I am Tony Law and a candidate for re-election as a Hornby Island local trustee.
I bring energy and enthusiasm to advancing the mandate of the Islands Trust and community well-being. I am able to offer a depth of experience and knowledge resulting from previous terms as trustee. I take a collaborative approach, using what I have learnt from my counselling and mediation background. I believe that everyone has a piece of the truth. I keep an open mind to listen to all points of view and consider all information before making a decision.
At the same time, I have strong values that also guide my approach. I believe in our fundamental responsibility to preserve and protect the unique environment and amenities of the islands. These are precious and fragile, valued not only by residents but thousands of visitors. We need to ensure they endure for future generations and for the species that belong in our ecosystems. I believe we can do this while also ensuring we have a vital and resilient community, creatively addressing the challenges we face.
First and foremost of these is the need for housing to meet the diverse requirements of people we want in our community. Some solutions are already enabled. But others are needed and require careful, collective exploring of options. I have prepared a discussion paper as a starting point.
Protecting our groundwater resource during a time of climate change and increased summer visiting is another major challenge. I have facilitated the start-up of a collaborative project that will bring together information and options for community discussion.
These same pressures also impact our sensitive ecosystems. I have overseen the preparation of a regional conservation plan and am keen to work with the community to look at what aspects of the plan could be implemented locally. Hornby Islanders are committed to marine conservation and I am interested in following up on initiatives that brought interested parties together to work on identified goals. A core continuing activity is relationship-building with First Nations. I am excited about using our groundwork of understanding with K’omoks First Nation to identify next steps on the path of reconciliation.
Continuing work also includes using relationships developed with other agencies to encourage the delivery of services appropriate to our island. I am keen to get going again!