Local high-school teacher and jack-of-all-trades, Michael Bull, will be throwing his hat into the ring for a seat on the Fernie council in October.
Bull has had ties to Fernie since 2001, and he’s lived here permanently for the last ten years after going back and forth getting an education in journalism and then education.
“I’ve been a teacher for the better part of a decade, and have had almost every job under the sun in town,” said Bull, who has trivia host, movie theatre manager and stand-up comedian on his resume.
“Everywhere you go in town you can find me doing something.”
Asked why he was running in an interview with The Free Press, Bull leaned into his comedic talent.
“Kickbacks mostly,” he joked. “Bribes, corruption. I really want to be like a Heart of Darkness, Colonel Kurtz kind of deal. I tried that with being a schoolteacher, but all the kids can give you is candy and pencils and stuff, so figured I’d take my talents elsewhere.”
In all seriousness, Bull said he felt his talents and passion would be put to better use in municipal government.
“I love this town so much, and feel I could represent quite a large group of people because I know so many different people and different groups. I’ve been called ‘obnoxiously enthusiastic’ in my past dealing with kids.
“I feel like its a natural extension of who I am.”
Bull said there was a lot of talent in Fernie that he wanted to throw in with.
“There are so many people here that are so intelligent and thoughtful and passionate, and a lot of those people work for the city or are on council already. To defer to their expertise would be something I would look forward to.”
He said that Fernie was at a crossroads in terms of its identity, and it needed to start focusing on improving the lives of those that call it home.
“We’ve been this ski town for a number of years, and we’re pivoting towards more of a family friendly kind of environment, but with everything becoming increasingly unaffordable and with a distinct lack of nightlife in town, I think there’s a danger that people may start to look elsewhere for a place to live.
“We might have a problem focusing too much on people coming in from out of town, rather than the taxpayers that have lived here and making sure everybody is entitled to core services. People that may not have as much money may be getting not as much recognition in terms of their needs.”
To that effect, he listed a need for higher-density low income housing, and childcare services as a focus.
“People already know I’m someone that cares deeply about this town and the people in it, and I’m talking about everybody, not just certain groups of people.”
The election takes place on October 15.
READ MORE: Editor’s note: Calling all local candidates
scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter