For Toni Boot, the members of Summerland’s municipal council must make decisions while taking into account the input and opinions of public.
Boot, a small business owner, said the municipality’s Urban Growth Plan earlier this year was a factor in her decision to seek public office.
“The debacle that was the proposed land swap this year clearly revealed the current council has forgotten they are elected officials and their priority should be to represent the electorate,” she said.
“They are elected to set policy and provide leadership, but to me that does not mean ignoring the overriding opinion of the citizens of Summerland.”
If she is elected, she said she would vote against the land exchange should the Agricultural Land Commission approve it. Instead, she will work to establish a policy to protect agricultural land in Summerland.
She would also work developing a comprehensive economic development plan, to build a more self-reliant community, examine and adjust procedures to ensure an “open for business” policy for entrepreneurs and institute and support programs and services that encourage healthy lifestyles.
“I believe a strong and energetic mayor and council can accomplish a lot in four years,” she said.
“I hope to be able to bring my skills to the table and work on these areas I am most passionate about.”