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Al Greir looks to return to Parksville council

Candidate announces ‘complete recovery’ years after snake bite
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Former Parksville councillor Al Greir is running for a council seat this coming election. — Submitted by Al Greir

Parksville resident and former councillor Al Greir says he’s once again running for Parksville council.

In a news release, he said, “First I must tell you I am once again in great health. As most of you know, I was bitten by a rattlesnake and was close to death.

“Over the past two years, I have made a complete recovery and would like to serve my community again. I have always been civic-minded, and wanted to play a part in a community moving in a positive direction.

“I am running because over the last few years the residents of Parksville have not been heard, and councils have had their own agenda. This must change.

“In the next term we will face many more challenging issues, taxes being one of the more serious. Over my first two terms (six years) in office we raised taxes 13 per cent. This past four years, taxes have risen 16 per cent. This past council has approved a preliminary budget for the next five years, raising taxes 20 per cent. This is not only unnecessary, it’s creating more poor people.

“To mention a few issues we will face in the next term: We still have no water storage. We have an eyesore beside the Beach Club.

“The property beside City Hall across from the fire hall was purchased to develop a great entrance into our city. There is talk of a swimming pool, track and artificial turf for kids soccer. I want to improve our beach. Gravel and rocks to stop erosion is not the answer. We must complete 19A to make it all four lanes. There are many other items council will face.

“We must have a competent council to handle these issues. I have 40 years as a successful businessman. I understand finance and budgets. During those years I have been a community leader as a past president of many organizations. I have a proven track record, and would like to think I have your support to represent you once again.”

— NEWS Staff, Submitted by Al Greir