special features - elections 2014

Election 2014

INSIDE:All-candidates meetingsHow to vote, where to voteElection questionnaires

B2 Nanaimo News Bulletin Tuesday, November 4, 2014 www.nanaimobulletin.com

www.nanaimobulletin.com Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Nanaimo News Bulletin B3

Election campaign picks up the pace

With a week and a half until the election, candi-dates are going to have to up their tempo.

That will be particularly evident at an all-candi-dates meeting tonight (Nov. 4), when candidates

sit down with voters in a sort of ‘speed dating’ for-mat.

Tonight’s forum, spon-sored by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, will be com-prised of a few different components. In addition to the sit-down interac-tion with voters, there will also be a more traditional, moderated question-and-answer debate.

Tonight’s event will fea-ture candidates running for mayor and council in the City of Nanaimo as well as candidates for trustee in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school dis-trict. It will be held at the Vancouver Island Confer-ence Centre, beginning at 5 p.m. and running until about 9 p.m.

Ian Thompson, who is running for city coun-

cil, announced last week that he will be organizing another all-candidates meeting next week for mayor and council candi-dates in Nanaimo.

“During my door-to-door campaign, the public has been requesting more opportunities to meet and hear candidates’ views on the upcoming election,” Thompson said in a press release.

That forum will be held Nov. 13 from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Beban Park social centre.

The Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association is hosting an all-candidates meeting for school trustee hopefuls Thursday (Nov. 6) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at John Barsby Secondary School.

School trustees will be participating in an all-can-

didates forum Nov. 13-14, also at Barsby, from 6:30-9 p.m. each night. Different candidates will partici-pate each day.

An all-candidates meet-ing for the Regional Dis-trict of Nanaimo’s Area E (Nanoose Bay) will be held Monday (Nov. 10) at 7 p.m. at Nanoose Place, hosted by the Unified Residents Association of Nanoose Bay.

IALL-CANDIDATES meetings going on this week.

www.nanaimobulletin.com Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Nanaimo News Bulletin 3

How to vote, when to vote, where to voteGeneral voting day

across British Columbia is Nov. 15.

QualificationsAny Canadian citizens

who are at least 18 years old may cast their bal-lots, provided they have lived in B.C. for at least six months and in Nanaimo for at least a month lead-ing up to voting day.

Residents must provide two pieces of identifica-tion, at least one bear-ing a signature, to prove residency. Photo ID is not required. Examples of acceptable identificatioin include a driver’s licence,

B.C. ID card, ICBC insur-ance document, utility bill, property tax notice, social insurance card, care card, debit card or credit card.

General voting dayOn Nov. 15, between 8

a.m. and 8 p.m., voters in the City of Nanaimo may cast their ballots at the following locations: Chase River Elementary School, 1503 Cranberry Ave.; Departure Bay Activ-ity Centre, 1415 Wingrove St.; City of Nanaimo Ser-vice and Resource Build-ing, 411 Dunsmuir St.; Frank J. Ney Elementary

School, 5301 Williamson Rd.; Georgia Avenue Com-munity School, 625 Geor-gia Ave.; McGirr Elemen-tary School, 6199 McGirr Rd.; Nanaimo Alliance Church, 1609 Meredith Rd.; Nanaimo Aquatic Cen-tre, 741 Third St.; Oliver Woods Community Cen-tre, 6000 Oliver Rd.; and Wellington Community Hall, 3922 Corruna Ave.

At the Protection Island fire hall, voting will be open Nov. 15 only from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

District of Lantzville res-idents can vote at Costin Hall, 7232 Lantzville Rd. from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Regional District of Nanaimo residents can vote from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. in Area A at North Cedar Intermediate School, 2215 Gould Rd.; or at Cran-berry fire hall, 1555 Mor-den Rd.; in Area B at Gab-riola Elementary School, 680 North Rd.; in Area C at Extension Community Hall, 2140 Ryder St.; or at Pleasant Valley Social Centre, 6100 Doumont Rd.; and in Area E at Nanoose Pl., 2925 Northwest Bay Rd.

Advance votingAdvance voting is

Wednesday (Nov. 5) and

Nov. 12 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Bowen Park Activ-ity Centre, 500 Bowen Rd. the Regional District of Nanaimo office, 6300 Hammond Bay Rd.; and at the District of Lantz-

ville office, 7192 Lantz-ville Rd.

Advance voting will take place Wednesday only at Gabriola Elementary School and Cranberry fire hall.

File photo

General voting day across British Columbia is Nov. 15.

Creation Date: 09/03/14

Ad No (File name): 006055_BCM_10.25x7_Ad_02_Nanaimo

Ad Title: coming to town

Revision Date: October 21, 2014 12:28 PM

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Now is the time to have your say and shape your province.

WEBSITE:

www.bc-ebc.ca

EMAIL:

[email protected]

PHONE:

1-800-661-8683

B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A E L E C T O R A L B O U N D A R I E S C O M M I S S I O N

The BC Electoral Boundaries Commission is coming to town and wants to hear from you.The commission is reviewing provincial electoral districts and making proposals to the Legislative Assembly on the area, boundaries and names of electoral districts to be used for the next two provincial general elections. Your views will help inform a Preliminary Report to the Legislative Assembly in the spring of 2015.

JOIN a public hearing:

DATE Thursday, Nov 6

CITY/TOWN Nanaimo

LOCATION Coast Bastion Hotel, 11 Bastion Street, Chemanius Room

TIME 9 a.m.

Your views can also be submitted by email [email protected] or online at the commission’s website www.bc-ebc.ca.

B4 Nanaimo News Bulletin Tuesday, November 4, 2014 www.nanaimobulletin.com4 Nanaimo News Bulletin Tuesday, November 4, 2014 www.nanaimobulletin.com

City of Nanaimo: mayoral candidatesBRUNIE BRUNIE

Occupation/background:Studies in sociology, merchandising

starting at an early age in my parents’ grocery; co-owner of Fraulein House of Fashion, fashion design; many years as realtor; poet, songwriter, playwright.

Why are you running for public office?Nanaimo is my ancestral native

land. My great-grandmother was First Nations from Nanaimo. I consider myself to be an elder in this village and am committed to implementing the principles of true democracy, where people are able to have a real vote on issues.

What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues, if elected?

I will kick start a new era of real green sustainability. Growing local organic food big time with high-tech solar greenhouses in every neighbourhood. Better food cheaper. Health and wealth creating many worthwhile jobs. Provid-ing food security.

Affordable home ownership proj-ects. Our children and grandchildren deserve a piece of the pie. It is the inherent right of every citizen to have a home, be it ever so humble. Co-oper-atives, smaller homes (without double carports). Eliminating big in-the-pocket development profits. We do not need to clear cut in order to develop. No more money in lieu of subdivision green spaces.

Keeping the waterfront for the public always and forever. No privatization.

How do you plan to manage taxes and spending?

Fair taxes and superior services are my objectives. Absolutely no tax ben-efits for large multinationals to facili-tate development. I am vehemently opposed to giving your tax dollars to the Hilton Hotel, which has been granted the right by the present city council to demolish one of Nanaimo’s oldest heritage buildings, confiscate a pedestrian walkway that has been

legally cov-enanted on the land connecting the Old City Quarter to the water-front and privatizing parkland down to the waterfront, dispossess-ing native carvers in

the process. As mayor of Nanaimo, I will not allow this to happen. We can be the greatest city on the planet – clean, green and happy.

What do you think it takes to lead Nanaimo? Describe your leadership or co-working style.

I will meet with all organizations and unite the city. I will host a minimum of three public forums per year encourag-ing citizens to debate on issues that are of importance to the community. There are no problems that cannot be solved, all the answers lie with you. Open door policy – no secret deals in council. I will facilitate. You will make it happen.

GARY KORPAN

Occupation/background:Lawyer, 25 years (retired); council-

lor, nine years (1984-1993); mayor, 15 years (1993-2008).

Why are you running for public office?To offer my lengthy experience of

community issues and knowledge of city operations and budgets to ensure the limited resources of taxpayers is used wisely and cost effectively. To stop the spending spree.


To stop the spending spree by freezing all current projects until the new council can review and recon-sider them. Citizens are demanding fiscal restraint. I hate wasteful spend-ing.

I am committed to a full core review of all city operations be conducted to ensure your tax money is well spent. All organizations receiving tax subsidies will undergo a hard audit to ensure they truly deserve your money. All questionable funding decisions will be reconsidered by a recorded vote in open session.

Council’s top priority must be to stimulate investment and spur busi-ness expansion and job creation, within a sustainable community that ensures a great quality of life for all its residents. All regulation needs to be updated and streamlined to focus on encouraging, not preventing, new and expanding business and jobs.


In addition to my priorities above, I intend to use the powers of the mayor

to bring budget line items I consider wasteful or improper back in open council session for public debate and a recorded vote so taxpayers can see who is protecting their interests and who is not.


