Tom Whitton hopes bring social conscience, fiscal responsibility to council

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C – Tom Whitton is officially a candidate for the upcoming municipal by-election with his son’s future being a huge driving force behind his decision to run.

“He’s going to be going into kindergarten. I started, kind of, taking a step back and thinking what will be here for him in 12 years,” says Whitton.

Whitton, who has called Fort St. John home for nine years, looks to bring a combination of social conscience and fiscal responsibility to the council chambers.

As his son gets older, Whitton wants to make sure there are mental health supports for him and residents alike.

“We’re great at doing infrastructure projects. We’re great at making stuff and pushing ahead, breaking ground. We’re great at advocating, but one thing that we really struggle on is advocating for the social aspects of our community,” says Whitton.

“I feel that if nobody stands up and says hey we need to change here, I don’t think it’s going to happen so I need to be that change that I want to see.”

Whitton suggests taking a hands-on approach to tackle social issues in the city by having local organizations, including businesses and non-profits, work together to make positive changes to existing programs.

Having had conversations with current council members, Whitton believes he will fit in well if elected. He says council has done a good job in improving in order to better serve the community, which is also a goal of his.

“I think we need to get a little bit more of a voice out there and the questions that the community has needs to be brought to light.”

If elected, Whittton looks forward to adding his input to the Kin park and Surerus redevelopment plans. He also wants council to consider bringing more awareness to existing programs.

“In my personal opinion, and in a lot of other people’s opinions, it’s not an easy thing to find. If you’re going out of your way to find information, nine times out of 10 people will not go looking for it.”

Whitton’s campaign will kick into high gear starting April 15th where he will be releasing more information about his platform through his website and Facebook page.

The official candidates vying for Becky Grimsrud’s council seat along with Whitton are Sarah MacDougall, Jim Lequiere, Jon Gosselin, and Trystan Jones.

The by-election will take place on May 15th at the Pomeroy Sport Centre.

Advanced voting is expected to take place on May 5th and May 12th. Special voting opportunities are expected to occur at senior care facilities on May 13th and the hospital on May 15th.

More information can be found on the City’s website.