First-time political candidate, Harshan “Harsh” Ramadass will be running for a council seat in Fernie.
Ramadass has worked for Teck for 12 years – which is how long he and his young family have lived in Fernie, having moved for his job in business improvement.
Most folks would know him as a trail runner: “People see me more often on than trails than they do in town,” he joked during an interview with The Free Press. His wife, Pru works as a librarian and they have a 9-year-old daughter who has spent her whole life growing up in Fernie.
Originally from India, Ramadass has moved around a lot, but said his family had put roots down in Fernie.
“For the last 12 years we’ve been in Fernie, and we came to a realization, Pru and I, that this is home.”
With a long-standing interest in politics, Ramadass said he hoped to draw on his 17-year-long career in the private sector to apply an analytical and grounded approach to local government.
“I thought it would be a natural progression for myself because I bring a lot of transferable skills from the private sector,” he said.
“At the end of the day I feel that the city can only do so much. What the government should focus on is bringing quality services to the taxpayers.”
He explained that he always wanted to have an eye on what the city could do effectively and efficiently, while staying mindful of the costs and trade-offs associated with every decision.
When it came to ideas and things to be passionate about, Ramadass said there was plenty of that already – he wanted to help with the process.
“The ideas are there, it’s just how you go from idea to execution.”
His goal over a term if successful would be to help make Fernie a community for everyone, saying duty of care in government and responsibility in good stewardship was the foundation of his approach.
“I love this town. My daughter is growing up here, and I want to see a good amount of stewardship in the government.
“This town attracts people from all over Canada and the world. It needs to be livable for everyone.”
The municipal elections take place on October 15, 2022.
READ MORE: Editor’s note: Calling all local candidates
scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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