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Three questions for Qualicum Beach mayoral candidate Brian Wiese

Candidate for Qualicum Beach mayor
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Brian Wiese. - Submitted photo

What do you feel is the most pressing election issue in your community?

The single most pressing issue in our community is working together to solve the challenges facing us. Solutions require teamwork and leadership. We need to set aside differences, stop bickering and start working together to protect and enhance our quality of life.

The Quality of Life Survey tells us the No. 1 issue for citizens is health care. This is an issue the town has been working on, with Perfect Storm group, trying to address doctor shortages. We are competing with the world for doctors and need to be world class to succeed.

The other issue I hear time after time, at the doors and on the street, is the issue of housing and affordability, housing choices for seniors leaving their homes, young workers, young families and the less fortunate. Everyone, young and old, sees this as a pressing and important issue. Other important issues are all second to these.

How will you balance the needs of seniors and those of younger residents?

The seniors in this community need the services that younger people provide; from town staff, to nurses, doctors, to clerks, waitresses, chefs, firefighters and policing.

Our community and the new council to find a way to provide affordable housing for the people working in our town. Maybe that means apartments or getting funding from housing B.C., but it does not mean NO NO NO. That attitude does not work. The new team need to be leaders and I believe I have the training and experience to help build that team.

We can’t fix housing by saying no to every proposal and we can’t do it by building tiny homes at the airport. It is time leaders in this community stopped treating each other like enemies and sat down to find solutions instead of sending emails attacking everyone who disagrees with their exact position on everything. Enough is enough.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Team building and experience set me apart from my competition.

I have not been involved in the old battles that have been going on for years in the community and at council meetings. I believe we need solutions not infighting.

I have 32 years of team building experience as a fire fighter and a deputy chief; dealing with labour relations and management, collective agreements, equipment procurement and the management of a multi- million dollar annual budget. I also have a Professional Management diploma from University of Calgary and a Master’s certificate from York.

I believe my experience, education and training qualifies me for the job of team leader.

A mayor is elected to find solutions for the entire community, not to fight for one faction or another. It is time to build a new team and act like a team. Let’s work together to protect and enhance Qualicum Beach.