Cynthia Barnes has a vision for Powell River and feels that it is time to step up.
“I think we can be a model for other communities,” said Barnes in an interview with the Peak. She is one of 11 candidates to put her name forward to run for Powell River Board of Education in November’s civic elections. “Because of our size and isolation, we’re in an ideal situation to do wonderful things.”
Barnes, a former teacher from Ontario and Prince Edward Island, is concerned by what she sees as the provincial government’s lack of support for public education.
“Money we spend on education now, saves later,” she said, adding that she thinks education needs to be a higher priority than support for resource extraction or private industry.
She has a diverse range of experience working on various projects, including setting up a farmers’ market, restoring an historic building for the promotion of the arts, helping to create a private college for international students in Vancouver and working as a director of education for a First Nation in Canada’s north, she said.
Barnes has lived in Powell River for the past four years and since arriving has worked at Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services as well as for Powell River Employment Program (PREP) Society’s Welcoming Communities which aims to help the community become more open to new immigrants.
Barnes wants to see better support for teachers and students with special needs or those who live in poverty.
“It’s easy to complain, but taking positive steps is always better,” she said.
