Eric Andersen seeks re-election as councillor

Eric Andersen has announced his intention to seek re-election as a District of Squamish Councillor.

Dealing with growth will surely be a big theme in this election, and several aspects of it will continue to be driving themes for him.

Among the ‘Dealing with Growth’ priorities are:

Applying interpretations of ‘Smart Growth’ that fit Squamish, are right for Squamish, situation and circumstances.

Lack of balance in both the housing and jobs areas: attainability of housing for many; local high wage jobs relative to population growth; over-reliance on residential taxes to pay for local government.

Economic development: What we are selling to the rest of the world from Squamish is mostly the right to live here. This is unbalanced and unsustainable. We can do better.

Completing planning for cultural and recreational facility amenities – including marine. “We need to complete the picture of what our needs are and will be – for setting priorities and targets in realizing them.”

“I see our relations and partnerships with the Squamish Nation, provincial and federal governments as hugely important to these Managing Growth challenges and opportunities. I am a strong believer in forestry and wood products (housing products) as ‘green tech’, ‘circular economy’, ‘climate action’ and ‘First Nations Reconciliation’ opportunities.”

Andersen says his employment background is in the forestry, wood products and transportation sectors, and in research and communications consulting. He is also longstanding volunteer in a number of community organizations and projects – in affordable housing, environmental, heritage, cultural, recreation and other areas.

“I hope I have shown over the last Council term that I work hard, listen hard, think independently, and that I have experience and local knowledge useful for the job of councillor.”