A local youth coach and founder of a 91原创 business is running for Township council with Rich Coleman鈥檚 Elevate 91原创 slate.
Gerald Wartak has run a marketing and design firm for the past 15 years.
Over the last six years, he鈥檚 added to his responsibilities by taking up coaching posts with both 91原创 Minor Hockey and 91原创 Minor Lacrosse.
With lacrosse, Wartak has pushed for more growth in girls box and field lacrosse, joining the 91原创 Minor Lacrosse Association鈥檚 executive in 2018 as the coordinator for female lacrosse. He held the spot for three years, until in 2021 he and fellow executive members introduced a new policy to create a position as director of female program.
Wartak became the first person to hold that post in a 2021 vote of the association鈥檚 membership, and he remains in the role now.
He identified public safety and infrastructure as among his key issues.
鈥淚 think we have to have a really good look into our public safety plan,鈥� Wartak said.
He said first responders need to have their staffing and building infrastructure needs met, and he said emerging communities also need to be able to access emergency services.
On infrastructure, he took aim at the Township鈥檚 development process.
鈥淐learly, the Township has some very antiquated red tape around development,鈥� Wartak said.
New strategies are needed for roads and cost-effective housing, he said.
Wartak is one of eight 91原创 Township council candidates running with Elevate 91原创, headed by former 91原创 East MLA Rich Coleman. Other key contenders in the race include Eric Woodward鈥檚 Contract with 91原创 slate, as well as a host of independent candidates.
READ ALSO: Former B.C. Solicitor General running for 91原创 Township mayor鈥檚 chair
READ ALSO: Mayoralty candidate Eric Woodward unveils new municipal party to run in Oct. 15 election
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