Submitted to the Undercurrent

. What triggered you to make this step and run for municipal office?

This is my seventh election, so perhaps the question is better framed as to why  I stepped forward this time. The simple answer is that  I still have a lot to contribute, and that  I believe I am well qualified and suited to becoming the next mayor.

2. What common ground do you share with the other candidates running in this election?

Lots of common ground. All, in our own ways, want the 'best' for Bowen. Many are friends and past colleagues. On specific issues, I agree with some of the perspectives and positions taken. Who wouldn't want to advance community facilities and infrastructure, create more lower cost/seniors' housing,  build a clinic, strengthen on-island economic opportunities? Most of us see the value of park acquisition and good environmental protections. Far more binds us than separates.

3. What are your top three priorities for Bowen?

In general terms, the three top issues to me are:

a) Restoration of good public democratic process, that has eroded during the last term. Consistent treatment of advisory groups, more open discussion at Council and communication with/ engagement of the public. Ensure that items before Council are well vetted by staff and 'ready' for consideration. Reduce closed meetings to a bare minimum, which appear to have gone up over 60% this term

b) To advance the community hall, fire hall, seniors' housing, medical clinic projects, as well as implementing our Snug Cove Plan. 

c)Dealing equitably with upcoming  large lot subdivision applications- both the Parkview Slopes/ Seymour Bay projects and the Rennison Estate lands around Grafton Lake and in Snug Cove

Of course there are numerous other items of ongoing importance, including BC Ferries and Translink  issues, acquisition of land from Parks Metro Vancouver for ferry marshalling improvements and parking. Plus, responding appropriately to threats around Howe Sound - Woodfibre LNG, Burnco giant gravel pit at McNab Creek, Gambier logging (which conceivably could be a template for Bowen's crown lands)

4. Tell me about the community work you have done that you are most proud of?

Actually, the one thing which makes me most proud has been the ability to confer Community Grants and Grants-in-Aid to many deserving groups on Bowen. Similarly,  garnering the funding for the establishment of a women's 'safe house' portal via the North Shore Crisis Centre. Also, the introduction of amenity zonings which has led to multiple municipal parks plus money for civic facility planning and design. There are other things as well- regionally, to have contributed to the major Metro Vancouver Management Plans, particularly the Regional Food System Strategy and the Regional Growth Strategy, wherein Bowen was placed outside the Urban Containment Boundary and large parts designated as  Conservation and Recreation areas. Also, to have voted for the Translink Evergreen Line extension, a $1.4 Billion project, being part of the Tsawassen First Nation treaty process, and at Islands Trust, helping to foster the growth in the Trust Fund activities and adopt NAPTEP (Natural Area Protection Tax Exemption program). Making our Sea-to-Sky  Air Quality Management Plan  'one of the best in North America' according to an outside reviewer.

5. How will you work to make council open to the concerns and ideas of all Bowen Islanders?

First, by chairing good, respectful meetings at times that work for people, with reasonable agendas that allow for adequate public commentary. Second, by maintaining a mayor's office with set hours to provide consistent access. Third, by introducing technologies to allow 'instant feedback' at large public meetings through the use of  participant voting devices- eg http://www.replysystems.com/  Plus, by instituting policies to establish better norms for public input and iterative feedback.

6. What do you love most about living on Bowen Island?

That as the community has grown in population and complexity, there is still a strong sense of 'genuinely belonging', and that the basic attractions- living in a beautiful, friendly, green quiet, clean, safe, interesting place have not diminished.

That within an hour of Vancouver I can live on acreage, grow a garden, keep a few animals, and have enough outdoor projects to last a lifetime.

Having friends and neighbours who appreciate the high quality of life we enjoy, and care enough to contribute in their own ways to the 'public good'.