Municipality of North Cowichan Candidate

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

A: My background is technical, from the resource industry.  I am unflinchingly proud of my 35-year career in senior corporate management, where I handled:

• Project management;
• Community relations;
• Environmental management;
• Corporate-level contract negotiation.

I worked with teams that operated successfully in over 50 countries.  This success demanded high standards and integrity; the only way to do business.

The citizens of North Cowichan want and need a strong Council run by a focussed, dedicated, experienced team.

I now have the opportunity to give back and would happily contribute my focus and dedication to the North Cowichan 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: Watershed, water supply integrity, and water quality all point to the broader issue of stewardship of our environment:

• The Cowichan River Weir must be upgraded.
• We must work with our agricultural community to control contaminated runoff from pasturage and cultivated land.

Our farming community is the heart and soul of this valley so we must consult them, listen to them and work with them. Their support in this matter is critical.

• We must consult and work with local forest industry; and, where needed, re-forest old cut blocks and take steps to mitigate runoff from these lands.

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: Making North Cowichan Council more approachable and accountable can be brought about by a few simple, manageable changes:

• Meeting agendas should be published in advance and rendered in clear, understandable language that the average reader can relate to.
• The web-streaming of Council Meetings needs to be better publicized.  Very few citizens know that this service is available.
• Re-schedule Council Meetings to evening hours so citizens can attend outside of normal working hours.
• Open a simple, modest liaison office in downtown Duncan where council-members can be more conveniently available and approachable to citizens of North Cowichan.

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

A: The level of taxation in North Cowichan points to a much bigger set of problems in need of resolution:

• A Tax-and-Spend regime presently prevails with little regard to the citizenry or good management principles.
• True, professional management and management controls need to be installed, including a third party auditor reporting to Council to identify weaknesses and problems in all areas of municipal management, and recommend solutions.
• And, having received these recommendations, Council must act upon them.
• To that end, Council needs to adopt a more hands-on style in consulting with and leading North Cowichan’s management professionals.

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

A: Citizens of North Cowichan live here for good reason: 

• Our region is one of the most beautiful places on earth; and
• We have the good fortune to have a vibrant community of thoughtful and creative people that we call our neighbours.

The Citizens of North Cowichan need and deserve good governance that will only come about from focus, dedication and hard work from a strong Council team that I would be pleased and proud to be a part of.

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