Town of Ladysmith Councillor Candidate

Q1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are running.

A: Our family have been residents of Ladysmith since 1975 and have enjoyed it immensely. We have grand children that are growing up here and we would like them to be as happy here as we are. I have been a member of Ladysmith council for some time and believe that we all need to give back.

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: The Cowichan is going to grow. Many people want what we have and I believe that we can't stop people from coming here but we can plan on trying to keep the impact minimal. ALL public watershed lands should be owned by the public. I believe that as municipalities we need to push higher levels of government to insure that watersheds belong to the public and need to be secure.

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: I wish that more people would take the time to make themselves informed. Our municipalities are their homes and they should be aware of what is happening at home. Attend meetings get in touch with elected officials... what you hear at the coffee shops quite often is a bit twisted... I think a being a citizen of a municipality carries with it a certain responsibility of making sure you're informed. I hope that in our town we can get an actual physical communication tool delivered to each and every household written by the folks that are doing the jobs!

Q4. What is your position on municipal tax rates and the corresponding level and allocation of services?

A: NOBODY likes to pay taxes! If you take the time to look I believe that people will find that municipal taxes are the lowest (percentage of a persons entire tax bill) than the other two levels of government, yet we're the ones that take the flak.  The amount of downloading has to stop.  It's not going to be popular but municipal government has to start saying NO we can't afford it!

Q5. What is your vision for this area, and how would getting elected help achieve it?

A: We are very fortunate to live in an amazing province and an amazing and prosperous part of the province. As I stated earlier... we need to keep being prepared for growth. Plan ahead. I want to be part of planning so that young people, leaving our schools, have an opportunity to stay... if they wish. We need to have an economy that works for them now and in the future. We also need to look after what we have... we all need to be a team!

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