Municipality of North Cowichan Candidate

Website: www.nickcaumanns.ca

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

A: I grew up in the Valley. Mount Prevost was my playground. There was a sense of freedom, opportunity, and optimism, even when times were tough. When I moved back years ago everything seemed fine but since then I've realized that the Valley I grew up in is in danger. Municipal mismanagement resulting in rapidly escalating taxes and a lack of rational development threatens our continued quality of life here. Our community has become divisive on many issues, and has less opportunity for all citizens. I want us to change that.

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: Bringing focus and order to development will ensure we do not damage our water supply. Clean safe water supply for people is a primary function of municipal government and people do think it’s important, but I disagree that water is the burning issue for most people. We always need to act responsibly and with due regard for our broader natural environment, and not just the watersheds. Sustainability doesn’t imply quality or degree of protection. We can even do better than just “sustain” if we approach these issues as reasonable and rational human beings with honesty.

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:  To start, an annual public vote on our budget. Naugatuck Connecticut does this at an annual cost of $5,000. Added to that annual ballot would be questions of major significance to the citizens each year. It's time council stopped spending years debating issues that the citizens can decide fairly. By moving some of that power from Council into the hands of people it will eliminate much conflict and will move the debates to groups of citizens and encourage healthy public engagement. It democratizes power away from committees and back rooms. And that’s good for everyone.

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

A: Taxes have doubled in ten years. No one argues that point. That’s an average of 10% per year. We need to halt that. Our $40 Million budget has lots of spending that does not provide direct or even indirect services to people. We are over-staffed but with the looming bubble of retirements we have an opportunity to reorganize and shrink through attrition WITHOUT affecting the services we get as citizens. I reject the idea that we can’t find any efficiencies and I reject the notion that taxes have to go up each and every year.

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

A:  I’d like to have the simpler North Cowichan of my youth, but I can accept that we need to accommodate more people now. North Cowichan has 48,000 acres. 25% is municipal forest, another 25% ALR farmland and another 40% is water & rural land. Just under 10% is slated for EVENTUAL development. Our lifestyle here won't ever really change. Let's stop quibbling about that 10% and build the places we need to live, work, shop, and play. I'd like to help make this a place of optimism, not conflict. We can do it; I know enough people who agree.

Return to North Cowichan Candidates