First, wide knowledge of the myriad community issues and needs.

Second, respect for the true bosses – the citizens – not special inter-

est groups sucking up subsidies at taxpayer expense.

Third, com-mon sense as to true need priorities and how to pay for them in a prudent man-ner. Holding council, staff, contractors,

etc. accountable for professional, quality service.

My record as mayor of forming 8-1 and 7-2 coalitions, across the political spectrum over five terms of office, on major issues, proves I have the lead-ership qualities of getting the city’s work done co-operatively and effec-tively.

I am a truly independent, unaffiliated candidate. I want to be responsible only to the general citizenry, not special interest groups. I do not seek endorsement from any group, but I would appreciate the voting support of informed voters.

BILL HOLDOM

Occupation/background:College professor of English and First

Nations Studies (retired), Malaspina University-College, 1970-2001; Nanaimo school board trustee, 1976-80, 1982-86, chairman for five years; Nanaimo city councillor and regional board direc-tor, 1986-96, 1999-2011; Nanaimo Co-op board member, 1998-99; Vancouver Island Regional Library chairman, 2008-10.

Why are you running for public office?I am running for mayor because I

believe I can provide effective team leadership and good governance. I have the experience, know-how, and commitment to steer our council and community through the next four years. I want to focus on moving from Plan Nanaimo to Action Nanaimo – to act on the excellent set of plans gener-ated by the current and previous coun-cils after extensive public consultation. I offer a positive, progressive choice for Nanaimo’s future.

What three priorities are important to you?

Water. Predictions suggest that Nanai-mo’s water supply will be inadequate by 2020. I would do my best to ensure that our water supply continues to be our No. 1 priority and challenge, and that we continue to move forward on identifying and implementing effective solutions.

Transportation. For both environmen-tal and economic reasons, we need to continue to improve the ways in which we move around our community with or without a vehicle, and strengthen the public transportation links to other communities. I would pursue the ideas

and proposals in the recently com-pleted Transportation Master Plan. I am particularly eager to improve safety conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and bus riders, and I will continue to seek a passenger ferry service to Van-couver.

Citizen engagement. Throughout my career as an elected representative, I have advocated open government. People should have a say in the deci-sions that affect them, and we need an effective process for that to happen.

How do you plan to man-age taxes and spending?

To me, a livable com-munity is an affordable one, so keep-ing taxes and fees affordable is vital. Since we usually can’t afford

everything we want, we have to set priorities, then stick to them – ensur-ing that we address the most essential priorities first.

What do you think it takes to lead Nanaimo?

I think leading Nanaimo as mayor will take good chairmanship. That means knowing the rules, applying them fairly and productively, and ensuring that everyone has all the relevant informa-tion to make a wise decision. Patience, strong listening skills, thoughtfulness, respect for others, flexibility, and the ability to provide clear direction are all vital qualities.

ROGER McKINNON

We just need a change.

KENDAL CSAK

I make sure that I am accessible always and open-minded and I like the word evolved because the world you know is changing so much.

ALISHA NEUMANN-LADRET

I think it’s important that we give back to our community.

Candidates can only fit so many words on an election sign, so this is a chance for them to get more of their messages across.

The Nanaimo News Bulletin e-mailed questionnaires to every person running for mayor or councillor in the City of Nanaimo and District of Lantzville, school trustee in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District, or Regional District of Nanaimo director in Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, Yellow Point, South Wellington) and Area E (Nanoose Bay).

Only the candidates who responded to the questionnaires are included in this section. Missing are the three mayoral hopefuls below, plus Nanaimo council candidates Gail Adrienne and Fred Brooks and Lantzville council candidates Andrew Mostad and Graham Savage.

The profiles have been edited. To read expanded versions, please visit www.nanaimobulletin.com/municipalelection.


JIM ROUTLEDGE

Occupation/background:I am a small ‘d’ developer, builder

and realtor. I am originally from Van-couver, have a UBC Commerce degree and experience with IBM. I moved to Nanaimo in 1982 and have worked in construction-related jobs ever since. I recently went back to school to become a realtor. I am proud of the contribution I have made to help-ing Nanaimo move. I am an analyzer by nature and enjoy finding efficient solutions. I make a mean caesar salad, enjoy four-wheel drive adventures, and recently I jumped out of an airplane. I wear the same waist size that I did 40 years ago. I have a won-derful spouse, a feisty 93-year old mom, and a terrific 27-year-old son.

Why are you running for public office?I want to be part of a winning team. I

can see opportunities to get Nanaimo moving further and faster, and to win at the game of civic and community operations. I believe I can make a dif-ference, build real teamwork, and con-tribute to the community.

What priorities are important to you?

Management – it’s time to get modern and sophisticated in the management of civic operations. We have too many poor and slow results with no changes being made to improve them. I want a high-level, open, outside hiring process for city manager – MBA minimum.

Transparency – share questions and information as it comes available; utilize more modern and traditional communication. I plan make the word ‘transparency’ actually mean some-thing and not merely be lip service.

Attitude – I plan to take a positive and high-level view of civic operations. I play the game to create win-win results for the entire community. And I don’t mind admitting that I think this entire process should be enjoyable and even fun for everyone involved.


It’s neither my job to evaluate spend-ing, nor to assess the need within the current management structure. How-ever, I can hire someone to do that job and do it very well. I see this as a vital step to getting everyone back on task and filling their role, whether it is for policy or operations.


It takes someone willing to get dirty: to do the dirty work that no one else will do, and then to put on a perfect suit and get Nanaimo moving and win-ning. It’s our turn.

I plan to do what I do best. My track record shows that I move things effi-ciently and well.


City of Nanaimo: mayoral candidatesBILL McKAY

Occupation/background:Nanaimo city councillor.Why are you running for public office?Over the past three years, I believe

that our community and current coun-cil have lacked direction and strong leadership. I have spent considerable time during my tenure exploring the best practices implemented by other successful and progressive cities, and feel that the knowledge I have gained, coupled with my drive and determi-nation, will provide the vision Nanaimo needs to become a great city.


Colliery dams: To start, I will bring the new council up to speed and will seek simple, creative and cost-effective solu-tions that will satisfy the requirements of the Dam Safety Branch of B.C. All the research has been done – it is time for council to provide clear and concise instruction to our staff, as to how we will resolve this issue.

Public engagement: I will instruct senior staff to fast track a multitude of new public engagement tools, which

will include: town hall meetings, neigh-bourhood meetings, monthly coffee meetings with the mayor and proven web-based solutions, so that our coun-cil has a direct line of communication with our citizens.

Initiate a program and services review: Rather than conducting a core review, I believe in a three-pronged approach. First, we need to determine what services the community would like the city to provide. Second, we need to establish how many resources or dollars will be dedicated to each function. Finally, we need to determine how we can deliver these services in the most efficient manner.


I believe that fiscal responsibility starts with solid planning. A program and services review will provide coun-cil with a road map to follow, in terms of how our community would like to see our dollars spent. It is important to have a leader who is not afraid to make the tough decisions necessary when considering all of the projects that are seeking funding. My voting record proves that I am ready to make the tough calls needed to keep our budget on track, and stop the unnecessary tax increases.


One of the first things I plan on doing is sitting down and collectively decid-ing what we hope to accomplish as a council over the next four years.


AL THOMPSON

Occupation/background:I was born in Medicine Hat, Alta., and

moved to the Island in 1969 where I met my wife and got married in 1971.

Started working in the logging indus-try the first week I got to Nanaimo and finished my apprenticeship as an inter-provincial heavy-duty mechanic which led to working at logging camps.

Went to work at a few truck shops which led me into trucking. That worked well until the economy went in the tank so I moved the family to Alberta. I started out as foreman, then service manager at Mack trucks Calgary. Was asked to and did join up with Laid-law Waste as shop manager, which led to being Western regional equipment manager. At this time I also sat on a board at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Well, seven years of cold winters got me back to Nanaimo and back into truck-ing.

Between trucks, I lived on the water for 10 years fixing boats and became a chief engineer and shore captain for two 400-foot vessels down in San Fran-

cisco bay where I worked with the U.S. Coast Guard to clean up pollution that the ships were causing. Then back to Nanaimo and trucking and here I am.

What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues?

Jobs, we need jobs, this town is dry-ing up, there is no work, our young folks are all moving to Alberta, we have to bring them back. With new docks coming to Duke Point this will help draw industry here. This can be done without giving away the farm with tax breaks. Here is an idea, how about we give a $100 tax break to new industry for every one full-time job they create?

Tourism. Folks, we have to stop think-ing that the tourists will save us; they won’t, we must do this ourselves. The cruise ship dock proves that point. If we can take control of the downtown area docks from the feds we can build our tourist trap there. I am against the two hotel deals, they are wrong, we do not need more empty rooms. Let’s support the motels and hotels we have now.


