District of Squamish Councillor Greg Gardner announced he's running for mayor Tuesday (June 17), one week after current Mayor Ian Sutherland announced he would not vie for the seat."I am excited about the prospect of leading the community at this exciting and challenging time," stated Gardner in a news release. Gardner said he's committed to helping foster a better decision-making environment both among members of council - a group that's been criticized in the community and within its own ranks as often unable to work together - and in the community. "This is a vital time for Squamish. Residents must be encouraged to engage in the issues. It's imperative that we continue to work towards expanding community participation using forums such as town hall meetings. We need residents to lend their thoughts and support to the direction of the community. At this time I am prepared to make the significant commitment required of a mayor and I look forward to that opportunity." Gardner said his management, education and community leadership experiences would make him a strong representative of Squamish in dealings with third parties such as the provincial, federal and Squamish Nation governments, developers and other organizations. "I firmly believe that we live in one of the best places in the world and presently we are facing many important issues including rapid growth, budget constraints, environmental threats, Garibaldi at Squamish, 2010 Olympic Games, employment land erosion and urban sprawl. I was elected as councilor two years ago on a platform of sustainable balanced growth and that remains my vision and focus for the community." Greg holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a law degree from UBC. He practiced law in Vancouver before moving to Squamish in 1994. Since that time he has owned and operated the automotive business, Greg Gardner GM. He has extensive community involvement, including as past president of the Rotary Club, as founding president of the Squamish Community Foundation, as director of the West Coast Railway Association, as co-chairperson of the Olympic Bid Task Force, as a softball and soccer coach, as chair of the Select Committee on Seniors and most recently as a founding director of CALOC. He was honoured as the Squamish Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year in 2004.
