The Municipal Election will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17.
MyPeaceRegionNow reached out to each candidate running for Mayor across the Peace Region for their response to the following six questions:
- Can you provide a brief bio of yourself?
- What ultimately led you to decide to run as mayor?
- What do you feel you can offer residents that the current Mayor cannot?
- What would you like to accomplish if elected as the mayor?
- As you begin your campaign, what are you hearing from residents about what they want to see from the next city council and mayor?
- What advice would you share with the next generation of young politicians?
IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER (Last Name):
Luke Zandbergen:
Luke Zandbergen is running for mayor of Hudson’s Hope. He has resided in the town since 2018 and has visited since childhood, making him familiar with the community and its residents.
Dillon Maier:
Dillon Maier has called Taylor home for the last 20 years, having moved to the community with his family in 1999. He attended a local elementary school in Taylor, Dr. Kearney and North Peace Secondary School. After high school, he served a brief term in the Canadian Air Force before returning to build a career in the oil and gas industry.
Dillon Maier’s website can be found here.
Dwaine Dilworth:
Born and raised in Dawson Creek, Dwaine Dilworth operates glass shops in Dawson Creek, Grande Prairie and Prince George.
2. What ultimately led you to decide to run as mayor?
Luke Zandbergen
Hudson’s Hope is a unique community in its people and natural setting. I hear concerns from community members regarding past influences and conflicts of interest in local office.
Dillon Maier
Having the time available to give back to the community, combined with a desire to give a voice back to the people, rebuild connections between local government and residents, and address community concerns directly.
Dwaine Dilworth
It has been on his mind for a couple of years. The biggest driving factors are taxes and safety in the community
3. What do you feel you can offer residents that the current Mayor cannot?
Luke Zandbergen
The ability to vote and lobby outside on the town’s behalf without any conflicts of interest.
Dillon Maier
A fresh perspective and new ideas to build upon the foundation already established in Taylor and take the community to the next level.
Dwaine Dilworth
(Answer not provided)
4. What would you like to accomplish if elected mayor?
Luke Zandbergen
Securing a full-time position for the town, building a new community hall at a reasonable scale and cost, and creating more programs for youth.
Dillon Maier
Revitalizing local community facilities including the golf course, rinks and parks that residents take pride in, sprucing them up for everyone’s benefit.
Dwaine Dilworth
Accomplishing a thriving, safe community while promoting local spending and local growth. Doing so brings a better tax base and overall growth to the city and community.
5.What are you hearing from residents about what they want to see in the next mayor or council?
Luke Zandbergen
Residents want a mayor and council with fewer conflicts of interest that prevent them from voting on important issues, a full-time position, and more involvement in establishing small business growth and maintenance.
Dillon Maier
Residents want to be heard, respected and provided with an open forum where valid concerns are addressed by the levels of government capable of creating change.
Dwaine Dilworth
Residents are looking for reasonable taxes that are not out of the norm, as current tax levels affect economic development. Community safety is also a major concern for instance, local banks now lock their doors at 11:00 PM due to issues in the area. He noted he would not let his own family go to a bank after dark because of safety concerns around those areas.
6. What advice would you share with the next generation of young politicians?
Luke Zandbergen
Don’t be intimidated. Giving people a choice is one of the most important civic duties someone can perform in a representative democracy.
Dillon Maier
Gather as many diverse life experiences as possible to gain different perspectives, opening up creative ways to solve problems from new angles.
Dwaine Dilworth
(Answer not provided)
MyPeaceRegionNow would like to thank the three candidates for taking the time to respond to our questions. Reading their responses should better prepare each voter for the candidate of their choice.
Voting stations will be open from 8 AM to 8 PM on Saturday, Oct. 17, at these locations:
- Ovintiv Events Centre (Upper Lobby), #1 300 Hwy 2, Dawson Creek, BC
- Taylor Community Hall, 9896 Cherry Avenue West, Taylor, BC
- Hudson’s Hope School Gymnasium, 10441 Holland Street, Hudson’s Hope, BC
Advance polls will open on Wednesday, Oct. 7, and Wednesday, Oct. 14.
