City of Duncan Councillor Candidate

Website: www.VoteNielsen.ca

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

A: I am a professional accountant with a degree in business administration. I have served as the treasurer for the Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, the treasurer for the Peninsula Players Society in Sidney, and have chaired United Way campaigns. I am in favour of exploring amalgamation to see if there are possibilities to save taxpayers money through reductions in duplications of services and the creation of efficiencies. I believe the citizens of Duncan have been overtaxed for a number of years. I am biased towards action versus endless discussion. I would bring a common sense, no nonsense attitude to 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: I believe that locally elected officials should concern themselves with local issues rather than national or global ones. Therefore, I would be focused on how to maintain and enhance the natural features of our own Cowichan valley. Water is one of our most precious resources and we must all work together locally to ensure that it remains that way for ourselves and for future generations. In terms of local economy, I believe that tax incentives and breaks can be looked at for ways to stimulate business.

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 there should be transparency in everything that local government does. All aspects of it should be available to the public and should be laid out in a simple, easy to understand manner. If everything is out in the open, there should be no accountability issues.

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

A: I feel that the City of Duncan has been collecting too much tax from its citizens. As of August 31st, the City had over $15 million in cash and short term investments. While it is true that running a surplus is a good thing, too much of a good thing can be negative. I believe that if tax money is collected, it should be used for betterment of the City, instead of being collected and stored in a number of pots.

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

A: I think that most of the people in the valley view it as one place, the Cowichan Valley, rather than a number of separate units. I would like to explore eliminating duplications of costs and services. My vision is of a united valley where everyone works towards the same goals. I think that there is a real chance of making some measurable improvements on those fronts in the short term if I am elected along with some.

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