A long-time Creston councillor is making the move to Cranbrook, and seeking to make the move to Cranbrook city council as well.
Wes Graham has been on Creston council for nine years — and is still a Creston councillor. But he is in the process of moving back to his home town of Cranbrook, and looking to continue his career in public service in this town, in the upcoming municipal election in November, 2015.
“I’ve always enjoyed Council,” he said. “It would be great to come back to Cranbrook and serve in the community I was raised in.”
Graham says he will focus on the issues of infrastructure, health care and safety, recreation and economic opportunities. “These are the factors that people look at when moving to a community.”
“I’m bringing nine years of previous council experience, as well as a commitment to focus on the roads in Cranbrook,” he said. “And I want to look at the possibility of an overpass over the railroad tracks.”
“I want to work with local doctors to make sure we have enough in this community.”
Graham sees the potential in local recreation to increase the number of visitors and enhance the quality of life for residents.
“And I see great opportunities in terms of recreation. There’s great golf, great biking in the Community Forest.”
As well as his Creston council experience, Graham’s resume in public service includes five years on the board of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. He is also Past-President and a lifetime member of the Association of Kootenay-Boundary Local Governments (AKBLG).
Graham was also a candidate in the 2011 contest for the Kootenay-Columbia Conservative Party candidate to replace outgoing MP Jim Abbott. David Wilks eventually won that position.
“My website will be going online soon, with more information about who I am and what I can offer the citizens of Cranbrook,” Graham said.
The British Columbia municipal elections are set for November 15, 2014. As of press time, so far Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski has announced he will be seeking re-election. Long-time City employee James Elliott has also declared his candidacy for City council.