What do you feel is the most pressing election issue in your area?
I will continue to support the community vision of Bowser as a vibrant Rural Village Centre and will ensure that it evolves into a ‘compact’, ‘mixed-use’ village where people can live, work, play and learn in a safe, healthy and attractive environment. This vison has in its roots a great deal of public engagement that led to the Bowser Village Plan and the Official Community Plan, it represents widespread public will. Achieving this community goal requires that Bowser Wastewater to goes forward. This is further mandated by the community’s successful democratic petition for this service and I cannot ignore the democratic will of the Bowser Village Centre residents.
Achieving this will allow us to address affordable housing and roadside improvements in Bowser.
Source: See: https://www.rdn.bc.ca/news-release-december-13-2017
If elected, how will you bring about change?
Achieving meaningful change in local government almost always requires strong and effective relationships with the RDN board, federal government, the province and First Nations.
I have worked very diligently for seven years to build these relationships and I bring a strong track record of very successful collaboration and team building with these groups. My election as chairman of the RDN for the last three years is a good example of this. I have been exceptionally effective because of these skills. I will bring these capabilities to my next term and this is a very strong indicator that I will be successful implementing future change.
Finally, during my time in office, I have found one of the most difficult challenges is responding to the unforeseen changes that higher levels of government impose on us.
My relationships have and will continue to ensure that I am prepared to respond to any eventualities.
Source: Examples are many, voted chair of RDN three years in a row, removal of derelict vessels, end of speculation tax, FCM motion on ocean plastics, support of shellfish farming, Spider Lake internet, five-day-a-week bus service, etc
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I am a proven, very experienced and exceptionally successful director for Area H. I understand how the RDN works and I understand the challenges that our community faces.
I have a long history of community engagement and I have a solid track record of bringing positive change to Area H, all while keeping taxes down.
I have very solid and effective partnerships with all levels of government, this is absolutely critical for successful outcomes.