City of Duncan Mayor Candidate

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

A: I have lived in many of the communities of the Cowichan Valley for most of my childhood and adult life. I helped to raise three amazing children, and now have three young grandchildren. I have been self employed for over three decades and have gained Certificates from FBDB, RRU and SFU in Business Management, Strategic Planning and Sustainable Community Development.  I am passionate about working toward continual improvements in governance, city infrastructures and community amenities that support a resilient, thriving and supportive environment for our City and region. I am running because I believe strongly in the statement "The best way to predict our future : is to invent it." (Alan Kay)

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: Sustainability in our communities, nationally and globally, depend on us connecting the dots between our social, cultural, economic and environmental needs. Water is the most essential  element for life as we know it, and we must work to educate every sector of society to "connect the dots" in understanding the inter-dependence  we have and acting to value is use and protection appropriately.  The environment and economy are connected, and ways to sustain our economy lay in innovation and entrepreneurship that re-localize our imports.  We have some great examples in the Cowichan Valley and we need to leverage that approach... 

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 believe that new approaches in community engagement and politic generally are needed. I support changing the ways in which the conversations of "consultation" and "accountability"  take place, by reframing that conversation to "inquiry" and "dialogue" where everyone is accountable. There are frameworks where citizens, interests, media, leaders and educators can arrive at understanding of what we share as important, and conclusions that avoid blame and facilitate solutions. Many good examples are available, but are rarely applied in government.

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

A: Municipal revenues come from a few limited sources. Property taxes, sales of services, user  fees and transfers are the major contributors. General governance services are funded by the property tax and include administration, operations,  maintenance, capital works and recreation such as parks. I believe that tax rates must balance the need to provide essential services and ensure stability of local economic infrastructure. Priorities need reflect the expectations of the taxpayer and their ability to pay. 

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

A: My vision for the City of Duncan and the entire region is about people, about communities that foster collaboration, about people and communities ability to determine their futures individually and collectively.  It is about our build environment supporting the needs and  desires of our diverse constituents from one to ninety two. It is about innovation and entrepreneurship using local talent and resource to create truly livable places to thrive. If elected, I would continue to leverage my business, community development experience to build on our accomplishments. 

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