Area E - Cowichan Station/Glenora Area Director Candidate
Website: www.AlisonNicholson.ca
Q1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are running.
A: I’m running because I am passionate about community and want to work collaboratively with other area directors to build regional success. My community work with the Cowichan Station Area Association and The HUB project has convinced me of the power of communities to come together to solve problems and create a more livable world. I am an ecologist with a MSc. and training in public administration. I understand government having worked in the provincial government and I have a run my own management consulting company, Vis-à-vis Management Resources Inc. I want to put my professional facilitation and management skills to work at a broader scale - across Area E and the region.
Q2. The community survey results placed a high priority on sustainability, in particular on protecting our watersheds, water supply and water quality, as well as on creating a more sustainable local economy. If elected, please describe what your approach would be to those issues.
A: With regard to water, because what happens in the upper part of a watershed can affect the rest of the watershed I believe in' whole of watershed thinking' My priorities are:
- completion of watershed plans for other watersheds in the region;
- more local control with provincial revenues to pay for it;
- full partnership initiatives with First Nations;
- setting of targets e.g., water quantity, quality, protection of habitats etc.;
- information and learning opportunities for all.
A healthy environment and sustainable economy go hand and hand. We need to focus on making the region a great place to live, work and play where business will want to invest. I want Area E's new Official Community Plan to be a good place for the people of the area to develop a vision for the further that includes a healthy environment and a strong vibrant economy that is based on being a great place to live.
Q3. The survey results indicated citizens want to see more consultation and accountability between elected officials and their constituents. If elected, please describe what your approach would be to those issues.
A: My consultation approach would focus on listening and learning. Understanding community concerns and needs comes through reaching out to residents and making time to listen when residents reach out to you. Regular communications can help – community meetings, newsletters, email, social media, phone. I think it is extremely important to meaningfully involve the community before setting the agenda or making a decision. To be accountable I would be clear and open about: (1) what I said I’d do, and (2) what I did and then by reporting on the differences between the two and the underlying reasons.
Q4. What is your position on municipal tax rates and the corresponding level and allocation of services?
A: Taxes pay for services and services help make our communities more livable, but, it is worrying that it is not always clear what those services are or whether the services are being delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible. Between 2009 and 2013 General Property Taxes in Area E increased from $1.23 million to $1.84 million (about 50%). During the same time General Property Taxes for the regional district as a whole increased by almost 40%. It appears to me that there is significant tax creep and I would work for better transparency and cost efficiencies.
Q5. What is your vision for this area, and how would getting elected help achieve it?
A: My vision is a strong, creative, vibrant, prosperous, engaged and resilient community that cares for one another and the environment.