The next council and myself will freeze taxes for three years and stop the wasteful spending the present council seems so fond of doing. We will use this money to get better day care for the young working families and more affordable housing. We will take back control of this town from the city management team and straighten out the folks that work with them.

City of Nanaimo: mayoral candidatesJOHN RUTTAN

Occupation/background:Business person; mayor of Nanaimo,

six years; former owner/operator, Nanaimo Travel, 32 years; downtown commercial property owner; former director, Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce; former chairman, Nanaimo Port Authority; former director, Nanaimo Museum; former president, Tourism Nanaimo; former commodore, Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society.

Why are you running for office?After six

years as mayor, I have been a party to a number of new and exciting initia-tives, some of which are still underway. It is my desire to continue on as mayor to see these projects fin-ished and to be present for the open-ing ceremonies. I am intensely proud of Nanaimo and as a 52-year resident of this city, I want to continue on with the promotion of Nanaimo as the best place to live, invest and play in the Pacific Northwest.

What priorities are important to you?Maintaining the momentum which

has been built up over the past six years. Importantly, we need to con-

tinue to build relationships with inves-tors, both local and foreign, and to pro-mote the value of investing in Nanaimo.

Working collaboratively with Snuney-muxw First Nations to develop and expand areas of mutual interest. Exploring the potential opportunities that could be realized on Newcastle Island for SFN is clearly a priority for me. Aboriginal tourism offers tremen-dous potential for everyone.

Developing a comprehensive plan for the Wilcox property recently pur-chased by the city. This is a unique opportunity to create a true transpor-tation hub for Nanaimo which could encompass a local bus exchange, docking facilities for a fast, passenger-only ferry service to Vancouver, the possible re-establishment of rail ser-vice from the Wilcox Yard, and a long-distance bus terminal for services such as Greyhound and the Tofino Bus.


Firstly it is important to receive input from the community in order for coun-cil to establish priorities. As a council, we are then better able to align our budget with the identified strategic priorities. We must monitor staffing requirements on an ongoing basis to ensure that wages and benefits are con-sistent with actual needs.


I am very supportive of a collab-orative leadership style which builds stronger relationships with our com-munity and community partners.

6 Nanaimo News Bulletin Tuesday, November 4, 2014 www.nanaimobulletin.com

BILL HOLDOM

for MAYOR

Experienced, Progressive Leadership!

Your BEST choice for Nanaimo’s next Mayor.

[email protected]

For a sustainable livable community friendly to children & seniors & families

– for moving forward together one step at a time – on November 15th, ELECT

Authorized by Isaac Simpson, financial

agent for Elect Bill Holdom 2014

250 739 2677

election!2014

For the latest election coverage, candidate bios and election information,

go towww.nanaimobulletin.com

and click on

777B Poplar Street • Nanaimo • 250-753-3707


City of Nanaimo: council candidatesBRIAN ANDERSON


Teamwork is a key issue and coun-cil should have a strategic planning session to agree on priorities and an action plan for the coming term, so that we can all work together and accomplish the priority items.

A business-friendly attitude is important to foster a vibrant econ-omy as this will create jobs along with supporting business growth, as environ-mental con-cerns, social issues and arts and cul-ture funding lands on the doorstep of the business community.

A core review is important. The core review will tell us what we do well and what we need to improve upon. Where this has been done in other cities, it has been cost effective.


Tax rate increases should be set by council and held at a minimum, with consideration of the residents and tax fatigue.

BILL BESTWICK

Why are you running for public office?

I am seeking re-election to continue my commitment to represent the citi-zens of Nanaimo who share the val-ues which I represent and continue to pursue opportunities to enrich and grow a healthy and prosperous city with a view to restore trust and confi-dence in city hall.


Perfor-mance review: Continue to advocate for an indepen-dent per-formance review with the goal and objective to identify potential areas for savings.

Citizens participation: Ensure citi-zens from all sectors of our commu-nity maintain their right to engage in the democratic process of city hall.

Asset management: Ensure ade-quate resources are made available to maintain our aging infrastructure with a plan that respects the associ-ated costs to the taxpayer and annual operating budget.

JACK ARNOLD


For me, priority one is providing an open and approachable council to the people of Nanaimo. This means consultation and consensus on items of major public concern. It means pro-viding accountability, fiscally respon-sibe decisions for the taxpayers. The Colliery dams are a major issue which needs to be clarified in my mind. The balance between a danger to people whose homes lie in the area and the preser-vation of green space should have much more open consul-tation with stakehold-ers.

We need to find a way to bring more industrial and high-tech environmen-tally aware business capable of pay-ing good incomes to our city, to stop the exodus of our citizens and youth to other areas to find employment.

My other major concern is our waste and recycle system. That means a greater emphasis public and private sectors to come together.

DIANE BRENNAN

Why are you running for office?Since I was first elected in 2002 we

have accomplished much, but there is more work to be done. I want to influence the decision-making pro-cess. I want to find a new way with new ideas. I want to build a city where we remember the past but seek the future.


To preserve and protect the green spaces and environmen-tal integrity that first attracts peo-ple to our community.

To support enduring economic security so that our children and our children’s children can look forward to a pros-perous future.

To develop a transportation net-work for the 21st century that sup-ports our goal of sustainability.


Property taxes in Nanaimo are in the middle of the pack for B.C. I intend keep them there by being watchful and thoughtful.


Authorized by Diane Brennan, financial agent 250-758-3676

Diane BrennanRe-elect for Nanaimo City Council

Moving Forward with Proven Leadership

250-758-3676electdianebrennan.com

FOR COUNCIL

BrianANDERSON

FOR COUNCIL

BrianANDERSON

Teamwork

Authorized by Brian Anderson, financial agent - [email protected]

Fiscal Responsibility• Evaluate how taxes are spent

• Support businesses and homeowners through appropriate property taxes

Transportation• Develop a plan that includes bike lanes/paths

• Re-evaluate bus routes to encourage ridership• Re-evaluate the downtown parking

plan with merchant & resident consultation

Health & Wellness• Promote hiking and mountain bike paths• Encourage park use

Accountable,Responsible,

& ApproachableAuthorized by Scott Henderson,financial agent, 250 616 3512


City of Nanaimo: council candidatesLEON CAKE


In the City of Nanaimo we have ongoing expenses as well as some areas which will need our consider-able attention and our tax dollars in the near future. I would like to be part of the process in which council deter-mines how and when to proceed with these critical issues.

What priorities are important to you?We need our taxes and spending

brought under con-trol. When we commit to spending our taxpay-ers’ money, we need to remem-ber that each dollar comes from someone’s pocketbook, and we need to be continually evaluating whether our expenditures are reasonable and necessary. Tax dollars are not the property of the city council. Rather, the council is entrusted with using those dollars to best benefit our city. That is a huge responsibility.

Asset management is important to me. We need to assess future needs in order to properly plan for the funding of upgrades and improvements.

KEVIN CANTELON

Why are you running for public office?There is a growing gap of trust

between the people of Nanaimo and their city council. I believe that my skills and experience can help get city council back on track. There are too many important issues facing the city to allow the status quo to continue. Nanaimo deserves better.

What priorities are important to you?Re-establish trust between the coun-

cil and the community, while promot-ing a col-laborative atmosphere within coun-cil.

Promote and encour-age devel-opment while pre-serving and maintain-ing public lands.

Encour-age new industry to create jobs in Nanaimo.


I plan to maintain taxes at existing levels while growing our tax base by encouraging and facilitating develop-ment. My spending priorities are to maintain city services, while continu-ing, and where possible, expanding programs.

TALI CAMPBELL


Downtown area – I want to see a downtown Nanaimo that is relevant for all residents. We should have safe, usable spaces that are for the benefit of the entire community. I want all of Nanaimo to feel inspired to attend events that occur at the Diana Krall Plaza, the waterfront downtown, the Port Theatre and other various down-town busi-nesses.

Youth involve-ment – The youths of our city are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they should be the leaders of today. Youth involvement is not just about volunteerism. It is about engaging youths to want more from their community and to the give back to that same community.

Community input – I want to be a part of a council that works equally with all community partners to ensure engagement and respect for all plans being put forth. I want to work with our community and be sure that all residents feel heard and respected.

STEPHEN COCHRANE

Why are you running for public office?I want people to know that they will

have a true advocate and voice on city council. Too often friends have told me or I myself have looked for answers and wondered why things were happening in our city with no explanation – I want to change that.


I want to get city council and staff working together again as a cohesive group that listens to the people of Nanaimo. I will address con-flicts head on and work collabora-tively to find a solution.

Get city spending in check so that taxpayers are getting a good bang for their buck. The answer is not neces-sarily to freeze, lower or increase taxes but to have a core review and see where money is being spent, for what reason and if there is a sound long-range plan.

