Municipality of North Cowichan Candidate

Website: www.maevemaguire.com

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

A: My family moved to the North Cowichan six years ago and we're here to stay. We have three children: two in school and one not quite there yet. I run a successful communications business and write a monthly opinion column and Station Magazine interview for the Cowichan News Leader. For community service I am founder of Operation: Underpants, and volunteer for hospice and Duncan Basketball Association.

We have friends who visit from Alberta—families, just like us—who fall in love with the Cowichan region for the same reasons we did: the mountains and beaches, the recreation and food. So much so that they consider moving here until the inevitable question comes: What will we do for work? 

This is what motivates me to run for council. I want North Cowichan to be a place where families will stay. Where young people and more mature residents don't have to leave to find full-time, well-paid jobs. 

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 take the same approach to any issue: I consult and collaborate with all stakeholders to find a solution everyone can live with. I am impressed with the work Rodger Hunter and the team of merry volunteers at the Stewardship. They are educating citizens about the watershed. Good decisions for the environment don’t mean bad decisions for the economy; in our case—because of our range of recreational and culinary options—this can mean the opposite.

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: Our current council has developed a communications plan to promote citizen engagement. I will continue to develop and apply this plan, which involves consulting and collaborating with residents who want their ideas and concerns considered before decisions are made on council. 

As a professional communicator, I bring a different style and expectation in communication to council. To me, transparency is more than placing a document on the municipal website. It means pushing the most sought after information out to the public in as many channels as required so the public is aware of the issues and process.

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

A: We need to make sure we’re getting value for our property taxes. As councillor, I can ensure programs, services, infrastructure, and maintenance are effective and their benefits measured. A careful annual budget review can identify areas we can improve efficiencies while making funding available to the services and programs that are best for the community.

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

A: My vision is to continue the work of past councils in creating a community where businesses thrive, schools don’t close, developers have clear expectations, the environment is respect, and residents are engaged—a place where families can stay.

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