The 2022 BC Municipal elections are in full swing and candidates are gearing up throughout northwest BC.
In Smithers, only two councillors from the previous council are running, opening the door to at least four new faces on Smithers council after election day on October 15th.
However, the two incumbent councillors will bring years of experience to the rookie council if successful on election day.
Frank Wray is looking for his fifth consecutive term as councillor and John Buikema is seeking his second.
“I’d like to think my experience counts for a lot,” said Wray. “I’ve grown a bit and understand the roll of municipalities are changing, but I like to think I’ve always been a common-sense voice, voice of reason, a voice of fiscal responsibility and that the money the town invests in infrastructure is sustainable and makes sense.”
Although Buikema has only four years’ experience on council, he admits he’s a “meeting guy” and has enjoyed his time as the towns representative on several boards and committees and feels this is a worth quality of a councillor.
“I have a wide variety of life and leadership experiences as being the council’s rep on [several boards] that have taught me a lot about council procedure,” said Buikema. “About how the town operates and four years of organizational history and knowing why certain decision were made and not made.”
Listen to the full interviews below.