To create events and reasons for people to come and want to live and stay in Nanaimo.



City of Nanaimo: council candidatesGORDON FULLER


I want to ensure participatory democracy remains a priority. I want all committee meetings videotaped and placed on the city website.

Your council needs to recognize that social, environmental, cultural and economic aspects are intertwined, linking the community together. A focus on one without the others detracts from the whole; a focus on all builds better community.

A longtime social and community advocate, I know it is critical to recognize the impor-tance of a healthy diverse economy in providing meaningful employment and the nec-essary tax base from which to run our fair city.


When elected I will bring a new level of trust, openness, inclusiveness, common sense and experience to the position, all qualities needed as a sit-ting councillor.

JIM GOLDSACK

Why are you running for office?The taxpayers of Nanaimo need a

strong council and I believe my back-ground and knowledge can gain back the confidence of the community.


We need to demonstrate a willing-ness to listen and understand what people are asking. I would advocate in camera meetings be kept to a bare minimum. In addition, informal meet-ings held throughout the commu-nity to allow our citizens an opportu-nity to ask questions or just plain dialogue with mem-bers of the council.

Fiscal responsibil-ity. I want to see a service and pro-gram review. Encouragement of the public to participate in the review.

A proper balance to accommodate the community as a whole. Work with the business community and encour-age investment. Protect our heritage and environment while working with senior government to ensure we have affordable housing and social pro-grams.

PAUL GOGO


Open up communications. Base all decisions on how the outcome affects people who actually live here. Create online referendums or questionnaires for issues that concern people. No more cynicism. Let’s have ideas, sug-gestions and answers. Any successful venture requires people, communica-tions, skills and leadership.

Finalize a solution to the dam. Get the information. Our park is a gem and a seri-ous tourist attraction. Your great grandkids will love it too.

Promote a vibrant economy. Encourage invest-ment, growth and job creation with-out sacrificing our priceless environ-ment. Local high-tech people have big visions. Let’s create a promotional plan for young industries. Tourism is our gold mine. I am from a logging family, and I know what our city is built on. We need to reach out and help to develop and promote tourism markets.

TED GREVES

What priorities are important to you?Water: Water is of utmost impor-

tance to the First Nations and hope-fully we can come to some arrange-ment to increase our city’s water source within the near future.

Transportation: I will continue to work to implement the recommenda-tions set out in the recently adopted Transportation Master Plan.

Governance: I am the chairman of the Governance Review Steering Com-mittee and we still have important work to do in this area.

How do you plan to man-age taxes and spend-ing?

We deliber-ate in a col-laborative atmosphere as a council with a great amount of advice and help from our professional staff and we are very cognitive of the impor-tance of property taxes. Council unanimously voted for a one per cent increase in each year of our five-year plan, so that is a given. There are other important issues that we will have to address shortly such as water and a possible future dam, so taxes will be a big issue in the future.


• Experienced• RDN Director - DPRC Chair - Transit Select Committee - Executive Committee Member

- Port Liaison Committee Member - Sports Hall of Fame Committee Member• Accountable• Nanaimo First Approach• Advocate for Preservation and Protection of Nanaimo’s

Natural Resources - Land and Water• Advocate for Sports - Recreation - Culture - Environment Growth• Advocate for independent performance audit of City Services• Advocate to conclude the Colliery Dam spending• Advocate to preserve Citizen involvement & not the New Governance Policy

Re-elect Bill Bestwick on November 15, 2014

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City of Nanaimo: council candidatesSCOTT HENDERSON


Fiscal responsibility: evaluate how taxes are spent, encourage business growth through appropriate wait times for permits and licensing, and by supporting established business and homeowners through appropri-ate property tax rates.

Transportation: develop a transpor-tation plan which includes bike paths planned with pur-pose and consistency, evaluate bus routes and encour-age bus use driven by passenger needs, and further develop the downtown parking plan with merchant consultation.

Health and wellness: to continue to promote a vast hiking and mountain bike trail system, encourage park use, beach access and outdoor activ-ity.


With common sense. We need to encourage new business in the city to spread the tax load.

MIKE HORN

Why are you running for public office?I was outraged at the handling of the

Colliery Dam Park issue and the city’s shifting positions on public safety.

What priorities are important to you?To provide critical thinking on coun-

cil – I will challenge assumptions and point out different points of view. I will ask council to stop and think before they pick fights with neigh-bourhoods and religious groups.

Parks – I want to preserve the parks we have and get commu-nity input for future plans.

Downtown – We need to get behind the downtown revival.


We have made many commitments in the last three years. We need to manage these carefully, slow down the rate of new spending and most importantly, seek value for money.


The first goal of leadership is to fos-ter unity. If everyone feels included in the process it will be easier to imple-ment decisions together.

JERRY HONG

Why are you running for public office?I believe that we need a fresh

approach to attract innovative busi-nesses and attractions that will stimu-late our growth in our city.

What priorities are important to you?Tourism: We need to continue to

support and promote tourism in Nanaimo and invest in destination development that attracts businesses. I will work to create more festivals and other activities for the citizens of Nanaimo; ensure downtown is a safe and vibrant place for all to enjoy; support via-ble parking that will not hurt busi-ness growth.

Infra-structure: I believe that building a strong infrastructure is important to our growth but should also be practical, innovative and bal-anced with the city’s history, lifestyle and local values. To do this I will work to support practical infrastructure, renewal and innovation.

Inspiring and advocacy for young adults: We need to support young people who are looking for good, sus-tainable jobs.

KAREN HOVESTAD


Community engagement. We need good, old-fashioned debate to truly tap our social capital. Our official community plan declares neighbour-hood plans are the building blocks of our community, yet none exist for the majority of our city and the few we do have are becoming outdated. Let’s debate the ward system. Eight coun-cillors, eight wards. Then facilitate a plan for each neigh-bourhood. The goal – empowered people, better rep-resentation and direct accountabil-ity.

Environ-mentally sustainable business. We are putting our future at risk by not look-ing far enough down the road. We sim-ply must be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

Raise the bar on Nanaimo’s reputa-tion. At the council table we need an attitude of respect – respect for the people who vote for us, respect for the people who work for us and respect for the process from all levels.


The first goal of leadership is to foster unity.“


City of Nanaimo: council candidatesJIM KIPP


Environment – policies supporting protection of natural and human envi-ronments, green initiatives and devel-opment of life-cycle planning.

Economy – policies supporting fis-cally responsible spending, debt con-trol and the development of strong and dynamic local economy.

Equity – social dignity based policy and response to issues of addic-tion, crime, homeless-ness, mental illness and societal issues. Working to create a greater sense of pride in our community.


Using these topics of triple bottom line accounting and strategic plan-ning as guiding principles to assist my decision making.

This includes gathering and distrib-uting information to develop policy based on public and stakeholder vision and input.

GERALDINE MANSON


Strengthen the voice for women’s rights, education and culture between communities.

To recognize and take into consider-ation that there are differences in cul-tures, different ways of living, differ-ent generations and different income levels for those living within the City of Nanaimo.

What priorities are important to you?Building

bridges by listening and responding to the voices rarely heard from all walks of life within the community of Nanaimo.

Acting with respect – respect toward indi-viduals and community.

Transparency and accountability will be achieved through ongoing communications via social media, updating the community on a bi-weekly basis.

Being the voice, the legs and eyes for all those who cannot do so. In order to determine a course of action, the power of community lies in every-one being valued and engaged.

WENDY PRATT


Fiscal responsibility – Rising taxes are of great concern and with good reason. We must regain control over spending that directly affects the rise and fall of taxes.

Community engagement – Many have lost trust in city hall. The only way to regain that trust is through effective community engagement, transpar-ency and accountabil-ity.

Account-ability – City hall must be responsible and answer-able for its actions. When con-sidering important issues we must weigh all sides, do our research, and in the end rely on evidence-based decision mak-ing that meets the goals set out in the strategic plan. The present plan is the product of past community engagement, and exists to inform the direction and decision making of city council and city staff. Perhaps it’s time to revisit our community plan.

FRED PATTJE


Maintaining a safe and secure com-munity: this means I will work to ensure effective police and firefight-ing services and continued mainte-nance and improvement of our water, sewer and road infrastructure. I will continue to promote strong, vibrant neighbourhoods in a quality environ-ment. I will work hard to increase affordable housing and to reduce poverty.

Jobs: I will work to attract and retain new businesses to Nanaimo that bring well-paying jobs in the high-tech and knowledge-based sectors. I will push to implement a review of the municipal commercial tax structure with the aim to reduce taxes on small enterprises of all kinds since they provide the majority of jobs.

Urban planning: Now that we have the South Downtown Waterfront vision and guidelines, I will make certain that these are followed and applied.


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City of Nanaimo: council candidatesIAN THOMPSON


Keeping taxes at a reasonable level. I am in favour of a core review so we can ensure the money we are cur-rently collecting is used in the most efficient manner possible.

