Dara Quast brings a good knowledge of the issues facing Cobble Hill to her bid for the area director's chair at the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
"I feel that it is important to give back to the community that you live in, and that's what's prompted me to run," Quast said.
She ran unsuccessfully in the last municipal election, but her commitment and involvement in the community have not wavered.
Key issues for the future of Cobble Hill, she said, include Balme Ayr Farm's proposed gravel extraction, water, and environment. She is for balanced development, meaning that consideration must be given to things such as forestry, agriculture and business before anything is given the go-ahead.
Quast said that community consultation and listening will be vital to her should she be elected.
"I have a willingness to listen to everyone, not just a few," she said. "I feel that people do have a perception that on occasion they aren't being heard or that decisions are being made prior to consultation being conducted." She is comfortable working with citizens and taking in a variety of ideas and opinions.
Quast also has "a strong knowledge and understanding of how our bylaws and OCP should be administered."