RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, B.C. — Cris Leonard has announced that he will be a candidate for Mayor of the Village of Radium Hot Springs in the October 17 municipal election.
After decades of involvement in business, community organizations and political campaigns, Leonard says this is the first time he has decided to put his own name on the ballot.
“I’ve been involved in political campaigns going back to the 1990s and, over the years, I’ve been asked a number of times to run for elected office myself,” Leonard said. “I’ve always declined. This time is different. I believe there are some important decisions facing Radium over the next few years, and rather than simply expressing my concerns from the sidelines, I’ve decided it’s time to put my name forward and offer residents a choice.”
Leonard has managed and participated in numerous political campaigns, including the most recent mayoral election in Radium Hot Springs. He has also been actively involved in business and community organizations throughout the Columbia Valley.
“Radium is a great community and I believe strongly in its future,” Leonard said. “But I also think we need to take a practical look at where we are heading and make sure the decisions we make today work for the people who live here, the businesses that serve our community and the people who have invested in Radium.”
Leonard says housing, responsible development, municipal spending and taxation, and open communication with residents will be among the important issues facing the community.
“I believe local government works best when people understand why decisions are being made and feel that their concerns have genuinely been heard,” he said. “Council won’t always be able to give everyone the answer they want, but residents should be able to expect an open process, clear explanations and decisions based on common sense and the long-term interests of the community.”
Leonard brings extensive business and community leadership experience to the campaign. He is the Managing Broker with Royal LePage Rockies West Realty, where his role is focused on the management, supervision and regulatory compliance of the brokerage and its licensees. While previously active in real estate sales, he no longer represents buyers or sellers, lists or sells properties, or works on behalf of developers or investors.
Leonard has owned and operated businesses for much of his working life and has served in leadership roles with a number of business, community and volunteer organizations.
He currently serves as President of the Radium Hot Springs Rotary Club, Vice President of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair of the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Commission. His previous volunteer leadership roles include President of the North Delta Rotary Club and President of the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce.
Leonard and his wife Katherine made the Columbia Valley their permanent home in 2017 after visiting the area for many years.
“My business experience has taught me that good decisions start with asking questions, listening to the people affected and understanding the financial consequences,” Leonard said. “Municipal government is different from running a business, but taxpayers still deserve careful planning, accountability and a willingness to question whether there might be a better way of doing something.”
Leonard says he will release more detailed information about his priorities during the campaign and looks forward to speaking directly with Radium residents over the coming weeks.
“I am not running because I think everything in Radium is wrong. Far from it. I’m running because I care about this community, I believe we have some important decisions ahead of us, and I believe I can make a positive contribution as Mayor.”
Authorized by Cris Leonard, Financial Agent, 250-270-0222 – cris@crisforradium.ca