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Ron Popoff running for Cranbrook City Council

Popoff said that for him, building community is all about growth.
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Ron Popoff

Long-time resident Ron Popoff is seeking a seat on City Council in the upcoming municipal elections in November.

"I am taking a new avenue in my life and as I approach retirement it is my desire to continue to serve this Community," Popoff said in a press release. "I want to take an active role with Cranbrook City Council and would like to represent you as one of your councillors.

Popoff moved to Cranbrook 25 years ago with his wife Joanna, a long-time teacher, "to enjoy the majestic mountains and healthy lifestyle provided by this great community and to raise our family."

Their daughter Laura is currently completing the business program at the College of the Rockies and starting her business career at the St. Eugene Resort. Their son David is also attending the College of the Rockies in the Business program.

"Over the years I have volunteered in many of our children's school and club activities and as a result became knowledgeable about the issues and many challenges that face both schools and clubs," Popoff said.

As Health Inspector Popoff spent the first 10 years in Cranbrook engaging with the business community and the public to provide for a safe and healthy community including restaurant inspections, drinking water quality, and communicable disease prevention.

He was integrally involved in the mosquito West Nile Virus program and spearheaded the local smoke free bar and restaurant initiative.

"Since that time I have managed the Kootenay region utilizing my leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, program performance, and labour relations skills," he said. "I know how government functions and I know how to navigate for success."

Popoff is proud of his years of involvement with Kinsmen and now with the Rotary Club of Cranbrook, servicing many of the community's greatest needs.

"Being on the Board of Directors of both organizations and providing guidance and support to many local service agencies within our community," Popoff said.

With Kinsmen, he chaired the Kinsmen Quad Light-up, and was president during the Kinsmen Kiddie Spray Park development.

"Now with Rotary I have the major projects and donations directorship focusing on expansion of Rotary Way within Cranbrook and connecting to the North Star Trail to Kimberley and other regional trails, the Seniors Christmas Dinner, our Rotary Scott Villa providing affordable seniors living, and donations to numerous worthy organizations like the Cranbrook Food Bank.

"This has afforded me the chance to be a part of change; to improve our community and help those in need is very important and has been a most gratifying experience.

Popoff said that for him, building community is all about growth.

"We need to help entrepreneurs successfully establish and expand their business in Cranbrook," he said. "My research suggests our business community desires City Hall to coordinate and guide entrepreneurs through this challenging process of forms, rules and permits to success."

More successful businesses means more jobs, Popoff said, "which means our children don't need to leave Cranbrook to find work. More jobs mean a broader tax base so less need to raise taxes. More prosperity means we can afford to support community organizations to make Cranbrook a livable community.

"And more prosperity means we can fix more of those all too familiar (infamous) potholes!

"The combination of my professional, family and community volunteer experiences have given me a broad Cranbrook perspective that I will bring to council and ultimately help grow our community."

Popoff welcomes  comments and suggestions from the public. If anyone has questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact Popoff at ron.popoff@shaw.ca