Currie Ellis has tossed his hat into the ring for the Cowichan Bay seat on the Cowichan Valley Regional District Board.
As someone who lives aboard his boat in Cowichan Bay, recent new proposed legislation governing liveaboards and float homes in Area D is something Ellis feels strongly about.
"The bylaw was one of the spurs to get me to run," he said.
"I think I know what's going on here, and the issues. I think I'm a good candidate and it's time for some change here," Ellis said.
He is in favour of parts of the proposed new regulations for the floating community, but believes the bylaw still needs some revisions.
"Float home owners have been waiting for the opportunity to connect to the CVRD sewer system," he said of the positives offered in the bylaw. "This bylaw will allow float homes to acquire more permanency, and an easier process to sell their homes when desired. The values of their property should increase. They pay property taxes, but are denied most services."
However, there are still serious flaws, Ellis said.
"There's people that are going to lose their places of residence here," he said.
Ellis has also been pounding the pavement to find out what people in the community think are the top issues.
"It is so interesting talking to the people around here," he said. "That'll be my focus."
So far he's heard concerns about spending and pay for CVRD staff. There are also some big developments in the works in the area, and Ellis said he wants to make sure they are done right.
"I'm pounding the pavement and I'm listening every day and it's enlightening," he said.