What do you feel is the most pressing election issue in your community?
I believe our community is divided. With a prevailing sense that decisions are being made prior to proper public consultation, trust in the process has been seriously diminished. I know meaningful communication can and will restore that trust.
The most pressing issue of this election is the implementation of the policy recommendations of the Official Community Plan (OCP). A proactive focus on its some 250 recommendations can achieve resolutions to effectively protect our village character and natural environment; provide innovative land use and housing alternatives; retain and attract youth and families; ensure accessible heath care and address public safety issues. I am committed to making this council’s main priority its 2018-22 Strategic Plan. I am committed to results not further plans.
How do you balance the needs of seniors and those of younger residents?
These needs are not mutually exclusive. Affordable rental housing along with patient centered health care is needed by both groups.
In terms of housing, the 2012 “Youth and Young Families Retention and Attraction Strategy Task Force Study” was tabled. I am committed to having this study brought forward for review and updating with a community driven implementation plan developed in concert with the community, local builders and non-profits.
Patient centered health care, not “assembly line health care” is critically important!
The Perfect Storm Group (PSG) has worked hard on this file and a proposed multi-disciplined medical facility in our town shows promise. More can and must be done in terms of full-throated advocacy and the provision of town land on a long term lease along with tax arrangements to incent new medical facilities, i.e. The development of Comprehensive Development (CD) Medical Zone.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I’m a proven team player with vision, respect for community and a commitment to the process of ccommunication, co-operation and collaboration.
I am a 30-year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department. My accomplishments include: commendations for undercover narcotic enforcement investigations; implementing a community based policing model consisting of community offices, governed by citizen boards.
With the permission of the chief of police, I entered public life. I was elected to the North Vancouver School Board, became its chair, followed by five terms as a municipal councillor.
As school board chair I oversaw the successful implementation of a Joint Use of Facilities agreement with neighboring municipalities and the retirement of an operating deficit without impacting classrooms. As a municipal councillor, I was active with Police Oversight, Finance and Audit, Metro Vancouver Water, Metro Housing. I also chaired a multi-jurisdictional committee on substance abuse — something Qualicum Beach now requires.