Municipality of North Cowichan Candidate
Website: www.jeffreymotley.shawwebspace.ca
Q1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are running.
A: I reside in Chemainus with my wife Sylvia. We have 4 children and 4 grandchildren. We own and operate Blast Performance Sailing which organizes the Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race. www.vanisle360.com In organising the race, we work with 10 communities around Vancouver Island, most of which are facing similar challenges that we face here in North Cowichan. I have the necessary skills to listen and understand the issues and motivate differing opinions towards a common consensual goal.
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 have found out firsthand the intricacies and challenges of protecting watersheds, water supply and water quality. Askew creek runs through the back of our property. My wife and I were amazed at myriad of government departments (and lack of effective communication) involved in trying to address the threat of a beaver dam to a potential fish bearing stream.
Whether it is a watershed or the local economy, a government, which is accountable must identify the issues, seek input from effected parties, and obtain council from experts and then place an actionable plan in place.
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: Issues must be prioritised in order to provide direction to the Municipal North Cowichan Team. Accountable objectives must be set within the framework of government so every municipal employee knows what they are working towards, what the end point will look like, and what the cost will be. Incentives for bringing objectives in on time and under budget should be encouraged.
Frequent (quarterly?) face to face meetings with citizens willing to work toward the key issues and elected officials is a must. As a councillor, I too must have objectives to which I report quarterly on progress to the electorate.
Q4. What is your position on municipal tax rates and the corresponding level and allocation of services?
A: A municipality is a business. Expenses cannot exceed revenues with the result being an increase in taxes to cover increased costs. It is not how you make, but how much you keep. If revenues drop, expenses cannot be maintained if it results in a loss which leads to tax increases. If revenues can be increased, (the economy is stimulated) corresponding services must be allocated to foster the growth. Resources are placed behind plans with high potential to succeed. Business and property owners share the allocation of taxes.
Q5. What is your vision for this area, and how would getting elected help achieve it?
A: My single mission is to work towards the mandates provided by the electorate. I would work with stakeholders across the community to look at issues at a high level and not get bogged down with details and politics. I believe it is important to promote inclusivity of all who wish to have a say and avoid alienating and dividing communities based on issues which can be contentious. Our youth require access to education, careers and the wisdom of our elders. If elected, I believe I can make a difference.
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