I believe in youth! You know when you’re running for mayor it’s easy to say that you support youth, but let me tell you a little bit about myself.

For the 21 years that my family has lived here I have been very involved with Cranbrook’s youth, and I continue that support today. Let me summarize for you by breaking it into past, present and future.

Past

I’ve always believed in supporting kids; two of mine graduated from Mt. Baker. Over the years that we’ve been in Cranbrook I have been: A Beaver leader with Scouts Canada; An assistant coach and team manager with Minor Hockey; a coach and manager with minor ball; On two Mt. Baker Grad Committees enjoying the all nighters.

Responsible for organizing teen dances at the Eagle’s hall with my son Adrian (Age) and his DJ company Adrenaline Rush, which he started at age 14. Many of you have a son or a daughter who went to Agestock or school dances hosted by Adrenaline Rush.

Present

Some of the youth oriented activities that I’m currently involved with include:

Chairing the College of the Rockies University Studies Math and Science Programs Advisory Committee where we are working towards improving the math, science and engineering courses being offered at the College, helping to ensure that the courses that your kids take here are fully transferable to other educational institutions.

Being a Judge in the annual East Kootenay Regional Science fair; Participating on the Mt. Baker Secondary School Replacement Neighbourhood Learning Centre Advisory Committee trying to get a new high school for Cranbrook; Recently attending the annual Snowboard movie night at Key City Theatre hosted by Mike from The Choice; attending the forum last week for the candidates running for your school board. I was the only candidate for mayor at this event.

I have involved youth in developing my platform for mayor right from the beginning when I put my advisory committee together. Youth continue to be an important part of the campaign, including doing radio ads for me.

Future

So what improvements do I want to make for Cranbrook’s youth as your mayor?

I am very excited about the concept of a Youth Arts Centre to showcase youth talents and have attended two related functions.

We are on our way to having a Bike Skills Park and I have been providing the group who are leading this initiative with information on grants and Design and Build Contracts.

I will set aside one seat for youth on every committee of council. The committees deal with everything from Transportation to Development Zoning.

I want to try and use tax incentives to get new businesses established in Cranbrook who will hire youth at a livable wage, which is just over $14 an hour. We need to find ways to keep our kids here, and employed!

We need new and exciting ideas and new leadership to move Cranbrook forward. You know from what you’ve heard today that I am here for Youth. At the polling booth on Wednesday, November 16 or on Saturday, November 19, I am humbly requesting that you be there for me. Your vote can make a difference for Cranbrook’s youth – please vote Wayne Stetski for Mayor! Thank you.

By Wayne Stetski, candidate for mayor, City of Cranbrook          

www.stetski.com

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