Kim Burden is the first person to publicly announce his candidacy for the vacant seat on Parksville city council.
A byelection — the date has not been set — is required after the resignation last week of Al Greir.
"As I considered making this commitment to our community, I realized that the issues that I have seen facing Parksville over the years have yet to be resolved," Burden said in announcing his candidacy.
The current executive director of the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce said "attainable housing, lack of rental accommodation and lack of action on the 2006 downtown revitalization strategy" are three of those issues.
"It is time to put these problems to rest," said Burden. "I intend to use all of my skills and energy to finally resolve these issues and prepare for the new challenges that we will face in the coming years."
Burden said he brings to his candidacy a proven record of commitment to the community and a lifetime of honing the skills needed to be an effective councillor. He has served on the boards of a number of organizations, including the Rotary Club, the Oceanside Generals, the Beachfest Society, Communities in Bloom and the Parksville Historical Society.
Burden is also currently the chair of the Property Assessment Review Panel. He said when he isn't busy with these organizations, he finds time to be an active member of the Nanaimo Hornets Rugby Club.
Burden said he looks forward to meeting with as many residents as possible over the next few months to discuss issues that are important to Parksville.
"The foundation of a thriving, vibrant community includes a commitment to education, healthcare, the arts, shopping and recreational opportunities," he said. "If we look after these things together, Parksville will continue to be the very best place to live, work and play."
— NEWS Staff