By Mary Giuliano

On Friday February 22, 2019 friends and supporters of Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka gathered together with him in Fernie for an informal lunch meeting to hear a short update and to provide input.

Shypitka spoke briefly mentioning that the riding was in a good financial position with membership being at fourth place in the province. His goal is to make it number one noting that it has been two years since he was elected but it “seems like yesterday.”

Mainly, the get together was to get feedback from concerned citizens.

Diane Bender who organized the event said, “At our Lunch with Tom we had the opportunity to learn, plan, focus and mingle with people from Sparwood, Fernie, Grasmere and Newgate. We appreciate Tom’s time in melding the prevailing provincial political views with our local community initiatives and needs. We are looking forward to the next one!”

MLA Shypitka stated, “I’ve listened to input from a broad range of constituents and representatives from different sectors of the community and the economy, from real estate to construction, to wildlife, ranching and habitat restoration. There is concern on direction of current government in regards to rural B.C. Rural B.C. is an engine of our economy and in the recent budget support of this is clearly not recognized.”

MLA Shypitka has heard all concerns and agreed more support is needed and he will work diligently toward this.

Lead image: Lunch attendees Steve Thomson, Dianne Cullum, Tom, Joe Tress, Mary Giuliano, Yvonne Miller and Diane Bender. Photos submitted

Article Share