Involve the community outside of council meetings; I believe that coun-cil needs to ask for more input prior to making decisions. I suggest round-table discussions where we listen more than we speak.

I believe the South Downtown Waterfront Initiative will have the biggest impact for Nanaimo. I believe the city should set up a sep-arate oper-ating organization like the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation to ensure a plan is followed that we can all be proud of.

Describe your leadership style.My style involves co-operation and

confidence. We need to ask for input and listen more than we speak. My job will be to make the best decisions for all of Nanaimo rather than trying to please everyone.

BILL YOACHIM

What priorities are important to you?Build stronger bridges with key

stakeholders – working as one and eliminate working in isolation, our dollars and key initiatives will be bet-ter off financially and operationally.

Create a culture of inclusion and accountability at city hall – ensure the public is fully included and engaged through town hall meetings, reducing in camera meetings, creating open democracy through transparency and accountabil-ity.

Protect our cher-ished parks and natural environment while spur-ring on well-managed economic develop-ment ini-tiatives, including developing a Nanaimo economic/envi-ronmental strategic vision through a public, collaborative process.


Core review focused on top-heavy management structure at city hall. Engaging public in a transparent process to review allocation of city finances, and make recommendations for reallocation.

IAN THORPE

What priorities are important to you?Fiscal accountability – Nobody

wants increased taxes, but we also want to maintain and improve ser-vices, facilities, and the city’s infra-structure. Long-term budget planning is required, and critical examination of budget items. An involved council would work with city staff to reduce expenses and make wise decisions on the spending of taxpayers’ money.

Council credibility – This will involve improved communica-tion with staff, public, and each other. It will also require the effort to do due dili-gence and to examine all sides of any issue before reaching an informed decision.

Economic prosperity – Initiatives will be needed to attract clean busi-ness to Nanaimo, and to develop tourism opportunities that showcase our city’s rich cultural history. The Harbour City is still in many ways a Hub City, and we need to promote Nanaimo as a transportation and tourism hub for all of Vancouver Island.


JIM TAYLOR

What priorities are important to you?Governance – Council must set

policy and insist staff execute.Budget – City property taxes must

be what the community can afford.Participatory democracy – Nanaimo

citizens must become a part of all major decisions made by city council.


Freeze on taxes – set a spending limit at city hall and make sure staff stick to it.

Core review – our basic ser-vices such as water, sewer, roads, sani-tation and safety must be fully funded and protected before we entertain funding of special interest concerns.

Stop the waste – currently our basic infrastructure is not being fully funded and we are spending money on $16-million staff offices and other wastes. This has to stop.

The conference centre should be sold and the debt retired, putting sur-plus funds into the bank. This should offset tax increases for the immediate future.

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Nanaimo school district: trustee candidatesNELSON ALLEN

Why are you running for trustee?I have served in the past on the

board of education and worked for over a decade to improve education outcomes in this district and to see the construction of a new school on the NDSS site. The plan will improve education outcomes, will bring jobs to the community and provide facili-ties for VIU and city recreation needs. I wish to see these projects to com-pletion.


All of our focus must be on our students. Provide them with the very best instruc-tional sup-ports and house them in new or renovated classrooms to improve learning outcomes.

Promote higher graduation rates. With the highest number of our stu-dents living in poverty in B.C. we must do more to ensure that each stu-dent has the opportunity to graduate.

Skills and trades training. We have to provide the opportunities for our interested youth to learn skills in tra-ditional and new trades.

BILL BARD


Bullying and discrimination are still big issues in our district.

Continuing to develop toward 21st-century learning initiatives like RTI and self-regulation. Instructional coordinators should have come from within our own schools, and any new hires ought to as well.

We must have a better working rela-tionship with our staff. The teacher is not the only person able to make a difference in a child’s education. Bus drivers, EAs, secre-taries, cus-todians and every other employee that has interaction with your child should have a role in planning a better learning environment.

How do you plan to work toward a balanced school district budget?

We must continue to consolidate services wherever possible with the first priority always being on student outcomes. Our budget must stop being about shortfalls and cuts. We must get to the place where services are added and enriched, not lost.

JAMIE BRENNAN


The school district needs to collabo-rate with other agencies and organiza-tions to address the issue of family poverty. Currently, 34 per cent of our children begin their schooling unpre-pared in several social and personal dimensions. In other words, they start from behind. This is unacceptable.

Lobby and advocate for a more real-istic fund-ing formula for public education. Every year, boards of education find them-selves hav-ing to cut programs and services because the ministry does not recognize the fact of increased costs for the provision of educational ser-vices.

Continue to upgrade our schools, both in terms of the buildings and equipment. We have had to slow our technology improvements due to financial problems. Also, many of our buildings are aging. Our students deserve to be taught in the safest and best-equipped schools.

NATASHA BOB


I want to support and strengthen SD68 relations with the aboriginal education community. My plan is to seek guidance and wisdom from edu-cation advocates and work with all aboriginal education stakeholders.

Advocating for capital and class-room funding and improved class size and composition is important to me. Where possible, I plan to emphasize the fiduciary duty of gov-ernments to support a strong pub-lic education system.

Ensuring that teach-ers have ready access to learning resource is also very important. I want to support plans and initiatives that support learning.

What do you think it takes to be an education leader in Nanaimo?

I think an education leader needs to speak comfortably about anti-bul-lying, child and youth mental health issues. If these issues are ignored it creates an poor environment for learning.


VISION:A Council and city that values public input – Participatory Democracy.Focus on the preservation of Nanaimo’s heritage and Parks; development that works in harmony with the waterfront and mountain vistas, maintaining the unique character of neighbourhoods and the community, Citizen Driven and Not Developer Driven; recognizing the importance of a healthy diverse economy in providing meaningful employment and the necessary tax base. Smart growth not rapid growth should determine Nanaimo’s future.Your council needs to recognize that social, environmental, cultural and economic aspects are intertwined; linking the community together. A focus on one without the others detracts from the whole.It is imperative that we, as a community, recognize and value diversity and the potential of ALL citizens in contributing to make Nanaimo a vibrant and INCLUSIVE community.

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Nanaimo school district: trustee candidatesALANA CAMERON

What three priorities are important to you and how do you intend to tackle these if elected?

Continue working with all stake-holder groups on initiatives that strengthen our system.

Continue listening to parents. In my role as DPAC president I have become aware of many issues that affect parents across this district.

Childhood poverty is another issue that affects students across this district. It affects the child’s abil-ity to learn, it affects their social interactions within the school itself as well as their self-esteem.

How do you plan to work toward a bal-anced school budget?

No one will argue that the educa-tion system as a whole needs more money right across the province. I have watch over the past few years trustees making very difficult deci-sions about making cuts to a system that is stretched very thin. I think that when jobs are cut due to lack of funding it has an ultimate impact on the kids.

PATTI GRAND


Improved communication and con-sultation with stakeholders.

Aligning student capabilities with attainable educational goals through curriculum.

Resource sharing to end purchase duplication of applicable studies.


There is no choice about a balanced budget, trustees will listen to rep-resentatives of applica-ble groups affected by changes in the budget, set a target and direct their staff to bring a first draft for consider-ation – it is a process.

Trustees need to work with avail-able local information and end paying for irrelevant studies from question-able sources.

Trustees should be working with their parent organization to reset standards for addressing provincial issues such as a system to create a class-size equation that has local flex-ibility reflecting student needs.

NANCY CURLEY


I have been vocal during the budget process that the cuts the board is forced to make must be across the entire district, not just within the classrooms. While I have (and con-tinue to be) been very supportive of our strategic plan, I believe that we must find a balance between moving forward with implementation and addressing the needs of today’s stu-dents.

Address-ing the issue of poverty within our district is a goal that I brought with me three years ago. The board has identified this problem, but the work to deal with it has only just started.

Lastly, the role of the board within the day-to-day operations of the district is something that I believe must still be refined. The board has moved to a governance model which I support, but I’m not confident that we have yet found the right balance of responsibilities to best serve our children.


TANIA BRZOVIC

Why are you running for school trustee?

I’m running because I believe the public education system is in crisis. We need a strong board that will advocate for improved funding. I also believe we can use current funding more effectively.

What priorities are important to you?My top three priorities are to look

at streamlining administration so we can get more resources into the class-room so as to address class size/composition concerns; improve relation-ships within the district stem-ming from changes brought on by the current gov-ernance model; speak up for the com-munity and support teachers/public education.

How do you plan to work toward a balanced school budget?

I will speak out about the need for adequate funding; collaborate with stakeholders to determine where best to use resources; discuss the pros and cons of submitting a needs bud-get.

VOTE

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Working Together. One Voice. One Community.

