Doug Kerr is joining the field of candidates seeking a seat on Courtenay council for the next three years.A resident in the Comox Valley for 18 years, he operates his own photographic business downtown on Fifth Street and is the former owner of Studio One.Kerr was a director of the Comox Valley Art Gallery for four years during the period of negotiations and the successful transition from the Fourth Street location to the Old Fire Hall."I know it is vital to have a brilliant and flourishing arts community in our city. This is why I have been a supporter of the Sid Williams Theatre, the Courtenay Museum, Musicfest and the Comox Valley Exhibition. I am committed to maintaining and enhancing the arts in our community."At the same time I am a small business person. Small businesses provide the bulk of employment for people all across the country and it is no different here in Courtenay. "It is vital that we work to attract new businesses to the area.These should be businesses that will generate long-term, decent jobs that our citizens can grow with, businesses that set standards for quality, environmental sustainability and innovation."I like to think in terms of what I call the Community Esthetic. I want to see our city move away from the giant expanse of blacktop parking lots and slab sided warehouses to pedestrian/customer friendly designs. An architecturally innovative, pedestrian- and bike-accessible downtown area enhanced by a livable neighbourhood close by, I believe, is one foundation we need to build upon."Making the city livable for all has to include the disadvantaged among us. Those that are in need of shelter, food and medical assistance need to be treated with compassion and respect, as we would wish any citizen of Courtenay to be treated. We have a plan to assist these individuals. Let's get on with it!"— Doug Kerr