My name is Sam Hancheroff and I am a longterm NDP member.
I was born and raised in Grand Forks, attended school there, and went to Selkirk College in Castlegar. I know the Boundary country well and understand their needs and desires. In 1971, I moved to Okanagan Falls to start my teaching career at Okanagan Falls Elementary, where I taught for 33 years. I was an active community member volunteering with the Okanagan Falls Fire Department and an elected Trustee for several terms with the Okanagan Falls Irrigation District.
I moved to Kaleden in 1993 and again was elected as trustee to the Kaleden Irrigation District. In 2004, I ran for school trustee and was elected to School District 53 as a representative for Okanagan Falls. I continue to be a member on both boards at this time.
In my capacity as school trustee, I travel throughout the district and have numerous occasions to meet with a number of community members. Overwhelmingly they express wishes to improve learning opportunities for children and adult learners. I also regularly hear from community members about issues or concerns that are affecting their health, lifestyle, job opportunities, and political topics.
In addition to these activities, I also manage our family vineyard here in Kaleden, enjoying the opportunity to be involved in the agriculture and viticulture industry.
My wife, Barbra Paterson (a retired school principal), and I have four adult children, and five grandchildren. We both continue to be actively involved in schools and our community, while greatly enjoying being grandparents!
I am running for this NDP nomination as I believe strongly in our NDP party and feel that it is our time to have greater representation of the NDP in our Provincial government. I am a strong supporter of the elderly, health care, education, job opportunities, agriculture and our environment.
I have participated and advocated at community levels of government for over 30 years. I understand hardships that families have when there are no jobs, seniors that are frustrated with government bureaucracy, and families with a child that needs special care at school. I have spoken with many adult learners and high school students who are frustrated because their choice of a career is hard to achieve because courses may not be available in their communities. I am a hard worker, problem solver, and respectful of all people and their opinions.
You can count on me for integrity, advocacy, and strong communication skills.
I Listen! I Care! I Act!