Judy Hadley-candidate for mayorBeing a resident of Port Clements for over thirty years has given me the opportunity to wear many hats and experience many forms of earning a livelihood from basic employment, joint ventures, small business, to consulting and project management mostly in forestry but all within the resource sector. This has given me an insight into the concerns that most of our residents seem to have with job security, rising costs, unstable business climate, fear of change, and overall global economic uncertainty.With the shift to local control of our resources and the creation of Taan Forest (TFL 60), I feel that there are tremendous opportunities available for many more small business and individual mill owners to have a guaranteed source of wood available for secondary and tertiary manufacturing right here on Haida Gwaii. There will also be multi-year contracts up for bid and awarded for road building, stump to dump contracting as well. With just this small adjustment many in Port Clements will have job security and the ability to move forward if they so desire in new ventures of value added manufacturing, salvage and other service related fields.Until these changes take effect in the new year, I will be looking into ways to provide relief by possibly reducing taxes for homeowners and small businesses by reviewing the current financial statements and streamlining operations of the village and its resources.I also believe that it is critical that we initiate and participate in meaningful dialogue with all other island communities utilizing the Protocol framework to ensure that employment opportunities and business ventures are available to people in all communities on Haida Gwaii.With the new opportunities available in the north there will be the need to train or re-train employees for the spectrum of opportunities available here. The provincial government is already making funding available for the needs of the employers in this region and we have to take advantage of the education grants and subsidies that are being brought forward. As well there are grants available to build infrastructure for cultural and recreational facilities to promote healthy communities.I believe that with a proactive and positive attitude we can rebuild our community into a healthy, vibrant, and supportive member of the Island Community.The following are candidates for council:Kazamir FalconbridgeI've been a resident of Haida Gwaii for more than three years. I love these islands for the geography, wildlife, recreation opportunities, peace and quiet, temperate weather, local foods, and diversity of cultures. I have plenty of skills and experience that make me qualified to serve as councillor, and a strong desire for my child to grow up in a healthy town. I am running a handyman business and thus have a vested interest in the well-being of the community.If elected, I intend to help preserve and promote our existing ways of life, while seeking new opportunities for growth that are sustainable and compatible with a healthy environment. I'd like to see improved postal and ferry service. I have a vision that one day Port Clements will be the recreation centre of Graham Island, with a youth centre, skating rink, and swimming pool to add to our existing facilities. If elected, I will strive to promote support for small business and I would promote incentives to encourage the re-opening of the gas station.If elected, I will make it my mission to learn and understand the various regulations, bylaws, legislation, and other agreements that govern how the land is used and how our lives are supported, so I can help the mayor and council make informed choices for the betterment of our community. I will encourage the council to actively solicit input from local residents.I appreciate your support and look forward to serving you.Matt GasparMy name is Matt Gaspar and I am running for councillor in Port Clements.I am a long time resident of these islands, I have three children, and involvedin organizing youth soccer.I have worked locally as a forestry work for the past 22 years.I feel that my personality lends itself achieving consensus of important issues for our town of Port Clements.Our town and indeed our island faces challenges now like never before. If we all worktogether we can make a difference.Betty StewartI'm running for a councillor's position for the village of Port Clements. Greg and I moved to Port Clements with our children in 1989, shortly afterwards establishing permanent roots by buying a home and property in town.Although I've never served on council before, a few years ago, I was appointed to the former Port Clements Economic Development Advisory Committee, working alongside the mayor and council on several projects. I have attended numerous council meetings over the years and have never been afraid to ask questions or voice my opinion.Until recently, I owned and operated Keepsake Custom Graphics in Port. Presently, I'm working towards my certification in genealogical studies. I believe in researching an issue thoroughly prior to making a decision. The following are some issues I'd like to focus on:- To date, the Protocol Agreement (signed in 2004), hasn't proven to be an effective benefit to Port Clements. The poorly-managed and lengthy transition of controlling interests in the logging industry has resulted in the steady decline of our local economy. I feel it's imperative a concentrated effort to re-evaluate this Agreement is carried out.- BC Ferries - rates, schedules, etc.- Canada Post - Reinstatement of airmail service- Continue to pursue cellphone service.- The enactment of a dangerous dog bylaw.- Research the development of a mid-island seniors complex.- Develop an affordable infrastructure maintenance program.- Pursue the reinstatement of the Northern Residents' deduction to 100 percent.Thank-you for your support.