ON NOV. 15 FOR CITY COUNCIL• Leadership • Collaboration

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ElectGERALDINE

MANSONTHE VOICE

ELECT GERALDINE MANSONFOR CITY COUNCILOR

250-618-1686 • [email protected] by Geraldine Manson. Financial Agent Alan Howardson, 250-755-1316

As an Elder of Snuneymuxw (Snanaimo) First Nation and having served 12 years on Snuneymuxw council and 17 years as Cultural Elders’ Adviser including guiding the ‘Justice Circle’, my work has strengthened relationships between all the communities of Nanaimo.

As an Elder-in-Resident at VIU, I provide guidance and support to students sharing traditional knowledge practices in the Faculty of Health and Human Services Program.

Being a part of Vancouver Island University, Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo. I understand each platform and am dedicated to strengthening the relationships between all communities to improve the infrastructure within Nanaimo, enhance the unique culture of our city, promote education and economic growth in the downtown corridor for small business to thrive.

My Integral Promise To You:• Be the voice to advocate for the citizens of Nanaimo• Be the liaison between communities and governing bodies• Be proactive to empower the rights of all our citizens• Be transparent, accountable and maintain open communication • Be proactive in lobbying governments to subsidize Economic

Development


Nanaimo school district: trustee candidatesSTEPHANIE HIGGINSON


Alter the current budget planning process to include stakeholders in the process. We simply cannot keep cut-ting support workers and teachers. We need fresh eyes on the budget so we can keep students at the centre of every decision made.

Work to build collaborative and meaningful relationships with the var-ious stake-holders in district by developing a strategic approach to stakeholder engagement.

Complete a review of the facili-ties renewal plan. The plan is flawed and it is costing our district millions of dollars. Every school that has been touched by this plan has been nega-tively impacted. The next round of closures under this plan are in the north end. We need to make sure that does not become a district-wide prob-lem.


Cuts can no longer be made to student services and programs. Sav-ings need to be in areas that do not directly impact classroom learning for our students.

CATHERINE MORLEY


My No. 1 priority is child poverty and how this affects the learning of children; if elected I would donate my paycheck every six months to a dif-ferent school with a high percent of low-income families to subsidize the breakfast and lunch programs.

Space in French immersion. I would look at the policies around the lot-tery and how to make more spaces available for the high demand.

Setting a more professional atmo-sphere in the schools while meet-ing the minimum instructional minutes set out by the province by ensuring the teachers are getting adequate professional training that doesn’t infringe on the children’s time with the teacher.


Reviewing what the largest expenses are in the district and inves-tigating if they can be met in any less expensive ways. Also reviewing what assets are currently no longer needed and can be turned into funds to ben-efit the district’s goals.

KIM HOWLAND


Ensuring decisions are dedicated to the best interest of students, first and foremost. I will continually ask, “Is this good for our students across the district?”

Continuing to support a collabora-tive environment and maintaining positive relationships with all stake-holders in a leadership manner that supports safe and respectful opportu-nities for all individuals and organi-zations to share their expertise, diverse ideas, knowledge and experi-ences.

Discover-ing innova-tive ways to enhance community and parent engagement in our schools.


I will take a blended approach that includes examining management’s recommendations, asking questions, discussing with stakeholders and doing my own research, to support possible recommendations to my fellow trustees. Legally and ethically we need to support our students by working toward a balanced budget that will represent the best outcomes within the funds provided.

DOT NEARY

What priorities are important to you?The continuous improvement of

student learning is always a top pri-ority; it is the focus of the board’s vision, plans and goals. The district lays out student achievement results, district goals for improvement and what is being done toward reaching those goals. The board monitors and assesses progress towards achieving those goals, adjusting district goals and plans, as needed.

In common with many other orga-nizations, the district is experienc-ing the impact of the demographic shift, as more senior employees are opting to retire, so the imple-mentation of a succession plan is a pri-ority.

How do you plan to work toward a bal-anced school district bud-get?

A $3.5-million budget shortfall is forecast for 2015-16, which means reducing costs and/or increasing rev-enues. The best strategies create per-manent budget changes and, while progress has been made toward this objective, the board needs to con-tinue to find enduring efficiencies at every level of the organization that are realistic and sustainable.

SCOTT KIMLER


Governance – The current board defers to the administrative staff and represents administration, instead of representing communities and their values. When elected, I will embrace and encourage stakeholder engage-ment and proper community repre-sentation. I will challenge administra-tors to present alternatives and I will ask tough questions.

Budget – Over the past decade or so, enrol-ment has declined by 10 per cent, staff and school admin have been cut by 20 per cent, but district administration has grown by 35 per cent. As trustee, I will champion moves to lower district administra-tive costs.

Culture shift – Public education is under duress, from many directions (enrolment decline, aging facilities, increasing costs and limited provin-cial funding). Also, the reputation of SD68 among school districts isn’t good. I will focus on working with stakeholders to come up with cre-ative and unique solution to help bol-ster morale, student outcomes and make SD68 the envy of the province.

STEVE RAE


Better stakeholder engagement: We need to build better relationships with our partners in education. We need to improve our relationships with our stakeholder groups so we can start focusing on providing high- quality education for our students.

Democratic reform: We need to ensure that our board is open and responsive to the needs of the com-munities it serves. This is why the board of education exists. We need to change meeting formats and structures to ensure that the communi-ties we serve can be heard.

Fiscal responsibil-ity: We need to start spending school district money like it is our own. We need to understand the full implications and costs of every major initiative started in our district. We need to start addressing the top-heavy management structure in our district and start allocating resources with students in mind. We need to build, administer and maintain a budget that allows for excellence in education.

ROSMY JEAN LOUIS

What priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues, if elected?

I believe there must be a vigor-ous social cost-benefit analysis with extensive consultation with the pub-lic before a decision is to be made about school closures. And, most importantly, stakeholders’ views must be heard. Closing schools without a good understanding of its present and future social cost to society has far more reach-ing conse-quences than what has been docu-mented. Kids end up spending more time on buses, putting them at dis-advantages to other kids with school in their catchment area who can go to after-school pro-grams and other activities that can further enhance their development. I intend to revisit all school closures within the last three years to deter-mine if the proper due diligence was conducted in their closing because I believe some schools could have been saved.

If elected, I will ensure the improve-ment of the quality of education by providing teachers with the most needed resources, finding optimal class sizes and access to technology.

LUCY OXMAN

What priorities are important to you? I offer a fresh perspective and new

eyes on old issues, such as our bud-get. I am committed to working with parents, teachers, support staff and students to create the best public education possible for our district.


The community consultation pro-cess will identify priorities and needs. We cover a lot of ground in our dis-trict and each is unique. I will take into consideration the communities’ response when making budget deci-sions at the board table. I understand the budget must be balanced, but it is up to us as the board to decide how the money is spent to serve our students.

What do you think it takes to be an education leader in Nanaimo? Describe your lead-ership or co-working style.

Each trustee comes to the table with specific ideas and priorities but I will work toward making cohesive decisions that benefit our students. I believe work as a trustee would be an honour and I will make the best deci-sions possible, advocating on behalf of the voters and students.



Nanaimo school district: trustee candidatesBILL ROBINSON


I will support efforts to improve our classroom size and composition chal-lenges; I will focus on promoting the ongoing positive growth; I will con-tinue my work to improve the gradua-tion rate of our aboriginal students.

How do you plan to tackle these issues, if elected?

I will continue my practice of meet-ing frequently with teachers, staff and parents to gather and digest ideas and repre-sent them at the board table. As a full-time trustee, I have both the time and energy required to make a dif-ference for our students and teachers.

I will find new ways to publicly cel-ebrate the many exciting successes achieved day after day by our stu-dents, teachers and other staff.

In an effort to help aboriginal students feel more welcome in our system and therefore be more suc-cessful, I will continue to work toward integrating more Hul’qumi’num lan-guage and culture into our schools. The current aboriginal grad rate of 56 per cent is not acceptable and it does not paint a true picture of aboriginal ability and potential.

JEFF SOLOMON

Why are you running for school trustee?

I have had concerns about the lack of engagement between the board and the community. Some decisions seem to be made in an arbitrary fash-ion that is not inclusive. The current facilities plan is a strong indicator of the disconnect between the board and the community. It may be time for new ideas and collaboration with the families who may be impacted.


Decisions should be made with a full under-standing of the impact that they may have on the individ-ual school and com-munity. The local school is one of the main pillars of the community.

I would like to make the board meet-ings accessible and welcoming to par-ents and include them in the process for making decisions. Collaboration should be the norm.

Promote and enhance opportunities for extra-curricular activities. These activities are also important in chil-dren’s education and can be the high-light of a child’s day.

TERRYLYNN SAUNDERS

What priorities are important to you?Governance is a big issue for me.

Our new governance model abrogated some of our responsibilities to senior administration which I believe we need to revise to better reflect our publicly elected role.

