The race to fill Bob McWhinnie’s vacant Council seat will not be a one man show. Another candidate, Bev Middlebrook, has stepped forward to announce her intention to run.

Middlebrook has lived in Kimberley off and on since 1978.

“I’ve left for educational, family and adventure reasons but I’ve always moved back,” she said. “I sincerely love Kimberley and my community and I hope I can make a difference.

Middlebrook has education and experience in business, education and the arts and she says that certainly would be relevant on Council. She is a certified Leadership BC graduate and a certified BC Tourism Instructor.

“I feel I have a lot to offer,” she said. “I have relationships with many residents, especially youth. I feel I can be a bridge between the pre and post Cominco communities through a common understanding of where we come from.”

Currently Middlebrook is executive director of the Sparks Youth Centre. In the early 90’s she spent five years as publisher and advertising manager for the Daily Bulletin. She is also a very active Kimberley volunteer, coordinating the MS walk for Kimberley, Cranbrook and Fernie and also chairing the Kimberley Community Fair Committee. That fair has raised $22,000 for community groups in the two years since Middlebrook took over.

“My history is here in Kimberley, but I’ve also lived in cities and other progressive communities,” she said. “I think that’s a nice balance.”