Following weeks of campaigning, Radium Hot Springs has elected its four councillors for the next three years.

Ron Verboom, Clara Reinhardt, Karen Larsen and Todd Logan beat out Don Devlin and Debbie Fischer when the final votes were tallied, with Larsen squeaking in by a single vote over her closest competitor. Verboom and Reinhardt will return for their seventh and second terms, respectively, while Larson and Logan are newcomers to council.

The Echo caught up with each of the new councillors to ask them how they felt following their election to town council.

Todd Logan

How does it feel to be elected?

“I’m pretty happy, and I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me.”

What do you hope to accomplish during your time on council?

“I’m going to work hard—being new on council there’s going to be a learning curve, and I’m looking forward to working hard with council. I’m also looking forward to hearing the community’s concerns during forums, and working to try and implement some solutions.”

What’s in Radium’s future?

“I think the work previous councils have done is good, and I’d like to continue on that path. We have to work towards increasing the possibility of more jobs for the community — it’s a challenging time for everyone.”

Final thoughts?

“I’d like to thank the other candidates for council for running—it’s nice to see other people want to come out and do what’s best for the community.”

Ron Verboom

How does it feel to be elected?

“In a nutshell, I’m honoured that the voters of Radium had the confidence to vote me in for a seventh term. I’d like to congratulate the other candidates and I look forward to working with this council for the next three years.”

What do you hope to accomplish during your time on council?

“One of the big things is the branding exercise, to address some of the issues that came up during the public forum, such as targeting markets that see value in coming to Radium for snowmobiling, biking and everything else we have to offer here in Radium.”

What’s in Radium’s future?

“I look forward to hopefully having the sawmill reopen—that’s been a big void in the community. I’m also looking forward to having the economy turn around, and bringing back some of the prosperity of five or six years ago, when we were the second fastest growing municipality in the province.”

Clara Reinhardt

How does it feel to be elected?

“It feels great, I’m very pleased that the citizens felt I was doing a good job. It’s different though, I think you have higher expectations the second time around, the first time you’re excited but it’s all unknown, and this time knowing how things work I think I have a personal expectation that maybe we can accomplish some different things, or maybe a bit more.”

What do you hope to accomplish during your time on council?

“I want to get the official community plan up and going, and also move forward with the branding and Tourism Radium… those are the two big things I think. We’re also re-looking at the sign bylaw, which has been an issue for some time, and I’d also like to move forward with an upgrade to the Community Hall and the park.”

What’s in Radium’s future?

“It’s hard to say, because so much of it will depend on the economy. I think tourism will continue to play a large role, and I think if we continue to slowly get a few more permanent residents, the residents themselves will determine the direction we’re going. Truly I see Radium continuing to be a place to relax, retreat, recreate and be active in the workforce in one form or another.”

Karen Larsen

How does it feel to be elected?

“It feels pretty good that people have put some of their faith in me.”

What do you hope to accomplish during your time on council?

“Since this is my first time in, I just want to get a feel for how council works in our community… I’m still a little overwhelmed that I have a seat, and there’s a lot to go over, but I think we need to move in baby steps. I’d like to give a little TLC to the town aesthetics, such as the community parks, and I’d like to move forward with our Main Street. I want to try and see the direction the village can take with trying to get more small businesses here, and try to get people to dig their heels in.”

What’s in Radium’s future?

“I hope Radium stays a village, and I hope the desire for people to come here stays strong—there’s a lot that Radium can offer.”

Final thoughts?

“Hopefully I can do a good service for the community. I’m hoping to do the best job I can for everyone… it’s not about me, it’s about the community.”