City of Duncan Councillor Candidate

Facebook: Vote Travis for Duncan 

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

A: I am 33 years old and have worked as a financial auditor & internal auditor for companies such as Deloitte, ING DIRECT & Vodafone. I lived in Sydney, Australia for 10 years where my career began in 2002. I moved to Duncan about 2 years ago to be my fiance and be closer to family. Since returning, I have immersed myself in local community initiatives such as the Duncan Parade, 39 Days of July, and I currently sit on the executive for the Young Professionals of Cowichan (Public Relations) and the Duncan Community Lodge (Sports & Entertainment).

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: My approach when dealing with complex issues such as water supply & sustaining the local economy is to listen intently and work within a team to analyse all potential risks & solutions. We need to weigh the costs & benefits for any potential solutions with the wellbeing of Duncan residents and businesses at the forefront of any outcome. We need to think outside the box on these issues and look at successful models implemented in other areas affected by similar issues. Having travelled extensively in my life, I can bring a fresh & unique perspective to these important issues.

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: Consultation and Accountability are two of the most important elements of being a publicly elected official in my opinion. If citizens feel that these traits are not being displayed by the incumbent council then it is important that these issues are highlighted and a plan is implemented to improve this shortcoming. This obviously needs to be a two way street however and when opportunities arise for citizens to participate in the discussion and consult, they need to engage in this process. 

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

A: I understand that tax rates have steadily increased in recent years across the Cowichan Valley. This appears to be partially due to the duplication of efforts across Duncan, North Cowichan & the CVRD. There are a lot of great services being provided currently, but there are always ways to improve efficiencies. This process definitely needs to include transparency, consultation with citizens & accountability.

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

A: I believe that Duncan has an excellent community spirit and we should do as much as we can to improve and nurture a positive community atmosphere. We must look into the idea of amalgamation and analyse the positive and negative results of such a shift. We can easily investigate any services that could be outsourced to other local municipalities and if this exercise results in a cost saving with the same level of service then this should be further investigated and tested. It is of course crucial that the people of Duncan be consulted during this process. 

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