Mark Kamachi believes Bragg Creek is on the cusp of better things and wants to build upon the work initiated by the community and retiring Rocky View County councillor Liz Breakey.

A 16-year resident of Bragg Creek, Kamachi declared his candidacy early for the division 1 seat of RVC council that largely represents Bragg Creek and Jumping Pound and he's using the time to build a consensus and discuss issues.

He says he supports sensible growth to help increase the amenities and infrastructure of Bragg Creek. For some, though, that's a contentious point and he's well aware some don't want growth, or development, or even flood mitigation.

"I'm sorry, but I have a business and my children are growing up here and I want the place to be vibrant," says Kamachi. "I'd love for us to have a life where everything is here without having a Costco or Walmart."

Before moving to Alberta 20 years ago, Kamachi lived in Squamish, B.C. for seven years and he's seen how working together can create a successful, prosperous community.

"I saw how a logging community and railroad community and tourism and biking community all worked together to build a vibrant town.and I think we have those same ingredients for that kind of recipe to have people want to come and vacation here and help businesses survive. Our businesses have been hurting since the flood and one of the things we need is a more tourism based tax base."

Kamachi and his family have been involved in Bragg both in the business and as volunteers and as the creative director of the advertising agency Admaki he sees how franchises like Carl's Jr. can benefit Bragg Creek's exposure, as does competition among the hamlet's retailers and restaurants.

"Those things are good. They make everyone do things better and more uniquely and those are the kinds of things that will help grow the community because people will have an experience that is memorable, something they will tell others about."

Bragg Creek has a stagnant population and actually dropped to 589 from 595 in 2011. Yet with flood migition projects, new water and wastewater services, the Wintergreen Redevelopment proposal and self-contained seniors housing appearing to be on track, the hamlet seems poised for better days.

Kamachi gives credit to outgoing councillor Breakey for her work in helping put many of these things in place and while he said 'no way' the first time he was asked to run, he has since decided its the right thing to do.

"She has done an amazing job for us and she's put in her years, so somebody has to take over. I don't want to see us go backwards by any means, I want to see us progress.

"I'm pro-growth. I want to see sensible growth, I want to see babysteps but in a positive direction and I will work for the majority of the people. Vocal minorities can be dangerous."

Nomination day isn't until Sept. 18 and more information for those considering running in Rocky View County can be found here.