Municipality of North Cowichan Candidate
Website: www.tomwalker.ca
Q1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are running.
A: I am a long time municipal Councillor and former Mayor of North Cowichan. I have an inclusive approach to decision making, and a long and proven record of being open and accessible. I have lived in the municipality for 35 years and this is my home. This is a great place to live, work and play. I want to continue working to keep it so. I seek your support, so that I can return after a 3 year absence from Council.
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 is all about balance. We cannot have just one goal. We must consider economical development, social development and environmental protection. It is like a 3 legged stool. If we neglect one, the stool tips over. We need all three to achieve balance and sustainability. As a Councillor, I would approach problem solving through this lens, and not make decisions based only on one factor. Social, economy and environment factors must all be considered. We have just seen what can occur with our Cowichan River. We must prevent similar occurrences.
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: When I was Mayor it was my intention to become the most accessible Mayor of North Cowichan ever. I kept that promise. Among other initiatives I created a “Mayor’s Open Door”. On a set day every month, citizens came into my office, without an appointment to discuss in private their issues. If elected as a Councillor, I will bring that philosophy of being open and accessible to the position. I will listen to your viewpoint, recognizing that many issues are complex and there are divergent views. Not all viewpoints can be accommodated, but they all will be considered in the process.
Q4. What is your position on municipal tax rates and the corresponding level and allocation of services?
A: Residential taxes must be affordable, while still maintaining social and environmental priorities. I cannot promise there will be no increases over the next 4 years, but I will strive to keep residential tax increases to a minimum. We have to revisit the ratio of residential taxes versus the other classifications such as industrial taxes. Those who use our natural resources may have to pay a little more, so the rest of us pay less. We send millions of tax dollars to Victoria and to Ottawa and we need to seek to have some of those dollars returned. We must set priorities and still provide for essential services.
Q5. What is your vision for this area, and how would getting elected help achieve it?
A: We have a large municipality, where 25% is in the ALR and a further 25% in in our municipal forest, providing green spaces. I was Mayor when the existing Official Community Plan was adopted in July 2011. This Plan included containment boundaries for development, largely guaranteeing that we would retain our rural characteristics and lifestyle. I would like to be part of a Council that works hard to maintain this concept in the future, while balancing the need to encourage sustainable growth, jobs, wealth creation, businesses, and new services and facilities to enrich our lives, and for those who seek to come here.
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