After being unable to get in touch with mayoral candidate Darcy Wyonzek in previous weeks, please find below her answers to our election candidate questionnaire.
Current job/career: Retired lawyer/mediator. I was call to the bar 1983. I have been working as a non-profit artist since 1973.
Why do you live in Revelstoke?
It is my final stomping grounds. Revelstoke has the most beautiful valley, rivers, babies, kids, animals, teenagers and people. The mountains are amazing, as is the ever-changing sky and big dipper in my back yard. Mt. McPherson rocks big time.
Why are you running for council/mayor?
Because Revelstoke is my new home town. I came here to start over. It is never too late to follow your dreams; you just have to adjust and change to suit, whatever falls or pitfalls you have had in life, then keep on keeping on. I am never leaving except to Vernon for check ups etc. Being a Mama Bear is something I am very good at.
Why do you think you are qualified for the job?
My education and work experience. I started paying taxes as professional lifeguard at 14. Highly decorated for speed and all levels. I swam 50 metre free and 100 metre free times fit for 1976 Olympics in Montreal.
I was the only person in my Saskatchewan home town to get the Award of Merit in swimming.
I managed large outdoor pools in farming country. There were more dog paddlers than swimmers.
I was a special teachers aid for first kindergarten in 1974-1975 where we had the highest attendance in Saskatchewan– 75 kids. There was only one drama major teacher and me.
I was a dental nurse 1975-76 in Montreal.
I worked Via Rail for summers and was the first female on the dome car.
I went to the University of Saskatchewan for law 1979-1982. I articled at Saskatoon City Legal Aid Office.
What do you think the city should do to fund current and future infrastructure needs?
We need to look closely at what the Provincial and Federal governments owe the city on a number of different levels. A very smart and well informed resident was educating me on BC Hydro. There are problems where I believe the city paid way too much for subpar work. The lagoon and water system on the southside is fishy. Still wondering about Arrow Heights.Why should residents pay for other governments’ poor decisions or work or non-work?
What do you think the city should do to address affordability for the average citizen?
This falls in line with above noted. We should be funding residents to buy their homes, fix homes, build them etc. Sweat equity and lower interest rates. Also more help is needed for working families. Groceries are so expensive and so is gas. A better transit system is needed. World Class colour line. Red for core. Blue further out. Purple up the mountain etc. Yellow always for school kids and unaccompanied minors or seniors with yellow pass. Green for hot springs etc
What other issues would you want addressed if you were elected?
We need to challenge our high school students. Adversity is not a bad thing. Get through the tough weather and up the mountain on horse back with dogs too. Revelstoke Rookie Rangers Rock.
I also believe the position of Deputy Mayor is important. We should also have eight council members for a huge valley with so many different areas and issues. The law really can be a slow moving, but farm girls know how to kick it well.