When Jesse Ketler saw the advertisement in the paper asking citizens to step up and apply for council this year, she determined to do just that. Jesse grew up in Powell River and moved to Cumberland with her family in 2009.
Since then she has established a successful environmental consulting business based out of the village.
“Cumberland has a lot of the same issues as other small communities including aging infrastructure and water use challenges. I feel that I can contribute to helping resolve these issues.”
Ketler has a Master’s degree in Bioresource Engineering from McGill with a focus on Integrated Water Resource Management. She understands the delicate balance between economic growth and the environment.
“We need to think creatively about what we want our community to look like in the future and work towards that.”
Ketler and her family love the outdoors and were attracted to the community because of all the natural beauty it has to offer.
“A strong economy is important for people to live happy, healthy lives but we shouldn’t have to sacrifice the nature that draws people here.”
Ketler is convinced that these things are not mutually exclusive and that the Village of Cumberland has the opportunity to be a shining example to other communities.
“I have two young children in the village school system and I am a home and small business owner so I have a vested interest in seeing my community succeed.
“The current council has done a lot of the right things in regards to strategic planning, and I would love to have the opportunity to make a contribution toward Cumberland’s bright future.”
Jesse can be contacted via email at jesseketler@hotmail.com.