hree of the people on the previous District of Sooke council did not retain their seats, but each of them has positive plans for a future after three years as councillors.
Sheila Beech, who served two terms on council, says she is not disappointed.
She served on a number of committees including CREST, the Economic Development Commission, Sooke Program for the Arts, Sooke Region Tourism Association (SRTAS), and Sooke Literacy.
She will stay involved with the literacy group because she feels strongly about what they have accomplished over the past three to four years. The group helps students who are “dragging behind” as well as adults.
“It’s a wonderful program for them,” said Beech. “It’s growing, growing, growing.”
She will likely stay with SRTA as well although it is hard at times to get a sitter.
Personally she wants to work in her garden and on some of her art projects.
“I’m really happy I’m not on this council, it’s a relief for me. it’s back to a neat life,” she said.
She said her thoughts have always been her own and she made sure her life was her life. She wasn’t encumbered, she said, she loved her work and loved the people.
“People are what I enjoy and that’s not going to change. Friends matter to me. I’m not concerned about what happens to my life.”
As for the incoming council, Beech said it will be fun to watch.
Dave Bennett, who served one term on council, said he didn’t know what was around the corner or what life will bring, but he was still involved with groups like the Christmas Bureau now in full swing, and the Sooke Region Museum where he works as a docent for school tours during the winter.
He will be helping with hamper distribution on Dec. 21 and wrapping up everything from his election campaign.
Win or lose he still feels Sooke has a great volunteer community and he is wishing the community the best over the holiday season and into 2012. Bennett may even get the travel bug as he has a son in Central America, but that wouldn’t happen in 2012.
“My family and I are looking forward to 2012,” he said.
Ron Dumont has been a three-term councillor in Sooke as well as a CRD director and it’s business as usual for him now that the election is over. He is retired but gives of his time as a fundraiser for a service organization, he sits on the board of Ayre Manor Lodge and cooks for Meals on Wheels. He also sells firewood, which his wife Gail said keeps him in good shape physically.
He hopes the best for the new council and hopes they move forward with the items which are already in place.