Two candidate race for Oxdrift unincorporated seat

News — 20 October 2010

Oxdrift residents have a choice to make Oct. 25 in regards to their representation on the Kenora District Services Board.

Oxdrift resident Sarah Campbell announced her bid for the Oxdrift Unincorporated Area Representative position, Sept. 13.

Campbell challenges incumbent board member and Canyon Lake resident Ray Leray for the four-year term that will commence, Jan. 1st, 2011.

Having worked in Howard Hampton’s Dryden Constituency Office for the last four years, Campbell says she has an intricate knowledge of the services offered by the KDSB, including Ontario Works, Early Learning and Child Care, Best Start, Social Housing and Land Ambulance; and how the Board’s decisions impact clients.

“We have to understand that the decisions made by the board and its employees have a major impact on the lives of countless people within our region,” says Campbell. “I often work with people who are in need of service but are turned down and forced to fight for the benefits they are entitled to. I worry that this trend will continue if we do not make immediate changes.”

Incumbent Ray Leray has been involved with the services board for the past eight years — four years as a board member as well as another term as an alternate. As a board member, Leray says he’s worked hard to maintain First Responder funding for rural fire departments in the Oxdrift Unincorporated Area. As a senior, Leray adds that social housing is of particular personal interest.

The Oxdrift Unincorporated Area encompasses a significant rural land area, ranging from approximately English River in the East, west to the Bridges Twp. boundary between Dryden and Kenora. Its northern boundaries extend just beyond Sioux Lookout and south to border with the Rainy Lake District.

Elections will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 25 at the Quibell Community Hall, Oxdrift Recreation Hall, Wabigoon Memorial Hall and Dyment Community Hall for eligible voters.

By Chris Marchand

About Author

chrismarchand

Chris Marchand is a native of Dryden, Ontario. He served his first newspaper internship at The Dryden Observer in 1998 while attending journalism studies at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops B.C. He's worked desks as both reporter and editor at the Fernie Free Press as well as filled the role of sports editor at the Cranbrook Daily Townsman. Marchand was named editor of the Dryden Observer in Aug. 2009.