Municipality of North Cowichan Candidate

Website: www.joyceyourvoice.ca

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

A: Born in Duncan, raised in the CowichanValley, I have a real passion, commitment, and love for my community. I have been an active member of the local business community for over 20 years as well as civic and community involvement.

I support:

• Responsibly-managed infrastructure, roads, water, and sewer;
• Well-planned development
• Better control of taxes and spending.
• Minimize the costly use of consultants;
• Review municipal staffing levels and workforce costs.
• We can create a more welcoming environment for new and existing business;
• We can support creative and affordable housing.

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: We must foster responsible stewardship of our water systems, forests, wildlife, air quality:

• Better planning and protection of our water sources and supply are critical.
• We should not be building on a flood plain or directly above aquifers along with increasing traffic and safety concerns.
• We must get sewage treatment off the Cowichan River

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: From the outset, I would like to see us adopt:

• Evening council meetings for public convenience.
• Council meeting agendas posted with more advance notice than 2 or 3 days.
• The municipality could hold think tank sessions on specific topics or issues to draw upon the intelligence, skills & experienced input of local people.

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

A: Tax increases in North Cowichan are excessive relative to population growth and the existing tax base - higher than other municipalities.

We have to find efficiencies to bring our taxes back into competitive balance for the services we are paying for.

Taxation and setting realistic priorities with input from the public - a budget referendum could be considered. 

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

A: We should work to create a clean, green community, using available technologies. For example, treat domestic waste to yield a useful product, which will be beneficial to our environment and mitigate the costs of treatment.

We must modernize, consolidate and control the cost of government; working in close cooperation with other civic governments throughout the Region.

We need to proceed with construction of a bypass west of Duncan, as proposed in 2005, to resolve traffic congestion and safety issues.

Council should encourage public input on these issues and direct municipal management to complete these projects in a timely manner.

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