A teacher with ties to Maple Ridge that go back three generations will be seeking a seat on council in the upcoming civic election.
Sara Dawn Beckett declared her candidacy this week and describes herself as a “grass roots” Maple Ridge resident.
Her grandparents, William and Una McColl, moved to Maple Ridge in 1960, when it was still known as Haney.
They operated several successful shoe stores in the community: McColl’s Shoes, The Country Cobbler, The Shoe Shop, and Bootlocker.
Her mother, Susan Beckett, has been a fixture at the Maple Ridge Safeway and has called the community her home for 52 years.
Beckett has a Bachelor of Science degree from Simon Fraser University, with a major in biology. In 2010, she received a Bachelor of Education from SFU and teaching certification in science and math.
She has worked with the Coquitlam school district since 2011 as a high school math and science teacher, both in an on-call and contract teacher capacity.
Beckett says she will bring a needed element of change to Maple Ridge by using her education and experience.
Working with youth and discussing issues with co-workers, parents and school administrators has given her first-hand knowledge and experience of what families need.
She added that her heart is in this community, and her only goal is to see it thrive and become a greater one to call home.
• For more information, visit www.saraformapleridge.com.
ELECTION
The civic election will take place on Nov. 15. Nomination packages will be available at Maple Ridge municipal hall, starting Aug. 22. Nomination papers will be accepted from Tuesday, Sept. 30 until Friday, Oct. 10, 2014 only.
The next candidates information meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. in Maple Ridge council chambers. You can also watch a previous presentation online at mapleridge.ca.