A third person has thrown their hat in the ring for the Chilliwack school trustee byelection.
Richard Procee, owner of Hofstede’s Country Barn, announced he is running in the Feb. 13 vote. This follows earlier announcements by candidates Adam Suleman and Carin Bondar.
In addition to running his store, Procee has worked with multiple organizations in Chilliwack, including the Chilliwack Chiefs, Chilliwack Society for Community Living, Chilliwack Community Services, Kiwanis, Rotary school scholarships, Lions Club, Bowls of Hope, Ruth and Naomi’s, the Salvation Army, Ann Davis Transition Society, the Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association, and others.
He and his wife Tera have been operating Hofstede’s for the past 25 years. They have raised six children who Procee says “have experienced firsthand the quality resources of our education system, giving them the courage and strength to flourish.”
He is a graduate of McMaster University with a major in English and a minor in history and philosophy. As such, he says he understands the importance and benefits of a solid education.
“My desire is to see our school board unified in purpose, building strong relationships while serving the mandate of public education,” Procee said in a press release issued this week. “My strength is bringing balance and boldness to organizations. My intention is to help build a positive, successful and productive school board. Parents must feel confident that the Chilliwack School District is providing an excellent education tailored to their children’s character.”
He added that “teachers need the resources to provide students with critical thinking while preparing them with necessary and relevant skills. Our educational system equipped with a wealth of resources will enable students to acquire the needed disciplines to succeed in our competitive world. Parents must feel confident that their children are pushed to their potential. Students will learn life skills navigating them into opportunities that will enhance their future and the community they live in.”
The deadline to submit paperwork to the Chief Electoral Officer to run is Jan. 8 at 4 p.m.
READ MORE: Carin Bondar announces candidacy for Chilliwack School Board
READ MORE: Simon Fraser student announces intent for Chilliwack school board byelection
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