. 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'.