the community and work to balance community needs. I believe that everyone must participate if we want to create a strong, vibrant community.

An important issue in this election is land use planning. The official community plans of East Sooke, Otter Point and Shirley represent years of community effort to define their preferred land use in each area. My opponent could have easily brought in the OCPs for each community by bringing each document before  LUC A. He chose not to do that and instead has not brought in any OCP in three years. In Otter Point he has chosen the most expensive and time-consuming option of creating a new committee and opening up the OCP process all over again. I would make sure the OCPs are brought forward for ratification. 

Planning means looking at roads, fire protection and emergency services to ensure they can handle potential growth before it happens, rather than playing catch up afterward.  Once the revised OCPs are approved, they will guide future growth and your Regional Director needs to know them chapter and verse while also standing by them. I will work hard to make our tax dollars stretch further and I will act to keep our community safe, protected and prepared by working closely with each fire district and our Emergency Preparedness Coordinators to make sure their needs are met.

Water sources need to be protected. Many residents receive water from local water systems and wells. Logging and development deplete water sources. Protection for our salmon spawning streams is vital. I look after the longest standing water license on Tugwell Creek, and understand the importance of water protection. Good planning is what keeps your neighbour’s septic system a suitable distance from your water source. I know there are water issues in each of our communities and I will work hard to alleviate these concerns and protect our water. 

Economic opportunities are important too, and I am a passionate believer in local food production, arts and culture, wilderness tourism and non-timber forest products to name a few.  We live in one of Canada’s most beautiful and unique regions.  People come from all over the world to enjoy it. Why not focus our economy on these assets? Let’s look for opportunities that bring employment for our young people while safeguarding the area for their future.

The Electoral Area is the closest level of government to where we live, work and play. Decisions made here impact us all.  Electoral Area residents deserve representation that is unbiased and allows citizens’ voices to be heard. The time is right for change, and I am committed to serving my community. I feel that by serving my community I will bring REAL change to our local democracy. 

Alanda Carver has lived on the west coast of Vancouver Island since she was a young child. She grew up in Metchosin and has resided in rural Otter Point west of Sooke since 1986. Four years later, Alanda was partially paralyzed in an accident. Her personal determination along with the valuable help of local health practitioners has led to a full physical recovery and strengthened her resolve to act for the benefit of the community that she loves.

Alanda is now a busy local yoga teacher who spends her weekdays handling the Sooke to Port Renfrew run for Canada Post. While new to electoral politics, Alanda has been a proactive, engaged and spirited member of the JDF community for nearly a quarter century.

Local volunteer service includes:

• Founding member & first treasurer of the Otter Point and Shirley Resident and Ratepayers Association
• Contributor to the Strategic Vision of Otter Point, Shirley and Jordan River
• Creator of the Anderson Road Community Garden (region’s first community garden)
• Founder & President of the Muir Creek Protection Society
• Member of the Otter Point Strategic Vision Steering Committee
• Reiki Master and intuitive homeopath
• Yoga teacher offering free teen yoga, adult meditation practice and yoga for seniors at Ayre Manor Retirement Home
• Organizer of solstice fundraising programs for the Sooke Food Bank

“I Promise…

My home phone number is 250 642 0948. I will hold town hall meetings in each community so that people with concerns can speak to me directly in their home community.

I will consult each community directly. I will listen to community input. I will make sure I have as much information as possible before I make decisions. I will make moderate reasonable decisions that benefit the entire community.

I will look for the best solutions possible for each community. I will work for the benefit of each community in a balanced and positive way.

I will look for frugal, innovative positive solutions that will make the best use of our tax dollars. I am able to work with diverse groups of people to find positive balanced solutions.

I am a person who gets things done, I have determination, resiliency and a strong work ethic. I will work full time on the business of the JdF. I am a small business person who is used to working hard 7 days a week. I have the energy and the time available to get the job done.

I will work for community rather than special interests.

I am moderate, hard working, accessible, fair minded and inclusive.

I want to increase public input to help people create the kind of communities that work for them.

I believe each  local community has a right to self determination and all community members deserve to be heard and respected.”

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. All-Candidates Meeting, Otter Point Fire Hall.

Saturday, Nov. 5, 7 - 9 p.m. East Sooke Fundraiser for Alanda Carver.

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advance polling @ Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Rd. and Sooke School District #62, 3143 Jacklin Road in Langford

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m. All-Candidates Meeting, Shirley Community Hall.

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advance polling @ Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Rd. and Sooke School District #62, 3143 Jacklin Road in Langford

Saturday, Nov. 19, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day. Voting locations TBA.