If you think being a councillor is rocket science – Neal Dangerfield might get your vote.
Dangerfield is one of the latest Princeton residents to declare his candidacy for local government in the October 20 municipal election.
“I’m not running on any one particular issue,” he said in an interview with The Spotlight. “I just think I could do some good for the town.”
Dangerfield, who hails from the United Kingdom and has lived in Princeton for 10 years, possesses an honors degree in physics, space science and technology.
He works at Copper Mountain Mine as a sample preparation technologist.
Weighing in on two issues that have been identified as important, Dangerfield is unashamedly pro-pool, and pro-status quo on the non-motorized use of the KVR within town boundaries, although he said he is always willing to consider new facts.
“I don’t think it’s as important an issue as other candidates make it out to be,” said Dangerfield about the KVR. “In the overall scheme of things to the town I think, personally, it’s more of a benefit for people of Princeton for it to be non-motorized…for people to enjoy it in peace.”
For Dangerfield, pursing the proposed indoor aquatic centre is a no-brainer.
“If we can get a pool similar to what is proposed, and is paid for by grants, I have no problem with a pool.”
Dangerfield said he feels there are opportunities for Princeton to market its natural attractions to urban centres in order to encourage tourism.
“I’d like to try to make Princeton a destination for people, rather than a drive-by, quick stop for gas sort of thing.”
He is interested in promoting the industrial park to new business, possibly by offering incentives, and developing a downtown market.
“I’d really like to try to do something to see if we can get the market downtown. If the town has to run the market I am for that…Of course we would have to get the co-operation of the current markets.”
His other concerns include encouraging residential development and creating more housing, ensuring local bylaws allow for the sale of cannabis products under new federal legislation while protecting residents from related nuisance issues, and exploring environmentally responsible municipal policies.
Dangerfield and his partner Martin travelled extensively before settling in British Columbia.
“I’ve done a lot of different things and seen a lot of things. I think I can bring that experience to this.”
They were living in the Lower Mainland when they discovered Princeton.
“Well, we just fell in love with the place.”
Related: Former Princeton newspaper publisher announces bid for town council in 2018
Related: New grandma wants a place on town council to improve Princeton for families
To report a typo, email:publisher@similkameenspotlight.com.
andrea.demeer@similkameenspotlight.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
