As a candidate for RDCK Director for Area G

I’ve been meeting with local residents about the upcoming election and hearing one recurring question that I’d like to clarify.

Some residents are concerned that, if elected, I might have undue influence over the Shambhala Music Festival. I want to be clear: I have no ownership or financial interest in the festival, and I do not work for the festival.

The work of an Area Director is to serve all residents of the region. I strongly believe elected officials must be held accountable when personal or family interests are involved. As a Senior Constituency Advisor for the last 5 years, I have had extensive training on the ethical framework, this gives me keen awareness and great respect for the responsibilities of government officials - there is a clear process for preventing conflict of interest. If an issue ever arose involving me, my family, or the festival, I would be required to recuse myself and would not participate in any related discussion or decision.

Even the perception of a conflict of interest must be taken seriously. Government officials are citizens too, but safeguards exist to ensure that personal relationships or outside interests cannot improperly influence public decisions. The work of elected officials is also a matter of public record, and using public office for personal benefit is unacceptable.

I appreciate residents raising these concerns. Conflict of interest is important, and it is something we should all pay attention to.

Public service is not about being popular. It is about doing what is right and serving every part of the community.