By Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
A younger generation apple grower wants to make decisions today to have a positive impact on farming tomorrow.
That’s why he’s running for water councillor in Oliver.
David Machial is throwing his rubber boots into the election ring because he says it’s time to give people another option.
He stated that his uncle Rick Machial and Andre Miller have been water councillors for a very long time (28 years). But as a next generation farmer, he wants to offer voters something new.
“I’m not sure if anyone has ever challenged my uncle or Andre, so I want to give people an (different) option.”
David said his uncle is very encouraging and supportive of him seeking a seat on council.
“It doesn’t feel strange. We (Rick and I) get along really well.”
David said he wants to be part of today’s decision making that will impact the local agricultural sector in the future.
The young man has been a farmer his entire life and currently operates his parents’ farm.
“I’m invested in the area,” he said, noting he’s also a director of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association.
The UBC graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce says he knows all about financial statements and analyzing budgets.
“My nature is to ask questions . . . you want an inquisitive mind on council.”
David said the key issue for him right now, and one that he will push on council, is the irrigation re-routing project at Gallagher Lake.
His goal is to push for federal funding to come up with the other $5 million needed to do the job. (Currently the province has committed $5 million to the project.)
David said he doesn’t even want to think about what the fallout would be if the canal was damaged during the height of the growing season.
“It impacts farms up and down the valley.”
