Local businessman Bob Langfield brings 50 years of experience in the building experience with his bid to serve on the City of Fernie council.
Langfield, who owns home inspection company Homeguage, and has worked in construction management, general contracting and building inspections in Fernie and the East Kootenays for decades told The Free Press that he believed his experience could help the city.
“The city is burdened with many issues. I have no specific issue or cause that I’m trying to promote, I just feel I might be able to lend my experience, life experience, management, construction experience to look at each issue from an independent standpoint, and try to make the most logical decision to benefit the majority of the people,” he said.
He said there were some hurdles to overcome, such as a new fire-hall, and housing in general that his experience could help with, with knowledge of the ins-and-outs of the building industry and how it operated.
”In the past many years I’ve seen councils make some significant faux pas, because they didn’t know what to cover in a contract, or what to expect in force majeure, or extra work orders and changes - that sort of thing. I have a lot of experience in that.”
Langfield has been a resident of Fernie since 1988, and played a part in the development of Island Lake.
“The reason why I moved to Fernie in ‘88 was I came here as a founding partner of Island Lake Mountain Tours.
“Myself and two other partners developed the lodge and the cat-skiing business which has become a very enduring business, and a big benefit to the city.”
After building the company up, Langfield sold his portion in ‘95 to focus elsewhere.
He said he’s spent the last few decades very busy with work, so isn’t involved with any community or service groups, but as he heads into semi-retirement, said he wanted to give back.
“Now as I’m entering semi-retirement age, I’m still going to continue working but I have the time now to offer the city my life experience, managing experience and contracting experience of over 50 years.”
Besides his experience, Langfield said he brought an older perspective to council too that would be valuable.
“It’s always good to have a good broad base of experience and age,” he said. “Different demographics think differently, so to have a council with varied experience and qualifications I think is a positive.”
READ MORE: Editor’s note: Calling all local candidates
scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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