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 Andrew Hildebrand, who is running for a position as a Salt Spring Fire Board Trustee.

Here's a little bit about Andrew:

Hi folks. I really enjoy meeting people and sharing life experiences. In 2007 I retired from a manufacturing career and the most amazing thing is that I still have all my hair. I am interested in most everything that involves food, doing something different, composing music and having fun.

What brought you to the area?

After retirement in 2007 my wife Valerie and I were NOT enjoying -50 degrees C in Manitoba. Valerie had a whim to move to the west coast in 2012 so we put all our possessions in storage and drove two vehicles to the Langley Holiday Inn. Little did I know we would stay at the hotel for 6 months (with our dog and cat) because we could not agree on which house to buy. 180 days after arrival in Langley we moved into a home in Tsawwassen. From there we ventured out to many of the Gulf Islands. On Salt Spring we spent a long weekend at Celtic Place and the next thing you know Valerie had another whim … let’s move to Salt Spring in 2014! It’s a beautiful place. Gotta admit … wife whims are a good thing! Listen up guys.

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

I really enjoy composing music and totally amazed at the strong musical atmosphere on SSI. When you see that people on the right and left side of the political spectrum manage to live in harmony on SSI, you have to believe that it’s the music holding them together.

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

Build the waterfront walkway to improve the vibrancy of the community. I have seen this work in other cities such as Winnipeg and San Antonio.

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

Maybe we could invite Lance Armstrong and see if he could actually cycle up and down our roads. Bet he couldn’t do it … even with performance enhancers!

Which elected position are you seeking?

Salt Spring Fire Trustee

Why should Salt Springers vote for you?

On each issue, I promise to listen carefully, perform detailed analysis and then make a decision. It’s important to bring a sense of humor and get along afterwards. All meetings should end with ice cream? I’ve been a member of the Finance and Strategic planning sub-committees since August 2015. We have created new policies relating to spending controls and created the 2016 budget. In addition, strong emphasis has been placed on better governance with more openness and allowing the public to attend sub-committee meetings. Volunteering in your community is always a good thing.

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

What strengths can you bring to the Board of Trustees at SSI Fire?

How would you have answered your question?

I have experience in labor relations, governance, equipment procurement, document control, industrial construction and finance in the corporate world. This is an excellent fit with the current trustees who already cover off areas such as accounting, fire board experience and extensive real world experience. Linda Lee is doing an excellent job on governance, however, her term as Trustee Chair is ending in April. We need to keep up the good progress. My complete CV is available on request at mbhomeservices@hotmail.com. Or if you wish to chat, drop your phone number in my mail box. I am willing to listen to the people of Salt Spring Island on all matters relating to the Fire Department.

Editor's 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.