By David Sahlstrom. After earned a Bachelor of Science in Agrology at UBC, majoring in plant science, I went to work for a company specializing in environmental protection and reclamation for forestry, mining, utility, and urban development.
I began by working in the operations and advanced to professional consulting before registering with the BC Institute of Agrologists and becoming a Professional Agrologist (PAg). In the late 1980s I earned a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from City University in Seattle, which gave me a foundation in finance and business management. With this expertise, I moved into business and financial management.
Twenty years ago I moved to Abbotsford with my wife and family. We bought a home in the District of Abbotsford which we renovated to create Everett House Bed & Breakfast. We have welcomed guests from all over the world as well as from right here in Abbotsford. It has been a wonderful experience, discovering the world from the perspective of people who live there. 2014 is our 20th year of operation.
In 2003, I left the company to go out on my own as an Environmental Agrologist providing professional environmental consulting to the mining, forestry, and farming communities The work I do protects our natural environment and mitigates the impacts of resource development.
I also joined my wife Cindy (who is a CPA) in her accounting firm. I provide business management and system development services which complement her accounting and tax services both in the lower mainland and in Alberta.
Why Elect Me
Since moving to Abbotsford I have seen my taxes increase far faster than either the rate of inflation or my pay increase. At the same time the services I receive have continually been reduced.
For example, in 1994, lawn sprinkling was allowed every second day. Over the 20 years since then lawn sprinkling has become so restricted that it is not possible to provide enough water to keep my lawn alive.
Just like you, I complained about my increasing taxes and declining services with my friends. But I didn’t just complain, I started investigating what was happening. What I found out was mindboggling.
Some examples are:
- Despite the City asserting that development was to pay for itself, the residents were funding up to 30% of the capital costs.
- Although being told that the Bevan Wells required an Environmental Certificate, the City decided to not apply for an Environmental Assessment. They spent $6million building the wells with no assurance that they could be used.
- After engaging the MSA Museum Society and the Abbotsford Arts Council in designing the Abbotsford Cultural Centre and then promoting voting YES for Plan A, the City excluded them in any management or participation in the Centre. When they did apply, they asked that the Certificate expire in December 2015.
In 2011, at the encouragement of my friends, I considered running for council. I decided that in order to be effective as a councillor I needed more experience, so instead of running I decided to shadow council. Since then I have attended or watched online almost all the Executive Committee and Regular Council meetings. I have read the Agendas, reports and supporting documentation and have done further research on many of the issues. I have shared this research with the councilors and I am pleased that many of the progressive decisions used the research.
Now, in 2014 after having spent three years shadowing council, I am prepared to take a seat at the table. Through my education and work experience I have a unique basis to evaluate the issues and through my investment in researching those that have been debated in council, I will bring a knowledgeable and informed voice.
There are many competing interests in Abbotsford and when elected, I will represent the interests of those who live, work and play in Abbotsford.
- For those who live here; by improving the services we receive, increasing the efficiency of how they are delivered and reducing the subsidies.
- For those who work here; by strengthening the financial health of the companies they work for, increasing the desirability of the community and reducing the subsidies.
- For those who play here; by improving the opportunities to play, increasing the opportunities for the community to be involved.
Get Abbotsford working for you. Vote for David Sahlstrom.
Editor’s Note: Mr Sahlstrom played a crucial role in educating Abbotsford citizens about the facts and the science behind Abbotsford’s ample rain forest water supply during the attempts by the previous council to spend $300,000,000 on a new water supply.
People voted against the campaign by the City and the Chamber of Commerce by a factor of 75 percent in the P3 referendum.
- David Sahlstrom, BSc(Agr.), MBA, PAg, is an Agrologist and an independent consultant.
- Karen Ageson, a policy analyst, researcher and instructor,has an MSc in Agricultural Economics from the University of British Columbia and told us of her research on the Abbotsford aquifer and how it could save the City $126 million.
- Diane Kalen-Sukra, Water Watch Mission/Abbotsford, CUPE
- Ed Regts Retired Chief Engineer
Together they gave some very useful, factual and well researched information which showed the information being provided by those selling the idea of giving close to half a billion dollars to an American company to build and manage a new water supply was false.
For more on David Sahlstrom visit his website here.