Municipality of North Cowichan Mayor Candidate

Website: www.jonlefebure.ca

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

A: I am very excited to have the opportunity to run for re-election as Mayor of our community. We have a number of initiatives underway and a strong leader is needed to follow through. We have a lot happening in North Cowichan. We are completing Local Area Plans for the University Village Area and Crofton, and are in the midst of revitalization works in Chemainus. These plans will drive new, low-impact development to create healthy sustainable communities with urban cores that are more dense, more efficiently serviced, and pedestrian and bike friendly.

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 been working with the Regional District, the Cowichan Watershed Board and others, on the crisis with the Cowichan River and the need to create local governance for our watersheds. We have just begun discussions with First Nations on a co-governance model that I will be working to bring to reality – the future of our watersheds in our hands.

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 have learned over the years that much of the hard work of local government is communicating and consulting with our citizens. That means using all tools at our disposal, from Town Hall Meetings to being accessible one on one, from interactive websites and social media to information mailouts, from full reporting in the media to regular reports on Council meetings, from public delegations to question period. Our job is to provide complete, accurate information, listen carefully to all sides and then clearly articulate a decision.

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

A: It is imperative that we carefully manage the tax revenue we collect, for the benefit of all of the citizens in our community. That means maintaining critical infrastructure, sustaining a high level of core services, and investing wisely in the things that make our community a desirable place to work, to live and to invest. Just as large tax increases can be fiscally irresponsible, so can the idea of maintaining infrastructure and services without providing any increase in tax collected. What people really want is to know that their hard-earned money will be put to good use in the best interests of the community.

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

A: The future of the Cowichan Valley is one in which careful stewardship of our natural resources helps, not harms, the environment. We will diversify our economy into areas of wine and culinary tourism, sports tourism, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, education, and in doing so, we will preserve the natural beauty surrounding us and build the amenities that create safe, vibrant, sustainable communities. We will enjoy a high quality of life and become a preferred place for low-impact businesses looking for that life for their employees.

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