Mike Hicks is running for the CRD Juan de Fuca Electoral area. He had a letter in the Times Colonist today in relation to his position on the rezoning and Western Forest Products.

Time to talk with WFP

Times Colonist

Published: Tuesday, October 07, 2008

The article "Juan de Fuca regional director won't run again" (Oct. 4) could suggest that I am running for regional director for the sole purpose of helping Western Forest Products or the landowners association.

I strongly believe that the removal of WFP land from the tree farm licence and the downzoning of innocent landowners were both tragic events in our region. In an attempt to deal with the WFP issue, the Capital Regional District unwittingly penalized the people who are their primary constituents -- small existing landowners.

These two issues require different approaches and immediate and strong involvement from the new regional director. If elected, I would review the downzoning of existing Rural A property owners with the goal of helping those affected.

At the same time, I would acknowledge the removal of the WFP land from the TFL and open dialogue with WFP and the communities affected. Hopefully we can slow this confrontational process and have meaningful discussions which produce positive results.

Although the land issues will be front and centre, we have many issues facing the Juan de Fuca region from the funding of our regional museum to creating a new governance system that gives residents more say in local issues.

Mike Hicks

Sooke