Stuart MacInnis is adding his name to those running for Courtenay council in the Nov. 19 municipal elections.The 30-year-old was born and raised in the Comox Valley. He attended school in the Comox Valley from elementary school until he graduated from G.P Vanier in 1998."Being able to see how our community has grown and changed over the years is one of the reasons for which I’m running for council. I have lived in and loved the Comox Valley all my life."We are blessed to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and although progress is inevitable I believe a balance can be struck between development and maintaining that which makes our community so special. I look at things from the perspective of, “just because some land can be developed on, doesn’t necessarily mean it should be developed on."I want to bring something new to the council table I want to bring a voice that is reasonable and fair. I feel that if elected can bring a fresh set of ideas, and a new voice to the council chamber. "I’m willing to stand up for what I believe is right, and I’m willing to go it alone to do so. I want to be elected to council so that I can help my community grow and prosper in a manner that is as fair to everyone as possible."I have not and will not be accepting any contributions to my campaign. I feel that by taking contributions an elected official loses their balance, that by accepting contributions a candidates decision-making and policies become biased towards those who have contributed. If I am elected to council the only people I will “owe” anything to will be the residents and voters of Courtenay."I feel that after a certain period of time if only the same voices are heard over and over, people get tired of it and stop listening. I want to burst that bubble of monotony and bring a new perspective to council."— Stuart MacInnis