By Angelica Ingram

Published July 17 2018

As the deadline to file for the upcoming municipal election looms the race in Highlands East is seeing some new and returning names on the ballot.

In Ward 4 which is currently held by Joan Barton James (Jim) Deterling is running to be councillor.

A lifelong resident of the area Deterling served on council prior to amalgamation. A long-haul truck driver Deterling took a step back from council but now is ready for the role as he is getting ready to retire.

“I always said when I retire I’m going to try and get back on council” he said.

An active member of the community Deterling spent years volunteering on the fire department recreation board was a minor hockey coach and more.

“My whole family has always been involved in the community” he said.

He believes issues that need to be focused on are the environment roads and housing both for the young and old.

Looking to be re-elected in Ward 1 Cam McKenzie has filed his nomination papers. McKenzie was first elected in 2014.

“It’s been an interesting rewarding and sometimes challenging experience” he told the paper.

McKenzie points to some big projects the municipality is in the middle of including a new zoning bylaw and park project in Wilberforce.

He believes some success stories from the past four years include reopening the food bank in Cardiff and an arrangement with Canada Post for extended hours at the post office.

Challenges he anticipates for the future are policing costs the implementation of new firefighter training legislation maintaining infrastructure jobs and housing.