Ward Stamer has been a councillor in Barriere since it incorporated in 2007. Now, he is running for mayor.
Question: What made you want to run for mayor?
A: “I have a little bit more time on my hands now then I’ve had in the past and now that Virginia has decided that she’s not going to be running again, I thought that it would be a good opportunity to put my hat in the ring and see if I’d be successful in taking the next step and becoming the mayor.”
Question: What do you believe qualifies you for the position?
A: “I’ve had a fair amount of community involvement.” Aside from sitting on council for the past 11 years, Stamer said he was also chair of the improvement district, was on the Fire Department’s board and has been a member of the Barriere Lions Club for over 25 years. “Going forward, I think we’re going to have some new challenges and we’ll have some other opportunities that we can make Barriere a better place to live, so I want to be involved in that process if I can.”
Question: What are the more important issues in Barriere?
A: “We’ve got old water lines that were originally put in 40, 50 years ago and so we’re always looking at trying to find ways to improve that critical infrastructure that’s in our community.” Stamer said they’ve applied for a $3 million grant, funded two-thirds through the government and one-third through the district, for main water line and sewer improvements. Another issue, he said, is trying to “balance what we have and what we want,” making sure to keep a level on the cost to taxpayers.
Question: What would you like to change?
A: “I’m really not too sure if we have to do any wholesale changes in as much as trying to improve what we’ve done in the past.” Stamer said he would look to improve how critical services are delivered or increase available services with the current amount of tax revenue. Something he said they’ve been working hard at improving is the solar aquatic centre to alleviate some of the aging septic tanks.
He also mentioned the need for more affordable housing to encourage businesses and people to come to Barriere.
Question: Why should people vote for you?
A: Stamer said he thinks he’s demonstrated to people, over his many years of service, that he is a trustworthy advocate for their wants and needs.
Question: How can people get in touch with you?
A: You can reach Stamer by calling his cell phone at 250-319-9693 or by emailing stamerje@gmail.com.