Harold ‘Hungry’ Baytaluke is looking to take the mayor’s position in this year’s municipal election.
After working as councillor for 12 years, Baytaluke felt he was at the right point in his career and the right time to put down his name as a mayoral candidate.
“I got involved because I wanted to change things. Some people view it as nosy, but it’s because I care about the community,” said Baytaluke.
He added, “With 12 years of experience I think I am just as capable as anyone else.”
Baytaluke cites a lot of his “political drive” is wanting to envision a better future for his 10-year-old son.
Baytaluke’s concerns for the future include the lack of representation from the pro-environment supporters.
“I’m not anti-mine,” said Baytaluke, “But I’m concerned with the expansions of the mining industry and the fact that there isn’t enough from people in support of the environment in the province.”
He continued, “I want to make sure that there’s a lot of good dialogue between the District of Sparwood and the local mining community.”
Teck’s discharging of selenium in the water is a huge issue for Baytaluke.
“A facility has been built at Lion Creek and they’re not treating water out there, but they’re putting it through the plant. They’re not removing any selenium, they’re pushing it through the plant and commissioning it,” said Baytaluke.