Over his tenure since 2008, Hicks brought in Official Community Plans and growth strategies for every area in the Juan de Fuca District, negotiated key parkland acquisitions and, hammer in hand, helped to build the area’s new office building at Otter Point. Hicks has the ear and friendship of Premier John Horgan, who is also MLA for much of Hicks’ territory, and is famous for his staunch defence of all things rural and being the lone political voice at the CRD board table for more than 4,500 residents. Hicks, 70, said Tuesday he’s not running in the October 2022 election, and wanted to announce early so others have time to consider running.