Martin Van Alphen, known to his friends as Marty, isn’t likely to take offence if you refer to him as an ordinary, average guy – what you see is what you get.
“I’m not a politician – I’m a leader, not a follower – and I speak my mind,” he says. “I’m pro-growth. I’m pro-industry and I’m pro-agriculture.”
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Van Alphen moved to Summerland in 1988 with his wife and their three sons. He immediately became involved with the Kinsmen Club of Summerland.
In 1991 they started Alder Street Auto Body, which they ran for 16 years with a strong focus on customer service. The business is now owned by his eldest son and his wife.
From the mid to late 1990s, he was a director and twice served as president of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce.
In 2006, they bought a farm in Garnet Valley, and he worked for ICBC for three and a half years.
“I bring the ability to problem solve and open mindedness to the position of municipal councillor,” he said. “Constituents will find me always able to help and available to listen to their concerns.”
At present he is the liaison to the water committee and the agricultural committee, and is the alternate liaison to the recreation committee.
For his third term on council, he will focus on fiscal responsibility and service to the constituents of Summerland.
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