Dealing with poverty issues is a major priority for me considering Nanaimo is one of the cities with the highest family-poverty rates in B.C. and these children attend our schools. A child who comes to school unprepared, hungry and not properly clothed is a child who has difficulty learning. We need to expand our working relationship with other agencies and gov-ernment that focus on family issues.

How do you plan to work toward a bal-anced school district budget?

It is how and where we allocate our funds that make a difference. For the first time in my 18 years as a trustee, I did not support the last budget. I felt strongly we were cutting programs that helped our kids as well as pro-grams that would extend the life of our facilities which are major public assets. I also felt we were top heavy in several areas.

MARK ROBINSON

What priorities are important to you?Protecting students, staff, parents

and visitors by implementing a solid plan that encompasses readiness for natural disasters, disease epidemics, traffic safety, and student security concerns utilizing ideas and contribu-tions developed from our community.

Protecting public interest by balanc-ing funding across the entire district and not any one particular school.

Protecting public education by ensuring that cuts to libraries, sports, and music pro-grams are a thing of his-tory by con-sidering dif-ferent fund-ing formulas and that school trust-ees directly share the pain from cuts and closures.


From the top, not the bottom: reduce the board from nine to seven, reduce trustees’ pay by the rate of declining enrolment, halt luxury hotel stays and limit out-of-town confer-ences, trustees who do not show up to meetings do not get paid.

Identify creative opportunities to add education funding through every means at our disposal, for example enhancing our desire for the lucrative international student market.

SHARON WELCH

What priorities are important to you?First, I believe that collaboration

is of fundamental importance within SD68 and with external stakehold-ers. We can achieve so much more together than we can by operating in silos. I hope to continue chairing the Anti-Vandalism Committee, working closely with the District Parent Advi-sory Committee in a community-wide anti-bullying campaign, and support-ing the work of the Nanaimo-Lady-smith Schools Foundation.

Second, we always need to be looking for potential administrative efficien-cies, while providing an adequate level of sup-port for our front-line staff.

Third, I will con-tinue to strongly support arts-based programs, sports and trades programs, as these programs can lead to greater student engagement and graduation rates


Board members should come to the table with open minds and careful preparation to debate staff’s recom-mendations, ask questions, contrib-ute ideas and ultimately approve the finalized balanced budget.

NOAH ROUTLEY


I will increase overall stakeholder and community advocacy if elected. My mandate is to be available and accessible to constituents, bringing public concerns to the board. Now more than ever in our school district we need advocates with a heart and a powerful voice.

Budget accountability and tough financial decisions need to be made with consulta-tion from the people affected by our choices. I will not shy away from making deci-sions that better serve our children.

I plan to increase tranparency between the superintendent, board and the public on how decisions are being made that affect the entire district with the present governance model. I will push for accountability within district management.


Since 2001 the board has reduced classroom teachers by 20 per cent while increasing management and administrator positions. This leads to an imbalance of staffing levels which can be improved and savings found.

BILL WINDLEY

What priorities are important to you?The largest part of the budget is

fixed so my priority would be to work co-operatively with the school board members to bring a focus to those programs I feel would deliver the best value in quality versus cost.

To explore ways to effectively sup-port/educate high-risk students so they are less likely to end up in our prison system. I would tackle this by teaming up with like-minded volun-teer groups that have a proven suc-cess rate in this field.

To bring back some of the optimism that the pub-lic school system used to have. I would lis-ten to the concerns of parents, students, teachers and counsel-lors.

How do you plan to work toward a bal-anced school district budget?

I plan to explore ways to earn money from some of the school dis-trict buildings.

What do you think it takes to be an education leader in Nanaimo?

I believe it takes a good listener, good communication skills, a good team player and someone able to put their interests aside and represent the people that voted for them.

File photo

Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District trustee candidates are setting priorities for better classroom learning outcomes.



District of Lantzville: mayoral candidatesJOE BRATKOWSKI

Occupation/background:Over 20 years as a small business owner and 15

years on the corporate side. Over 40 years on vari-ous boards, striving to keep its dues and taxes reflec-tive of our economic times.

Why are you running for public office?It is time and I am ready. I have been a councillor

for nine years and prior to that a trustee for 12 more. I have been in the community for over 35 years and know Lantzville and its unique characteristics.

What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues if elected?

Water, downtown revital-ization and rebuilding the trust between council and residents. The first task will be a strategic plan-ning session with staff and council to determine our priorities, followed with a public information meeting for input.


Carefully controlling all costs. I would like to bring municipal salaries more in line with the private sector, contracting out wherever possible, working with different levels of government as partners, utilize new technology to reduce costs, and raise revenues through sponsor-ship activities.

What do you think it takes to lead Lantzville? Describe your leadership or co-working style.

I see the role of a mayor as a facilitator. We must work together to pinpoint our challenges, develop positive solutions, and achieve our goals in the inter-ests of the community.

JACK DE JONG

Occupation/background:I am a graduate of Loyola and Concordia Univer-

sity, married with three children and four grandchil-dren. I enjoyed a successful 35-year technical career with Bell Canada in engineering and operations management and with Bell Canada International as a consultant and director of operations. I have lived in Lantzville for the last 23 years.

What three priorities are important to you?Provide constructive leadership to staff and, in

co-operation with council, strengthen our ability to manage the various services which under the legislation are the respon-sibility of the municipality i.e. environmental protec-tion and sustainability, infrastructure (roads, water, sewers) and bylaw enforcement.

Ensure that the commu-nity and council’s various service objectives and desires are consistent with our financial ability.

Facilitate and encourage the provisioning of senior and affordable housing.

How do you plan to tackle these issues if elected?Our citizens and our employees are our most

important asset. It is important to bridge the vari-ous opinions and build consensus. I believe that my last three years as mayor have shown that I have that ability. My prior work experience in capital management and budget management has proven constructive. With Lantzville’s small and primarily residential tax base, every dollar counts. I will con-tinue to work with the community, council and staff to ensure value for money.

COLIN HAIME

Occupation/background:Chartered accountant; university professor and

facilitator, CPA Canada; Lantzville mayor, eight years.


A water agreement for all Lantzvillagers. While the basic ideas behind the recently signed water agree-ment are acceptable, the exclusion of hundreds of Lantzville residents to the benefit of developers is not. The priority is to revise the agreement, with Nanaimo’s permission, to focus new connections to those Lantzville residents with water challenges before developers and then concentrate development in the village core instead of the Foothills.

Protecting the vision and lifestyle of Lantzville. The community plan is the framework for the future of Lantzville. The changes that a developer demands in that framework could result in a Lantzville we do not recognize or desire. My priority is in protecting the vision by considering decisions in relation to the community plan created by Lantzvillagers.

Introducing a transparency/accountability policy for council. Council has a moral and ethical obliga-tion to conduct the community’s business in public and with disclosure to the residents. My 60-day priority is to introduce a policy whereby council is required to release in camera documents and hold town hall meetings where residents can openly dis-cuss areas of concerns and issues of the day.


CONSTRUCTIVE LEADERSHIP

Community Driven, Pragmatic, Fair and Accessible

Re-Elect Jack de JongMayor, Lantzville

The last three years as your Mayor have been a wonderful experience, sometimes frustrating but overall rewarding. I again ask for your support this election to continue on the path of sound, stable, inclusive governance. Priorities include: clean water to all residents, seniors and affordable housing, core revitalization and sewer expansion. Lantzville has one of the lowest per capita tax revenues in BC and I intend to keep it that way.

Democracy works when we all participate. Get out and Vote: Lantzville will work even better with your participation.

Authorized by Jack de Jong, financial agent, 250 390 1006

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JIM TAYLORJimTaylorForCouncil.com

HOLD ON TAXES CORE REVIEWSTOP WASTING OUR MONEY

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District of Lantzville: council candidatesJOHN COULSON

Why are you running for office?I am deeply concerned about the

ability of Lantzville to remain an inde-pendent community.


Fiscal management – There are substantial tax savings available to the residents if the district and council were to practise sound fiscal management. This involves clearly distinguish-ing between needs and wants, just like in our own house-holds.

Water – I suggest Lantzville takes a pause on water. We need to identify the problems and needs, review all options available – not just Nanaimo, identify the long-term plan and costs, consult the residents, conduct a ref-erendum. Lantzville does need water, but let’s implement a solution that meets the needs of existing users rather than new development.

Cultural/philosophical change within the district office – There are some critical issues within the district office and I question whether the chief administrative officer position is functioning effectively for the com-munity.

ROD NEGRAVE


Upgrading/enhancing the village core: The Village Commercial Core Improvement Plan needs to be presented to and confirmed by resi-dents. The challenge will be how to implement this plan, while retaining the current village character, and determining the most effective zon-ing and infrastructure investments to achieve this.

