I am Bill Savage. I have been a resident of Shawnigan Lake for more than 20 years.
I am fortunate to be in a line of work which allows me to be on the lake most days, working for and hearing directly from the residents. I was a member of the Shawnigan Lake Parks and Recreation Commission from 2005 to 2015. I currently sit as a board member with the Shawnigan Basin Society; both volunteer positions. I feel privileged and honoured to have worked closely with wonderful people with expertise, knowledge and passion for this community. I’m proud to say that I have never missed a meeting.
Over the past 15 years I’ve attended hundreds of meetings. The frustration, disappointment and anger directed toward local government is prevalent. That is why I am running for area director. The status quo is not making residents happy. I believe I can help in that regard.
Those in authority cannot continue to neglect, reject or deflect the needs, wishes and concerns of this community. The amount of tax dollars wasted is deplorable, the amount of services minimal. We deserve more, and I will strive for that goal.
In recent years we have been subjected to top down direction from the CVRD. In my opinion this is completely wrong. The citizens’ agenda should be recognized and implemented rather than ignored, put on the back burner while the regional district forces its agenda upon us. I believe that much information is withheld from the public to make their preferred agenda easier to manage.
When elected, I will make it a priority to keep the public informed. I will listen and respond to all constituents of Area B. I will push hard, fight hard for what the residents of Shawnigan Lake want. I will, first and foremost, represent our community at the CVRD board of directors’ table.