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Tom Walker brings wealth of North Cowichan council experience to table

Tom Walker needs no introduction to North Cowichan voters.

But this time, he's not running for mayor.

After being urged to try for a return to municipal politics, Walker, who works with various organizations, came to a decision.

"I thought if I could come back as just a councillor I could keep my finger in other things and still participate on council. So that's what I've decided to do," he said.

In this election, though, Walker has some specific ideas.

"One thing: there's going to be quite a turnover because there are only two incumbent councillors running. So, I think the experience I have will be very valuable. I have been three years away so I'm not taking on a role of criticizing this past council. I'm more for coming up with solutions and adding in my experience."

Being on council is not as easy a job as people think, he said.

"I remember when I first got elected. You face a real dose of reality. I can say I've been there, done that."

There is no doubt that taxation will be an issue in the election and for Walker, that means residential taxes.

"I have a suspicion that we've probably shifted a little too much onto residential from heavy industry and some of the other tax classifications. At one time, we overly depended on industry. Now I think that

they're back into making a bit of a profit, the pendulum should balance out a little better," he said.

But there will be lots more to talk about, too.

"I'm not a one issue person. I can't come up with a promise like zero per cent tax increases for the next four years. I don't think that's a reality but it needs to be back to common sense and balancing."