Parksville Coun. Kim Burden has filed his nomination papers and will seek another term on council in the October election.
Burden is a longtime resident of Parksville. He has served as a councillor for the past two years after winning a byelection in October 2016.
“I am proud and honored to announce my candidacy. I am proud to call Parksville my home and proud to have served as a volunteer with a variety of organizations focused on improving the great community we live in,” Burden said in a press release. “The primary role of any city councillor is to be an advocate for the people. They should be a vital and active communications link between the people and the city. When I speak with my neighbours and other concerned members of this community, I understand their needs and desires.”
Burden said one of the things he focused on in his byelection campaign was the need for a greater supply of attainable housing and rental housing for Parksville and that focus has not changed.
He said he’s also concerned about the impact the lack of attainable housing is having on the local economy.
“I’m proud of this last council’s record of achievement over the past four years. Together we have approved subdivisions and single and multi-family developments that will result in the construction of several hundred new housing units,” he said.
Other things Burden would like to see done in the next four years in the city include holding the line on property tax increases, doing what local government can do to assist in attraction of more jobs, working with others to improve local health services and get the ‘Orange Bridge’ repainted by the provincial government in time for the next tourist season.
Related: Parksville councillor lobbies for Orange Bridge repainting
“And, as my campaign slogan says (the public should) expect more,” he said. “I have decided to run to give the people a true voice who will both listen to and address their concerns. There are many issues that will come before us in the next four years. I look forward to meeting many more people in the community, and solving challenges together with them.”
— Submitted/NEWS Staff