1 - What is the most important issue facing the City, and how would you propose to deal with it?
Preserving and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. As many of our community are facing increasing living costs without any income increases, it is our responsibility to be good stewards of the tax monies entrusted to us to run the city.
I propose to continue our fiscal practice of low taxes for our residents while ensuring infrastructure is properly maintained and improved. It will be my priority to ensure our community's residents maintain, enjoy and enhance their quality of life by addressing rising housing costs, transportation challenges, business retention and attraction, as well as preserving the beauty of our environment. I will actively engage people to be more involved with our City.
Let us build our City community with sustainability and transform our City. Many of our "old ways of development" are costing us too much.
2 - What is the best way to deal with the crime issues in the City?
We live in one of the safest cities. My Alma Mater SFU Political Science Prof. Patrick Smith often comments that crime issues become a popular election topic. It invokes heightened public emotions. There are statistics which can be utilized in an election to suggest there is need for concern. Our City values our residents and seeks to improve the community. I suggest we take a breath and create a holistic strategic approach reflecting our values. I suggest a four quadrant approach.
a) Yes, we need intelligent policing to deal with violent and destructive offenders, health disorders and juveniles.
b) Collaboration with community partnerships such as restorative justice, mental health and education system.
c) Prevention — understanding causes of crime. For example, is someone stealing food as they are hungry?
d) Improvements — technological advancements to support our policing agency, affordable housing, resources.
3 - Should the City apply most if not all of its annual take from the casino to upgrading its aging infrastructure, such as water and sewer lines?
Our infrastructure upgrades need to be addressed in a timely fashion as per our annual budget. If the city requires a significant amount of the casino monies to afford it rather than increasing taxes, then it would be advisable to do so. It becomes more costly to fix than to regularly maintain and upgrade. Once the upgrades are nearing completion, then the casino monies need to be reallocated.
4- Do you support term limits for members of council?
Yes, I believe council members do need term limits. This is no reflection on previous long term councillors. In our present society, when long-term employees leave, little of the tradition and continuity continues. As per our low voter interest, people have disengaged from the civic process when they believe their voice is silent.
I am seeking more citizens to vote in this election as I believe it is their city and they can make a difference. New perspectives on council represent more people becoming involved with our city. I offer a refreshing and vibrant leadership voice to City council.