Bryan Raiser Newsletter

I know it’s been a while but lets start with a belated Happy New Year. And I don’t’ know about you but I’d say the word of 2012 is exciting. That’s right I’m full of sky’s-the-limit optimism that naturally comes with the start of a new year. But it’s not just a new year – it’s a new term on council and that means possibilities are endless as well.

First - THANK YOU so very much to all who participated in our recent municipal election.

Thank you!

This is just a quick note to say thank you so much. This newsletter has been fantastic for meeting so many people and getting feedback on the staggering amount of issues facing our community.

So this is the last newsletter of my three-year term and it has been a pleasure. Now I hope you will all remember to vote tomorrow at the leisure center from 8-8.

As for Mr. Day telling everyone in Squamish not to vote for me? Well my response is below.

Hey ladies and gents. Just a civic reminder that you can vote TODAY @ seniors center from 8-8 - beat the rush. and have a wonderful day :)

If you miss today you can vote Wednesday 8:30-4:30 at library and your very last chance is next Saturday (19th) at the rec center.

Thanks again and as always, don't hesitate to spread the word and drop me a line anytime with anything that is on your mind.

Councillor Bryan Raiser
604.848.9343
braiser@squamish.ca

By now you’ve seen the signs that it’s municipal election time in Squamish (as well as the rest of BC).

I always thought it would be easier to campaign as an incumbent. Not so. When you’re governing and an issue comes up you have to take time to consider the vast amount of information previously absorbed from thousands of agenda pages and hundreds of hours in meetings. When campaigning you have to strip away everything and let people know exactly where you’re coming from in two points or less.

I trust your summer was fantastic?

Mine was pretty good, thanks for asking. Oh and I also understand you have some concerns about this Saturday’s Gran Fondo. Granted that’s an assumption but judging by the emails and phone calls I’ve been receiving lately this is certainly a hot topic.

I must also say that although I don’t road ride (lycra+asphalt+cars=danger) I think this is a great event worth supporting for many reasons, not least of which is the economic impact months before the event.

Well hello there and hang on because there is a lot going on.

In fantastic news we’re going through a long-term financial plan process.
Remember a while ago when I was very excited because we took a long hard look at our infrastructure? We’ll we’re now doing the same with our finances. Again, it’s a little embarrassing that it’s taken this long but so great it’s happening. Few know that with every budget council also votes in a 5 year plan. And pretty much every muni does the same thing: just increasing every line by a percentage.

Hello and happy spring.

I'm going to be quick as I bravely touch a topic that simply can't be fully discussed in an email and that is Economic Development.

These two words are the catchall for the very core of our community and it pretty much revolves around local jobs.

Now I’m not an expert in this topic but I am an expert in finding and listening to experts and making decisions from there. While there is no easy solution I have realized the key to Squamish’s success in this area comes down to one word:

Collaboration.

Hello

So, this started as just a quick note but so many cool things are happening I have to share them all.

1. Tuesday, the District of Squamish just signed an agreement with Squamish First Nation! It’s actually quite historic and I am very excited to think what can happen if we join forces making our community as great as we know it can be. (Full story link at bottom of email).

2. Council just approved the Squamish Trails Master plan (link at bottom of email). This is exciting because it will be a guide for looking after this integral piece of infrastructure.

So this was definitely a win-lose/good-bad news month.