Skip to content

BYELECTION 2016: Bev Tripp

Bev Tripp is a candidate in the City of Grand Forks 2016 byelection.
29688grandforksTripp-Beverley_web
Bev Tripp

Seriously! Don’t we live in one of the most gorgeous places on earth?

For those whose acquaintance I have yet to make, please allow me to introduce myself. I’m a “valley” girl, born and raised in the Okanagan (Vernon), having made B.C. home for most of my life. The supernaturally natural beauty of our little community nestled in this valley really contributes to the feeling that I’ve always lived here, though it’s only been a few years. I also deeply appreciate the friendliness and lifestyle of a smaller, rural community, as I’m sure you do too!

Early on in life I embraced the value of learning, and the importance of an honest day’s work. Still a teenager, I began working as a teller in the banking world. I then became interested in accounting through a CGA (certified general accounting) course that led to bookkeeping and office administration work.

In my later 20s, I was presented with the remarkable opportunity to work with the BC Games as a sports technical director, where I worked with hundreds of volunteers in several B.C. communities to “bring together both large and small communities in the spirit of sport and friendship.”

The cities that have hosted the BC Games have been provided with a substantial foundation and infrastructure on which excellence in sport and community has been, and continues to be built. From there, I branched into public relations and became a communications specialist with the BC and Yukon division of the Canadian Cancer Society, and the B.C. Real Estate Association.

Some of my post-secondary achievements include a Master of Divinity degree from Regent College, Clinical Pastoral Education at VGH, and more recently, one year of doctoral studies in Semiotics and Future Studies at George Fox University.

My interest in people and the human condition eventually led me into training for chaplaincy in both the health care and prison settings. That vocation, which spanned the last 14 years of my working career, afforded me a unique and insightful perspective on society and the diverse needs of people living in our communities.

Like me, people these days want to have a say in their community; they want to contribute and be heard, especially when they have valuable ideas to offer. I believe this essential element of respect has, at times, been lacking in our current council.

And there are other important issues that both you and I are concerned about, e.g. rising taxes, utilities and levies, uncontrolled spending, the perceived lack of transparency and accountability, and a lack of jobs, to mention just a few.

I have heard you say that you want to see more harmony and a less toxic environment in our municipal government.  I believe I can help bring that to fruition in our community.

Over the years, I have learned the value of listening and collaboration to achieve beneficial outcomes. I would welcome the opportunity to bring your comments, ideas, and suggestions about these and other important issues to the council table.