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ELECTION: RDN candidates answer questions

We asked the candidates two questions: what is your number one priority?; and what separates you from the other candidates?

Editor's note:

We asked all of the candidates seeking office on Nov. 15 to answer two questions:

1. If elected, what is your number one priority? 2. What separates you from the other candidates? We asked them to provide answers to each question in 50 words or less. Today, we present the answers of candidates for the Regional District of Nanaimo's board of directors.

Area E (Nanoose Bay)

Ed Mayne

1. The number one priority is to improve communications and to start representing the residents to the region, not the region to the residents. We, as the third largest populated area in the region, need to be heard. We need to become one of the leaders in the RDN.

2. The political experience from being mayor and sitting on the board of the RDN representing Parksville, combined with the strong leadership and negotiating skills developed as a senior executive, provides me with those skills that will benefit the residents of Area E and allow me to represent them in a way they deserve.

Bob Rogers

1. As a 20 year resident of Area E, I will provide accountable representation, working hard with fellow residents and my RDN and Parksville colleagues to secure provincial and federal funding that permits us to move forward in a timely manner with the ERWS project.

2. With previous elected local government experience and as a candidate in 2011, I remain committed to a fresh and energetic approach to delivering balanced, sustainable levels of service within controlled cost structures and affordable levels of taxation. I will seek regular input from the electorate.

Gordon Wiebe

1.Establishing a good communication system with the voters and examining the agreement between the RDN  and Maz-Can regarding the well on Parker Rd. I find it difficult to believe that the RDN did not discuss this with residents before they initiated this project.

2. I have lived in Nanoose for 34 years and have always been involved in my community. I got a hug from a lady in the post office the other day when she said to me: "I am voting for you. You are Nanoose."

Area H (Deep Bay/Bowser)

Bill Veenhof

1. I will continue to affect change by building cooperation and partnerships with all levels of government and community organizations. Responsible economic development, including positive recreation and business opportunities, is central to Area H's continued vibrancy and will be a priority for me.

2. The most obvious differences are my extensive government background and my proven record delivering results for Area H. I am a 14-year property owner, am independent, not sponsored or directed by any political organization and, my communications record ensuring residents are informed and can affect democratic change is exceptional.

Also running but did not respond by deadline: Rick Ethier (Area F - Coombs/Errington), Julian Fell (Area F - Coombs/Errington), Donald Mussell (Area H - Deep Bay/Bowser).