Municipality of North Cowichan Candidate
Website: jennicappscowichan.tumblr.com
Q1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are running.
A: Born and raised in Cowichan, I've been very engaged in small business development, evironmental issues and the continued evolution of community safety. Enabling and supporting community projects with socially engaged people pushed me to run. The idea and encouragement to run for a seat in North Cowichan came to me from several community leaders and volunteers that I respect. I'm excited to offer my skill set in this community by being elected to enable the citizens of North Cowichan a government that responds, and encourages their vision of how to make our community a better place for everyone.
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: My experience contributing to the Cowichan River clean-up this summer illustrated to me that many people have the solutions for protecting and improving their immediate community. I want to listen and apply this kind of local input to real solutions and improvements in North Cowichan's environmental resource management. I will support working to implement recommendations made in the North Cowichan Climate Action & Energy Plan. The future of Cowichan economics is small business. Agriculturally, I believe in supporting small, labour-intensive farms which are not industrial, but can bring in just as much revenue, and diminishing GEO use in Cowichan.
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 agree that elected officials must be accessible and transparent to serve with integrity. Amiability and open-mindedness are strengths that I like engaging people with, and I enjoy implementing input from proactive people in my current responsibilities. If elected to council, I will be able to afford to make the time to speak to everyone that wants to speak with me. The truth is, many people are too busy to directly solve a community problem, but by being available to people who have a part of the solution, I'll be able to assemble responses to problems that reflect everyone's interest.
Q4. What is your position on municipal tax rates and the corresponding level and allocation of services?
A: When taxes translate into community improvements that are tangible and improve the lifestyle of a community, most people are happy with paying them. What I want to watchdog is that taxes are not used to implement redundant projects. Nor can I stomach the thought of taxes being used as a revenue stream for unaccountable spending. We have to ensure property is fairly taxed; and it's good for businesses if we can keep their tax burden as low as possible. With the federal economy picking up, I see North Cowichan as a great place to invest for years to come.
Q5. What is your vision for this area, and how would getting elected help achieve it?
A: My vision for North Cowichan is something that will develop organically within the community. With my focus on keeping the inertia of public safety, support for small business economics and accountable environmental restoration, North Cowichan will continue to grow as the best place to live on the west coast. In maintaining clear and accessible communications with the citizens of North Cowichan, I will be enabling their vision, and discovering what we can accomplish together in a healthy, thriving community.
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