Thursday, September 25, 2008

Slowly but surely Oak Bay is getting a competitive race.


Another Oak Bay resident leaps into political fray

News staff

Restorative justice advocate Tara Ney will run for a seat on Oak Bay municipal council this fall. A resident of Oak Bay for the past 20 years, Ney is a psychologist and health care consultant who also teaches at the University of Victoria.

Her interest in environmental and child care issues prompted her to enter the race, Ney said.

"We are strongly positioned to go beyond status quo obligations and be a leader and model to other communities who want to contribute to protecting the environment and create sustainable, healthy living for all of its citizens," she said.

Noting that Oak Bay is at the forefront with approving electric cars within the municipality, Ney said council needs to take the lead in other areas and "support our families to properly care for our children." The former vice-chair of Restorative Justice Oak Bay has been employed in post-conflict work in Kosovo, Serbia and Croatia.

Ney is the second newcomer to declare her candidacy for the fall election. Oak Bay resident Michelle Kirby recently stepped up to the table. Coun. Frank Carson announced on Sept. 17 that he will not be seeking re-election. Inbumbent candidates running again are Alan Cassidy, John Herbert, Nils Jensen, and Hazel Braitwaite. Coun. Pam Copley is the only councillor yet to confirm whether she will run again. So far, Mayor Christopher Causton remains unchallenged.

vmoreau@saanichnews.com

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