Community People Profiles for Elections is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island who are running for elected office. Our People Profiles are short interviews, with one answer questions to share with you a little about what each of the people we will feature are thinking about as they run their respective election campaigns. This profile is for Fiona Foster, who is running for a position as a Salt Spring Fire Board Trustee.

Here's a little bit about Fiona:

I moved here 23yrs ago to raise my daughter in a small safe caring community. During the early years I helped out where I could in my daughters activities, spending time at the ball field, cooking hot dogs for a whole school, going to guide camp. As a family we hiked the trails of the island, swam at the beaches and enjoyed the wealth of arts available. Truly making Saltspring our home.

Since I grew up in a small community where people contributed to make it work, I now think its my time to contribute once again by bringing my fire experience, community knowledge, and caring attitude to the table.

What brought you to the area?

Visiting family. I came for my sisters wedding and never left.

What one thing about Salt Spring would you tell someone who has never visited the island?

Be prepared to slow down and smell the roses. You don't need to rush to see everything as it only takes 20 minutes to get anywhere on the island so take your time and truly enjoy the experience of being here.

If you had a magic Salt Spring wand, what island thing would you change?

I would love to see a more convenient method of traveling to and from the island

Which well known person, living or dead, do you think would be a good addition to the island?

Rick Mercer

Which elected position are you seeking?

Salt Spring Fire Board Trustee

Why should Salt Springers vote for you?

I am quite passionate about the well being of the fire department. I served as a volunteer for 10yrs and gained valuable insight and experience. I am also a taxpayer who recognizes the need for restraint in our current economic times. I believe in working hard, learning my subject, and using reason for fair decision making. Combined, I think these are valuable assets that would offer a positive impact to the board.

Is there a really good interview question we should have asked you?

Why do you volunteer?

How would you have answered your question?

I volunteer because we are a special community of eclectic people. Together we make this island work through selfless giving of time, knowledge,and muscle power. Without the many people who give of themselves Saltspring wouldn't be the place it is.

Editors Note: All candidates were invited to submit profiles. They are published in the order received. Check to ensure you are eligible to vote in the upcoming election. There have been recent clarifications on whom can vote in the upcoming Fire Board Election. Read all submitted candidate profiles.