Water supply/distribution: The big-gest question facing Lantzville – it will largely determine any future develop-ment and the long-term sus-tainability of the com-munity. We need to analyze the security of our water supply and determine how incremental supplies from Nanaimo will be used to relieve current water-supply pressure on res-idents, be used as a reserve against the future, or support limited stra-tegic development, such as seniors’ housing in the community.

Development: Development is linked to water supply. We should not see much new development in Lantz-ville due to limitations on our aquifer.

JENNIFER MILLBANK


Continue the community discus-sions about water. Now that we have concluded an historic water deal, we can look at how it should be imple-mented, if at all.

Increase opportunities for families. Lantzville is a great place to raise kids, because taxes are low, and life is a little bit simpler. What we don’t have are the programs to match. Our recre-ation programs are largely directed at seniors, and parents and youth have largely been pushed to the sidelines.

Revitaliza-tion of the downtown core. As the chairwoman of the Vil-lage Com-mercial Core Improve-ment Com-mittee, we have been looking at a comprehen-sive plan for changes to the downtown.


I have been the most fiscally con-servative member of council. I have voted against staff increases, tried (unsuccessfully) to roll back manage-ment staff salaries, reduced permis-sive tax exemptions and have pushed for greater accountability in the parks and rec budget.

BRIAN DEMPSEY

What priorities are important to you?I will continue to work towards

achieving the goals of the Official Community Plan, providing commu-nity water so that all citizens of Lantz-ville have clean, safe drinking water and improved fire protection with additional fire hydrants, expanding community sewer as needed, provid-ing opportunities for new housing for seniors and young families.

Based on my years of experience, I will work with council to continue to obtain the best value for our tax dollar.


Council must estab-lish a stra-tegic plan, short-term and long-term. Asset management is a key tool for council to use when making decisions regarding taxes and spending. I will encourage council to follow Asset Management B.C. guidelines when considering budget items.

What do you think it takes to lead Lantzville?

Decision-making is most effective in a consensus-based, respectful cli-mate. I am open to listening to the views of others. I do my research and then I base my decision on the infor-mation I have received.

DOUG PARKHURST


Plain and simple, spending in Lantz-ville is out of control. The current council has let spending grow out of control. I plan to fix this by reviewing all spending in the district and reduce it to a sustainable level.

Fixing how council works. The cur-rent council had promised for a year and a half to consult on the water deal. But they signed the deal and are now telling residents about it.

A lack of checks and balances. The current council has put forth a new agree-ment with Foothills. This agree-ment strips away many of the safe-guards that the commu-nity wanted. I will work to restore these by advocating for the affected residents.

How do you plan on managing spend-ing and taxes?

The first step is to exercise common sense. Don’t take on projects if you don’t need to do it. Review all spend-ing. I want to eliminate unnecessary spending. Given the growth in spend-ing over the last three years, there will be areas for reduction.

DENISE HAIME


Bringing spending and taxes under control. Over the past three years, administrative wages have increased by 30 per cent, sewer rates increased by 102 per cent and tax increases have been avoided only by using prior year savings. I did not support these items because it is an unsus-tainable approach to finances.

Implementation of a water agree-ment. The water agree-ment with Nanaimo has chal-lenges, it does not provide a water solu-tion for hundreds of residents, places prior-ity on con-nections for development, not existing residents, and yet will cost all existing residents more in taxes. My immediate priority is to propose amendments; the next step would be determining the con-nection schedule for those areas of Lantzville where existing residents need water most urgently.

Retention of Lantzville’s unique character. This priority will be to ensure that the pressures of develop-ment do not change the character of Lantzville. The OCP expresses this character and I will base my decisions on the wishes of the community.

WARREN GRIFFEY

Why are you running for office?I am concerned about the cost of

this administration this year; it is pro-jected that salaries will hit $1.2 mil-lion for a staff of 14. I am concerned about a five-year financial plan that will run a deficit of $200,000 every year for the next five years. I am con-cerned with increased taxes, a stag-gering 29 per cent increase in 2015 alone.


Taxes, increased density, admin-istration accountabil-ity.


First I would like to say that I am excited that a water deal has been struck with the City of Nanaimo. However, I think there are some issues with it that leave Lantz-ville taxpayers in a very precarious position. I would like to see the origi-nal water deal sent to Lantzville back in 2012 and shelved by this adminis-tration for 16 months be revisited.

What do you think it takes to lead Lantzville? Describe your leadership or co-working style.

This is a time for experience, careful consideration of issues, patience, and understanding.

DAVE SCOTT


Water: The lack of additional water supply has been an issue in the com-munity for more than 20 years. Many options for water have been explored but none have proved to be work-able. I believe that the connection to Nanaimo needs to proceed. Lantzville also needs to explore how to cost effectively help residents address water issues in those areas with wells that have poor water quality.

Sewer: Expansion of the sewer sys-tem to include the Winchelsea area needs to proceed. Studies of other areas experiencing problems with septic field failure need to be initiated, to determine the feasi-bility of extending sewer to those areas.

Parks: As a strong believer in parks, I believe that the Foothills park needs to be acquired at the earliest oppor-tunity. Lantzville also needs more pedestrian connectivity in the com-munity and I feel one of the highest-priority connections should be along Ware Road. This will provide con-nectivity between upper and lower Lantzville.



Regional District of Nanaimo: director candidatesED MAYNE


The three top priorities for the Area E director are communications, consultation and water. These three are interwoven. We need to unite this community instead of having the three separate areas we now have. If elected I would ask the chairs of all the various resident associations and the First Nations chief to attend a monthly meeting in order to dis-cuss issues pertaining to electoral Area E. We will discuss upcoming matters and I will bring the consensus of this group forward to the board. Water is becoming more and more of an important issue in this area. We need to have strong com-munication and consultation with the residents so that informed decisions can be made about our water supply. The concerns of the residents need to be listened to and addressed. We need to have more down-to-earth, non-technical discussions so that the lay person can understand.

ROSMY JEAN LOUIS

Why are you running for public office?If elected as RDN director for Area A,

I will be in a better position to promote sustainable economic development for our area by allocating available scarce resources efficiently. We have economic problems that need real solutions.


The people of Cassidy do not have a community centre; their only place of gathering is the pub. If elected, I will make sure that the people of Cassidy get their gathering place and the best arrangement for their kids to go to school.

The Cedar area has been under a water moratorium since 2010, which prevents existing residents from devel-

oping their lands and taking advantage of the secondary suite bylaw recently adopted by the RDN. If elected, I will use the money from the Union of B.C. Munici-palities that have been assigned to our area to partially fund the water reser-voir and will support the North Cedar Improvement District’s application for UBCM fund-ing for capital projects through the Regional District of Nanaimo to reduce the tax burden of current ratepayers.

BOB ROGERS


Addressing Area E’s water needs. Support the cost-effective imple-mentation of the Englishman River Water Service efforts to proceed with sustainable bulk water delivery enhancement through the planned new intake, treatment plant and distribution project. Work diligently within the RDN in conjunction with Parksville to obtain fund-ing from the province and Ottawa to develop a timely and equal three-way cost-sharing agreement.

Controlling spending in line with residents’ service-level demands and their abil-ity and willingness to fund through controlled taxes.

Proactively ensure the implementa-tion by both the developer and the RDN of the Fairwinds Schooner Cove and Lakes District community plans within the terms of the approved phased development agreements consistent with approved plans and standards.

ALEC McPHERSON


In 2016, following community con-sultation, I hope to see a pedestrian/equestrian bridge constructed over the Nanaimo River linking both the North Cedar and South Wellington sections of the regional Morden Col-liery Trail. When combined with a regional walking/cycling trail, this will provide an exciting experience for both tourists and locals in Area A. There is a great need to provide basic rec-reational facilities designed to eliminate the need for children and parents to travel to the City of Nanaimo to remain active. A multi-purpose sport box, for example, children’s playgrounds and a gymnasium rank high in the needs of our communities.

Two other items high on my list include assisting the North Cedar Improvement District in the lifting of the moratorium on the supply of water to new developments, and the completion of a Local Governance Restructure Study.

GORDON WIEBE


Listening to and working with the residents of Nanoose Bay (Area E) is always a priority.

Water is the No. 1 issue – whether on the Nanoose water system, a com-munity well or a private well. We need to protect and preserve our water. We need a good plan.

Second is to respond to the peti-tion near and around a well that was drilled on Parker Road. We need to find a solution to this situa-tion.

The third priority is to keep our taxes down, reviewing the budget to see where we can save. No to funding the Island rail for start-ers.


Reviewing the budget on a regular basis. Our biggest expenditure will be our water system. We must ensure that there is a good maintenance plan in place for our infrastructure. Con-trol any unnecessary spending.


Please vote “Sharon Welch” on November 15thwww.swelch4trustee.weebly.com

Sponsored and authorized by Sharon Welch, financial agent, 250-668-8612

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special features - elections 2014

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