Mark Dodd is running for the director’s seat in the CVRD’s Electoral Area A (Mill Bay/Malahat).
Dodd faces two other contenders for the seat.
He said he has lived in the Cowichan Valley for 34 years, and been a resident of Mill Bay for almost 10 of those years.
“I am a tradesman and have been a self employed business owner for the majority of that time,” Dodd said.
“As a result, I’ve had many interactions with citizens of Cowichan. This election is important to me, and I am running as an advocate for the people. My motivation comes from what I see as a lack of voter knowledge and an increase in apathy on important issues taking place in our area.”
Dodd said curbing over taxation is critical as people are struggling to afford to remain in this area and thrive.
He said he believes that expenditures should maintain current infrastructure and not be spent on extravagant unnecessary projects.
“New regulations are necessary to provide the ability for residents to have a secondary residence on their property,” Dodd said.
“This income would help offset the ever increasing tax burden we all face. Food security is also critical and urgently needed. More support and less government overreach, red tape and micromanagement is needed for small farms and local producers to encourage a thriving food economy.”
Dodd said transportation is an obvious and continuing issue, and with the ever increasing population on the Island, the ensuing traffic congestion will continue.
He said he would promote more dialogue on the reality of getting the rail corridor back on track.
“I want to see people of all ages both young and old to be able to live in the Cowichan Valley,” he said.
“I’d like to see taxes under control, better ways for people to move around the Island, and secure food supply to ensure no one goes hungry. All area directors must work together as a whole for the benefit of the entire regional district.”
Dodd can be reached at mjdodd1961@gmail.com.