1. What is the most important issue facing the City, and how would you propose to deal with it?
I believe that there are a number of important issues facing the City. I have touched on a few below:
• Safety, crime and the disenfranchised - In a general sense, I believe these three are connected. If elected, I would like to act as a champion on council to help start the discussion as to a strategy for the disenfranchised and those with substance abuse issues. These are not just Langley City issues, but impact the whole region. Part of this stems from the provincial government not following through with their promise to build the care home structure they committed to when Riverview closed. I believe these people have value but require assistance to once again positively contribute to society.
• I believe in the potential of our downtown. A specific strategy that I would like to explore is the creation of a marketable identity that will draw people to our city, something that will make it a destination. We have some great small businesses downtown. To ensure they remain in our City we need to draw more people and new businesses and make it easy for patrons to arrive, stay, and enjoy what our City has to offer.
• Environmental Management — I am long-time volunteer member of the Parks and Environment Advisory Committee and would continue to advocate for our parks. Our small city boosts 16 parks and two beautiful natural areas — the Nicomekl Floodplain and its tributaries, and Brydon Lagoon. For preservation of our natural areas, a specific management strategy for each area is needed. These strategies do not need to be expensive, but the plan needs to be reasonable and have a vision that will guide protective management for these areas as our City grows. As an environmental scientist and biologist, and a practicing consultant with over 13 years of experience, I will bring a bonafide skill set to council and can assist with such plans.
• I was surprised to learn that the City does not have an official Seniors Committee. I see this as a gap in communication and believe that staff and council need insight to issues concerning seniors. I would advocate for an official Seniors Committee that has a member of council and staff present, as this is a viable means for providing insight, understanding, and an official avenue for clear communication.
2. What is the best way to deal with the crime issues in the City?
Langley has amongst the highest police to resident ratio in the province. In 2013, nearly 45 per cent of the City’s property tax revenue went to policing; however, our crime and homelessness appear unchanged, if not worse.
I believe more social programs are needed, as mentioned in question 1, above. Government-funded social programs typically fall under provincial jurisdiction; however, this limitation does not stop council from advocating on behalf of its residents and its needs. The provincial government often supplies grants to help support local societies or offers pilot programs for municipalities to opt into. As a champion on council, I would do what I could to support those that are already assisting this population and work to see if a local solution is possible.
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?
I support the current Financial Plan where approximately 20 per cent of “revenue from other sources” (this includes casino revenues, portion of traffic fines, money from utilities, GVTA grant, etc.) go towards standard items such as community grants, non-profits, Langley Seniors Resource Centre, while whatever is remaining in a given year goes towards items requiring one-time funding or projects within the Capital Improvement Plan, which includes water and sewer maintenance. I feel this is wise as these items can often be delayed if absolutely needed, whereas those items named above depend on sustained funding. Casino revenues are unstable and have been decreasing; therefore, we cannot become reliant on them. However, we can be opportunistic and apply them strategically, whenever possible. If these funds are invested in infrastructure over time that will help offset the inevitable costly upgrades and save the City money in the long term.
4. Do you support term limits for members of council?
The province sets term limits for councillors so I would not have much say in the matter if on council. However, I was asked for my opinion on the matter, which is “yes” I do support term limits. I support these in all levels of government, as I believe turn-over is healthy for an organization. It brings in new ideas, skills and perspectives. If there were set terms, there would not be options for 15 to 20 or more years on council, which would then demand that the community get more involved in the process rather than defaulting to the status quo. It would allow more opportunities for new members to be elected. When someone new enters the race, it affects those associated with them and ignites interest in our democracy and our community.