City of Duncan Councillor Candidate

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

A: My wife, Sheila and I live in Duncan. I grew up on the island, attended UVIC(Economics degree)and UBC(Commerce and Law degrees). I retired as a legal counsel for a crown corporation in 2006. I also previously obtained training/membership as a Chartered Accountant (1972 – 2003) and as a Certified Management Accountant (1973 - 2003). My experience for running for Duncan council includes serving 9 years on Central Saanich Council (2005-2014, Saanich council (1987-2002) and on the Capital Regional Board for 9 years. I've enjoyed   participating in local government and hope my experience could be useful to the residents of Duncan 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: I am aware of the water supply issue and the issue of water quality and issues around raising the weir to supply more water in the low precipitation period. It obviously involves a number of stakeholders which require consultation and I believe that a long term solution is required. I do not have any specific approach to solving the issues, however council as a body can give input within its area of responsibility.

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 previous council experience has involved a number of methods for public consultation, including developers having open houses to get feedback on their proposals prior to public hearings, committee meetings (with public input) on issues, informational brochures, website info, and other statutory public notifications. I believe that Duncan council has utilized some if not all of the above approaches and I support continuation and enhancement of these and other approaches to inform our residents.

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

A: As a Duncan taxpayer, I have found the tax burden reasonable considering the services provided. As Chair of the Finance Committee (Central Saanich) for the last three years, I am aware of Council's task in budget deliberations and the allocation of resources and the struggle to maintain services at an acceptable level without an onerous increase in the tax burden. As I am not a sitting member of council at the moment, I am not privy to and would not criticize past councils for difficult decisions they had to make.        

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

A: My wife and I have both retired in Duncan and love the area both in town and the rural areas/parks/trails etc.  I would like to see the City of Duncan being able to continue its small town charm, enhance the downtown area in a fiscally responsible manner as finances allow and work with our partners on those larger issues requiring cooperation such as the Sportsplex funding, water supply issues etc.  I believe council has to work cooperatively to meet all these challenges and I have experience to bring to the council table.

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