Ron Oszust serves Golden

Since he moved to Golden in 1988, Ron Oszust has volunteered for a variety of community associations

Ron Oszust was elected mayor of Golden, B.C., in November 2014. — Photo courtesy Ron Oszust

Ron Oszust began his years of public service in Golden, B.C., when he moved there in 1988. Among other roles, he has served as a school board trustee and he was the electoral area director for Area A, Columbia-Shuswap Regional District, for 12 years. He also was a member of the town council in Golden from 2011 to 2014. Kootenay Business asked Oszust a few questions about his background and his perspective.

What prompted you to run for the position of mayor of Golden?

(Former mayor) Christina Benty suggested that I consider running—that was key. I hadn’t thought of it, but with her endorsement I decided to do it.

What aspect of yourself do you think will help you to be successful?

I bring a variety of experience to the table, and it helps me to be open-minded, collaborative and a team player. I’ve engaged in many aspects of service and volunteerism in Golden: cub scout leader, Kinsmen Club member, Rotary Club member, volunteer firefighter, search and rescue volunteer, part-time call-out paramedic with B.C. Ambulance Service and member of a number of community group boards and committees. I have what I call a mantra, and it’s ATREES: accountability, transparency, respect, engagement, empowerment and sustainability. That’s the cloth of who and what I am.

What immediate challenges are ahead for you?

The weather has given us some challenges lately because of the backup of ice in the Kicking Horse River. In early December, right when I was sworn in, the ice was scraping the underside of the Highway 95 bridge in town, blocking the water flow as well, and causing some flooding. We initiated a Level 1 Emergency Operations Centre and with some assistance from the province managed to get through the crisis. We’ll see what the rest of the winter brings us.

What goal are you particularly interested in working on?

Improving our Internet connectivity. It’s a factor in attracting both big and small business. I’ve talked to lots of young people here whose technology skills allow them to live wherever they want. We have the lifestyle that suits them, and we need to be able to provide the Internet service they need.

With all that community involvement, do you manage to have any leisure time?

When we can, my wife Carmen and I enjoy hiking and trekking. We have a six-acre property just out of town where I can putz around doing physical work—picking rocks, building retaining walls and painting buildings. Sometimes I find the processes and protocols of doing local government and community work are really slow. Doing physical work at home allows me to stand back at the end of the day and see that I’ve accomplished something—it gives me some balance. I enjoy multi-tasking—I’d say I thrive on it. Sure, sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed, but that’s where balance comes in.