There will be at least one new face on the Mission school board after the next election.
Carol Hamilton, who has served as a school trustee for nine years, is not seeking another term on the education board. Instead, she is one of 19 candidates who hopes to get one of six councillor seats at municipal hall.
"I feel after nine years as a school trustee, my time it up. It's time to let someone else take a run at it," said Hamilton, who believes the school board was a good training ground for her next step. "It's time to take my experience and apply it to council."
One of the areas Hamilton wants to focus on is youth and family.
"We're a town of 38,000 people. We need to embrace who we are and build on it. To me, that's youth and family," explained Hamilton, noting many residents work outside of Mission and are exhausted when they return home at the end of the day.
Hamilton admits she doesn't know all the issues facing Mission and "I'd be foolish to believe I do. But I'm a good listener."
Hamilton plans to use her listening skills to help move the community forward.
"I'm interested in hearing from young families. As a council person, I want to make more community connections and listen."
Hamilton worked in the banking industry for 34 years before she retired in 2013. In addition to volunteering in the community and serving as a school board trustee, Hamilton also worked as a director for the Mission Chamber of Commerce.
"I have a firm, but fair approach," she said. "I can take a position and stand alone for something I believe in."
Hamilton is proudly running as an independent candidate.
"I care about this town. I've raised my family here … I'm committed to seeing it grow and develop."