Jan Stick, a long-time Yukon resident and local business person, is running for the vacant Whitehorse city council seat.

'Serving on Whitehorse city council allows me to give back to the community, where I have made my home for the past 24 years,' Stick said today.

'I love Whitehorse, and I want to help ensure that as we grow, we continue to be an inclusive, caring, and vibrant community.'

Stick joins former councillor Linda Casson Hare and local resident Patty O'Brien in the Feb. 10 byelection race. The seat became vacant after Yvonne Harris resigned last month to move to Nunuvut.

Areas of particular concern and interest to Stick include waterfront development, transit, community environmental initiatives, and the 2007 Canada Winter Games the city will host.

As a councillor, Stick said, she would bring integrity, a strong work ethic and a passionate commitment to community.

She is the owner-manager of Well-Read Books and is serving her second term on the territorial workers' compensation appeal tribunal. Prior to opening her business 5 1/2 years ago, Stick was a social worker with the Yukon government for 16 years.

Stick is an active community volunteer, well-known for her work at the weekend soup kitchen.

She is also a board member and the music librarian for Whitehorse Community Choir, and an active member of the Whitehorse United Church.

Through Well-Read Books, Stick is known for her support of the arts and her sponsorship of various sports teams in Whitehorse.

Residents wishing to discuss local issues with Stick can reach her at Well-Read Books, 4194B Fourth Ave., 393-2987, or at home at 667-7740.