Area D - Cowichan Bay Area Director Candidate
Website: www.reelectlori.ca
Q1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are running.
A: I’ve known and worked with many members of the community over the past 6 years as Director of Area D - Cowichan Bay, on the Cowichan Watershed Board, and during the 11 years I served as Area D Parks Board Chair. For the past 18 years I’ve coordinated Cowichan Community Kitchens and am a founder of the Vancouver Island Logger Safety Support Group. I’m seeking another term as Area Director because I want to continue to provide a strong voice for the community and the issues that people tell me matter: water, a sustainable economy, fiscal responsibility and respectful relationships.
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 will continue to engage with multiple agencies to ensure we have water to drink, fish habitat is protected and other water needs are met. The upcoming Marine Zoning Bylaw will help us harvest edible shellfish in Cowichan Bay by 2020. I am actively supporting water quality testing and ground water monitoring so we have a better understanding of our aquifers.
I promote Area D as a place to establish a business as evidenced by the growing number of farm markets and other enterprises in our Cittaslow community. We have a working Bay, an attribute I will continue to support.
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: Over the past 6 years, I have made it my top priority to listen to the concerns of the residents in our community. I hold regular, well attended town hall meetings and take action on what I hear, taking into account the values of the whole community. My approach is to work openly and transparently with clear communication between myself and the community and between the Regional Board and the community. I will continue to work this way and promote this approach throughout the Cowichan Valley at the CVRD Board.
Q4. What is your position on municipal tax rates and the corresponding level and allocation of services?
A: Taxes and services are day-to-day realities in everyone’s lives. Focusing on delivering the quality and quantity of required services is challenging in a Regional District with the current levels of downloading from the province and the federal government. We are taking on more and more responsibility from them without any funding or support. I am committed to spending tax dollars wisely and be an advocate for fiscal responsibility, fair taxes and accountable government. I will ensure that the CVRD continues to remind other levels of government of their responsibilities and duties.
Q5. What is your vision for this area, and how would getting elected help achieve it?
A: My vision is the vision expressed by the community and reflected in the new Official Community Plan (OCP) for Area D - Cowichan Bay. In the spring of 2010 a diverse group of hard-working local business people, seniors, parents, volunteers and a representative from Cowichan Tribes sought input from community residents through workshops, focus groups, open houses and community surveys. People of all ages and from all walks of life got involved and expressed what really mattered to them. That Plan is now in place. It is my commitment to ensure the plan is implemented to meet the community’s vision.
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