Ben Corno for Salt Spring LCC

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Some of you may already know me, and some of you may be meeting me for the first time; my name is Ben C***o.

I moved to Salt Spring Island 13 years ago and up until this spring, I have been a contributing member of our agricultural community, sitting on the boards of agricultural societies, and volunteering my time hosting agricultural events. I've worked for a couple of great small farms and started a pretty great one, Heavenly Roots Farm with my partner Kaleigh. We've since concluded that chapter of our lives and are looking to the future.

I feel moved to enter into formal public service for two reasons. First, I think it is a responsibility that people must bear if our organized societies are to carry on well. At some point in my early life, I became what is known as a yes person! When somebody asks if I want to do something, especially if it's something that they need, for better or for worse, I almost always say Yes. So, this is me saying Yes, again!

Second, I'm constantly inspired by the stories that people tell me of their experiences on this island, as they relate to both local governance, as well as our community organism at large. I love to listen, I love to understand, and I love to amplify the messages of the people who share their time talking to me. To bring that interest in connecting people with local government seems like precisely the idea that I would give a thumbs up to.

I want our community to recognize, and promote, the historical and current presence and stewardship of our indigenous co-habitants. I want our villages to be easy to walk and bike inside, have a coherent and intentional feel, and for effective green transportation to grow fast, and far. I want the LCC to take a leading role in instigating and facilitating new affordable housing projects. I want our parks and greenspaces to flourish. I want more of them, and I want them to address the needs of the user groups, and community members who are asking for them. And, I want all of this to be guided by a value-for-money philosophy on spending.

With so much noise surrounding the effectiveness, style, or motivations of local governance, I think that the most important thing that a person could bring to this community commission would be a will to listen, and a will to elevate the concerns of our community members, clubs, and organizations. It sounds simple, and it is, and that's what I want to do.

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