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Electoral Area C (Long Beach) candidates introduce themselves

Municipal election on Oct. 15
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Two candidates have put their names forward for the ACRD’s Electoral Area C director position. The Westerly News asked each of them to introduce themselves and explain why they’re running. They were given a maximum of 300 words and the order their responses appear below was selected at random.

Saya Masso

Hello West Coasters,

I have lived in the village of Opitsaht for the past 20 years or so. I am passionate about the recovery of Salmon Stocks on the West Coast; clean drinking water, and affordable housing. I believe that the West Coast needs a plan to deal with the growth of tourism and the infrastructure that is needed to service it.

From this, it is important that we have holistic plans that will keep the heart of the communities alive, so that the west coast can be robust and thriving, with a healthy economy and healthy watersheds.

Please consider me for Regional Director, Area C - Long Beach.

Vaida Siga

I moved here to work as a nurse in the Tofino Hospital in the 1970’s. My husband worked in the logging industry and my children were raised in Ucluelet.

Later work as a nurse for Medical Services based in Tofino provided rich opportunities to expand my knowledge of communities and work places on the west coast. With the support of community health representatives I provided community health nursing in 7 reserve communities; occupational health nursing at the Tofino Airport, Amphitrite Marine Vessel Controll and lighthouses; and environmental health services.

Working collaboratively with strong westcoast women and supportive community leaders we established the Westcoast Women’s Resources Society. That non- profit society is now the Westcoast Resources Society who just celebrated 30 years of service! Congratulations to a board and staff on keeping the organization strong and services local!

I then worked with a nutritionist and lay counsellor to deliver Westcoast Healthy Baby Program services and the Justice Institute Positive Parenting Program. In 2000 I began teaching in the University of Calgary Nursing Program at the Medicine Hat College and was the coordinator of the program prior to returning to work in tourism on the westcoast in 2008.

Education:

Registered Nurse

BScN - focus on community development

MN - focus on policy and program planning

Volunteer:

Ucluelet Little League

Westcoast Women’s Resources Society

School Trustee SD 70

Grasslands Naturalists

UERAB Urban Environment and Recreation Advisory

I am running to represent Area C as a Director for ACRD because I was concerned that no candidates had stepped forward. Having a voice in decision making is critical to accessing much needed funds and services. Area C needs a strong voice to ensure services are accessible and infrastructure is solidly in place to meet the growing need on the west coast.