Municipality of North Cowichan Candidate
Q1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are running.
A: I, Lura McCallum, am running to serve our region and community’s best interests. I believe as a hardworking mother and grandmother it is crucial that our grandchildren and great-grandchildren inherit the Cowichan Valley in a pristine and healthy state. This is my home, I am grateful to be living, working, and playing here. I am a yoga teacher and appointed Marriage Commissioner and successfully self-employed for forty years. We are facing unprecedented challenges with climate change and we must adapt. If elected, I will serve mindfully and respectfully so if my values resonate with yours then please, support me.
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 will actively pursue more local control of our watersheds; prioritize water preservation efforts, and promote environmental conservation. I will encourage green infrastructure and green energy use. I support local farms and their food to table endeavours and our farm markets, which attract tourists and residents alike. This is good for our economy and also excellent for our health. Encouraging eco-tourism and green innovation will provide value added jobs that meet the cost of living. North Cowichan will set the standard globally for green innovation. Unity will strengthen our community and our vision, mission, and values must represent that.
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: There are many ways to lead; such as, top down or bottom up but I believe the best leaders don’t create followers; they create more leaders. A leader can be anyone in the community and leads based on strengths, not titles. My vision is working with the constituents to resolve the issues that are facing us with creative, out of the box, and innovative ideas. Necessity is the mother of invention and drawing on the talents and expertise in our community will provide the best solutions. We know and love our community better than anyone.
Q4. What is your position on municipal tax rates and the corresponding level and allocation of services?
A: I believe we receive good value for our tax dollars; however, adding cost effective services like easily accessible recycling bins for plastics and curbside pick up of garden waste are some things I would want as a taxpayer. The latter would negate burning garden waste and benefit air quality. Often we fear what we do not know and understand and I am determined to include our constituents in more meaningful ways regarding taxation and the cost of services. Accountability and transparency is crucial when dealing with tax dollars.
Q5. What is your vision for this area, and how would getting elected help achieve it?
A: My vision for North Cowichan is a community working together for the greater good of all the constituents. If I am elected I will work to achieve higher standards regarding water and environmental preservation and conservation. I will strive to efficiently manage our municipal funds to better serve our community. I will work to promote meaningful dialogue with all the constituents and council and strive for speedy resolutions to questions and needs at hand. This place we call home is worth every effort and I am excited at the prospect of being involved as we move forward.
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