Area B - Shawnigan Lake Area Director Candidate
Website: www.soniafurstenau.ca
Q1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are running.
A: As a long-time advocate and activist for global and social justice, I have seen that when people work together, they can create significant positive change in their communities, and in the world. I am running in Shawnigan because I care passionately about the future of our community. I have brought my communication, community-building, and activist skills to Shawnigan’s fight to stop a contaminated soil site in our watershed. I now want to extend my commitment to Shawnigan by working towards a sustainable and cooperative future. My approach will be inclusive, collaborative, and encouraging of community participation.
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: The long-term survival of Shawnigan depends on the health of our watershed. I intend to work with the community to protect the health of our watershed as a first priority when evaluating economic and development decisions. I will focus on creating a thriving local, sustainable economic environment for Shawnigan. I will support local food production and markets, encourage more local businesses within the core of the village, bring in value-added wood working and manufacturing with apprenticeship opportunities, continue to support our vibrant arts, cultural, and educational scene, and work with the Island Corridor Foundation to bring tourists to Shawnigan by train.
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 will be available and accessible to constituents by having regular office hours in the Shawnigan village and by holding monthly meetings during which members of the community can bring forward concerns and hear about what has been happening. I will also maintain an informative website with regular updates. I intend to work collaboratively with the many formal and informal community groups in Shawnigan, and to continuously work on building and strengthening our community ties. By working together, we will be able to create many positive and exciting opportunities for our future.
Q4. What is your position on municipal tax rates and the corresponding level and allocation of services?
A: It is important to recognize that taxes are a way for society to provide services that contribute to the collective good. In Shawnigan, nearly two thirds of tax money is spent on parks and recreation, planning, and the Shawnigan Lake Community Centre; each of these contributes to quality of life. Nonetheless, it is essential that we focus on increasing transparency and accountability, and we need to ensure that planning and development of new programs and services has effective community participation. We need to take on what is affordable, viable, and directly aligned to our needs.
Q5. What is your vision for this area, and how would getting elected help achieve it?
A: With good leadership and community participation, Shawnigan will have a very bright future. We have the opportunity to create a vibrant community, with a local sustainable economy as a pre-eminent tourist destination, rich in natural beauty and recreational opportunities. We can capitalize on this opportunity with thoughtful development of our village core that makes it an inviting, pedestrian-friendly space with a variety of local businesses and products, including local food, wine, arts, and classes. This will attract residents and tourists alike. I will work with our community to ensure that we purposefully move towards this vision – community participation is critical.
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