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Kelowna 2005 Civic Elections - Charlie Hodge for City Council
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I’m a homegrown Okanagan resident, born in Penticton and moved from Summerland to Kelowna at age seven. I graduated from Kelowna Senior Secondary in the mid-70’s and spent the majority of the following 25 years
plus as a newspaper reporter, photographer, columnist, and editor. I left fulltime media work to write two books including the biography of hockey legend Howie Meeker.
From 1997 to 1999 I served an effective three-year term on Parksville City Council and found the experience enjoyable and extremely educational. To do the job well means a lot of time and commitment, and an ability to work with people.
While on council I held various portfolios including public works, police, youth, and environment. Amongst my many other duties I also spearheaded the creation of a youth centre, skateboard park, a Parks Master Plan for the City, a community
Restorative Justice program, a Community Garden Project, a community festival, and other events or projects.
A writer by trade, I am currently working on two new books, and run my own business, Hodge Podge Communications. I’ve temporarily stopped writing a weekly column in the Capital News until after the election.
I recently resigned my position as executive director of the Canadian EarthCare Society in order to seek a spot on City council, but remain the project coordinator of the Okanagan Wildlife Recovery Centre Project.
I am 50 years old, married (Sharon) with two adult children, a granddaughter, four cats, and a dog. I am not a political animal or a political climber, and have absolutely no interest or intention of using a spot on Kelowna city council as a
stepping-stone to other political spheres such as provincial or federal. I am running because I want to make a difference in my own community. I am proud to live here.
I was approached by a number of people, including a couple of longtime Kelowna folks, and asked to run. At first I was hesitant because I know how much time it takes to do the job properly - and I feel Kelowna faces many
challenges. Councillor Sharon Shepherd deciding to throw all caution to the wind and run for mayor inspired me. It would be an honour to work with either Shepherd or Walter Grey on Kelowna council. I hope you grant me
that opportunity. I know I can help make a difference in our community’s present and future.
Aside from the obvious key issues of growth, development, and highway infrastructure and design, my key focus is to try and help build a safe, healthy, and sustainable community. To do so means looking at various
issues including reducing crime, creating social community programs (especially for assisting single parents, youth, seniors, and those struggling to make ends meet), and working on the critical homeless scenario.
Such a healthy community vision also means protecting and planning for water and air quality, looking at downtown revitalization, the Kelowna waterfront, increased green spaces, and a long-term sustainable vision for Kelowna
that works in conjunction with a Valley-wide sustainable vision.
A representative of the average Kelowna resident - and an advocate for those without a voice – my only promise is to work hard and listen well. I am currently a member of the Iridian Project homeless advisory committee. My
hobbies include gardening, song-writing, pool, camping, hockey, and hiking.
For more information on my platform, or to ask questions, please go to my website at www.charliehodge.ca or email me a hodgepodge2@shaw.ca
MoveKelownaForward.com has contacted this candidate and received permission to publish this information.
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