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: mayoral candidates, Parksville and Qualiucm Beach.
Thursday: Qualicum Beach council candidates.
Tuesday, Nov. 11: Parksville council candidates.
Parksville mayoral candidates
Dallas Collis
1. To scrap the present water intake and treatment plan... and to present with public and expert consultation a cost effective, appropriate technology based system that will cost taxpayers far less and include electricity generation further reducing the taxpayers burden.
2. I am the candidate that knows rapid climate change is real and must be dealt with now. We must grow food locally and develop products and services locally. In short, we must create a sustainable local economy that will support a co-operative and democratic future for everyone.
Antonio Farinha
1. and 2. The difference from the others is my honesty and my courage because I am Antonio Farinha and they are not. I have a goal: the return of the Parksville beach to the city and the people of Parksville. I am ignorant of politics and corruption, but not of Canadian laws and justice. In this subject, I have reason to believe and I do believe that I am an expert.
Marc Lefebvre
1. Ensuring that Parksville has a safe, secure supply of potable water for today and future generations is my number one priority. I'll work to secure provincial and federal government funding for a new water system so that our local economy, environment and quality of life are protected.
2. I have a 12-year track record of successfully and respectfully serving Parksville residents as a city councillor. I see the big picture. I lead by uniting and I have the ability to bring individuals and organizations together to create local solutions to the challenges facing our city and region.
Bill Neufeld
1. Water treatment plant size and cost: growth asumptions for Parksville and requirement for new sewage treatment plant will impact what we will need. DCCs do not pay for the growth that is occurring so the taxpayer will be paying for an affordable plant for now, plus future expansion.
2. I have paid fully for both campaigns myself and have no agenda other than the one suggested in the 2010 residents' survey. Past councils have paid only lip service to the residents while attending to other vested interests. I manage by 'walking around' and 'leading by example'.
Qualicum Beach mayoral
candidates
Teunis Westbroek
1. Renew our strategic and corporate plans to: attract youth and families; strengthen our economy; protect and revitalize our waterfront; redevelop the school bus garage and current firehall sites; provide local shuttle bus service; achieve value for taxes; review our DCC bylaw; increase pedestrian and traffic safety with new infrastructure.
2. Years of experience in town governance as councillor and as mayor, a record of fiscal responsibility, responding to individual residents' needs and getting things done. My vision is to enhance the small-town atmosphere, keeping Qualicum Beach an attractive place for people of all ages.
Denyse Widdifield
1. To promote inclusiveness, not division. To collaborate with all the vested interest groups , and then make decisions with council.
2. I am new, with fresh ideas and a balanced approach; process must always be a means, not the end. Too often it has been the end. This combined with my over 40 years of business experience, community involvement and history of strong leadership separates me from my opponent.
Next Parksville all-candidates forum: Tuesday, Nov. 4 (tonight),
6:30 p.m., PCCC.
Next Qualicum Beach all-candidates forum: Tuesday, Nov. 4 (tonight), 7 p.m., civic centre.