Three people running for Colwood Council

From the Goldstream Gazette:

By Sam Van Schie - Goldstream News Gazette
Published: October 13, 2011 1:00 PM
Updated: October 13, 2011 1:01 PM
Three more Colwood council hopefuls have announced their intention to run in the November municipal election.

Current Coun. and Solar Colwood champion Judith Cullington will seek a second term.

A small business owner and 17-year resident of Colwood, Cullington spent the past three years as chair of the transportation and public infrastructure committee and sat on several other municipal and Capital Regional District committees.

She spearheaded the Solar Colwood initiative, securing government grants to reduce the cost to residents retrofitting their homes with solar hot water and other energy-saving devices.

“I would like the opportunity to carry on the work that I have started,” Cullington said. “I want to continue to build strong and productive relationships with community partners, to build a strong local economy, and to work towards a more sustainable community.”

The two other candidates stepping forward are new to the ballot but have both served as volunteer members of council committees.

Robert Martin, a member of Colwood's sewage oversight committee, wants to increase his role at the council table. The 13-year resident is concerned about municipal tax increases and the need for new city infrastructure.

"Council in 2012 will need vision and strong leadership to help pilot our way through some turbulent times,” Martin said.

Shari Lukens, a member of Colwood's planning and land use committee and the mayor’s task force for energy and economic growth, will have her name on the ballot.

A national figure skating coach, Lukens says she'll advocate for a review of core municipal services and look for ways to improve civic operations. She also wants to attract new business and development to the city.

"I'm prepared to listen, to research and to make decisions that will enable Colwood to be a sustainable and exciting place for families to live, and a destination waterfront community where businesses prosper," she said.

These candidates and others will have a chance to voice their issues at an all-candidate meeting Wednesday, Nov. 2 at the Church of the Advent, 510 Mount View Ave.

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