Resident(s):

My name is Walt Cobb and I am seeking your support as Mayor of

Williams Lake.
The winds of change are blowing in our city, people are concerned
with the direction we are heading.
I have lived here for over 50 years and have been involved with
different organizations and the people of Williams Lake for the
majority of that time. From Boy Scouts in the 70's, to assisting in the
building of housing for Senior's in Glen Arbor and those with
disabilities with Baker Manor.
Over the years we have had our ups and downs, however I have never
heard rumblings like I'm hearing lately. It is time to change to a more
positive productive outlook. One where we are all pulling together to
make a difference.
In 1996 we were making the last payment on our general revenue
debt, it's a very different story now. Working relations with staff, from
what I saw, was great both at city hall and the works department that
too is a very different story.
Not only do we need to improve our future outlook, we need to ensure
there is hope and a future for our kids. We cannot continue to alienate
any sector of our community.
Our debt cannot continue to grow and our taxes cannot continue to
rise. The interest on our debt is currently $846,634.00 annually as of
the 2013 budget.
Economic Development is costing us over $300,000.00 per year. I will
work to make sure that department shows results as there are many
models out there and it is time to find one that works for us.
Our downtown core needs help. In a successful community the
downtown core is a focal point. I will do my best to return it to the
asset is once was and find ways of encouraging new investment and
business.
We must look beyond our area to expand and diversify. We need
alternatives. Our tax base needs expansion and it is time to work with
industry and the retail sector to find ways of diversifying. There is no
reason we do not have more secondary industry and I will work with
the existing operators to encourage expansion. We need jobs if we
are to live and play and prosper in Williams Lake. We will not have
jobs if we do not have business' and industry to provide them.
Culturally we are not in bad shape as that appears to be where the
focus has been this last 6 years. It is now time to work with both the
Federal and Provincial governments, industry and the retail sector.
We need to find the money so we can continue to pay for these
programs. Without expansion or diversification these programs
could be in jeopardy.
For those of you who do not know me, I have attached my brief
resume as this is an important job I am applying for.
I will not be able to meet everyone, or as many as I would like to, by
going door to door. I know you have busy lives too and may not be
home.
I encourage your feedback and asking for your vote on Nov 15.
If you would like to talk about your particular issue or concern please
call my cell @ 250-392-0459. I will call you back.

RESUME


Name: Walter L. Cobb
Address: 51 S. 7
th
Ave.
Williams Lake, B. C.
V2G-1L3


Present: Semi Retired
Commercial revenue property, and operator of home renovations and
building maintenance company, as well as property management &
maintenance for Pioneer Family Land.


2005-2007 Part time constituency assistant for Federal MP Dick Harris

2001-2005 MLA for Cariboo South Riding

1996-2001 Home renovations and building maintenance operator

1980-1996 Elected Williams Lake City Council (Mayor 1990-1996)

1969-2010 Started and operated Walts Mens Shop (retail mens clothing outlet)

1967-1969 Sales Clerk (Lords Mens Wear)

1966-1967 Produce Manger Malkins Wholesale Foods

1963-1966 Produce Manager Super Value Foods

Graduated from High School in Williams Lake in 1963.



Interests:
I have lived in the community for the past 50 plus years. I have been involved in
most groups from Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Assn., as well as
served on their boards of directors and also as President. Was involved as a Cub
Scout leader as my family was growing up. Later I was involved with groups like the
People in Motion Committee and eventually had a non-profit housing project completed
for people with disabilities (Baker Manor). I sat on the board of directors as treasurer for
the Go-Bus Society, a non-profit group that operates the transit system in Williams
Lake. I serve with Rotary since 1995 and as Secretary for one year and presently
project chair. I sit as Vice Chair the Barkerville Heritage trust, director for the Royal
Canadian Legion Branch 139, Vice President of Glen Arbor, a Sr.'s affordable housing
complex as well as Past President of the Williams Lake & District Chamber of
Commerce.