Municipality of North Cowichan Candidate

Website: www.electfletcher.com

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

A: I am a 60-year-old self-employed photographer and photography teacher at Brentwood College School. I have lived in the Cowichan Valley for 28 years and I share my life with 5 children and 8 grandchildren. I am the founder and President of the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society and have served on the board of Cowichan Wheels for 8 years. I enjoy travelling to third world countries to document social and environmental issues.

I am running for North Cowichan council because I love the Cowichan Valley and because I have the skills and experience needed to work collaboratively and collectively with others.

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: Economic development of any type will be dependent on water supplies. Since North Cowichan shares the Cowichan watershed with other three local governments I believe sustainable economic development can only happen when driven at the regional level where development can be effectively measured against watershed and other environmental values. 

An economic model I like is a tripartite approach that involves the synergy of education, agriculture and high tech industries. My working model is Somenos Marsh where preservation of an important natural area is now generating economic benefits to the community through agriculture, tourism, construction, restoration and research projects.

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 would improve the municipal relationship with residents by:

• Bringing greater transparency to the Municipal process.
• Changing council meeting times to a more convenient time for working folk.
• Open a downtown Duncan office to provide accessibility for North Cowichan residents living in the urban core.
• Create a Citizens Advisory Committee to advise on potentially divisive Issues.
• Hold important public hearings in a larger space closer to the urban area.
• Inviting council to consider providing a councilor to represent each of the 6 unique areas of North Cowichan- Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay, Cowichan Estuary, the urban and the rural residents.

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

A: I recognize that tax rates have climbed significantly in North Cowichan in recent years and that this has been difficult for some residents. I pledge to keep tax increases to the rate of inflation or below. To accomplish this I will support more prudent spending and will discourage borrowing for big-ticket items such as the past Municipal hall additions. Keeping municipal tax increases below the inflation rate will require some tough decisions by council. There are many ways to reduce spending without creating hardship. One way would be to explore additional shared services with the city of Duncan.

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

A: My vision for North Cowichan is a community that:

• My vision is that North Cowichan becomes a model for a small town. green and sustainable community that uses a new way of doing business; a way that includes a collaborative and transparent team approach to economic and community development.
• Respects its green spaces for the ecosystem services they provide.
• Recognizes the importance of providing employment opportunities for young people and their families.
• Recognizes that there are many levels of socio economic lifestyles that need service and suppor.
• Has a working sustainable economic model that uses the skills and resources available here to develop opportunities for young people and underemployed residents.

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