City of Duncan Candidate

Website: www.jacksononthemoon.com/council

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

A: I have been lucky to have served the people of Duncan since 1996. What I bring to council is an understanding of the process. I have seen many changes- mostly good and some not so good. I want council to be able to make wise choices based on past good decisions and on a future vision. That future vision should come from public consultation and development of a strategic plan. A strategic plan that is not politically driven. I want to:

• Continue to develop partnerships with other regional governments to create further efficiencies
• Support policies that promote an affordable community with a stable and diverse economy
• Create more opportunities for public input
• Encourage and assist the highway merchants to form their own Business Improvement Area
• Support decisions around the creation of a carbon neutral community, approaching zero waste that has affordable, safe, public and active transportation options.

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 Management is an incredibly important and complex issue. There needs to be much more involvement in decision making at the local level. We have people here who have vast understanding and experience in this area. We need to be including them in the discussions in the future. As for the economy, we need to create the policies and procedures by which entrepreneurs can easily develop successful, thriving businesses.

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: Early this year, we published the information about the Budget Open House and yet not one person walked through the door. On the other hand, when we have had open houses around planning and downtown revitalization, we have had a full house. I think we need to go back to having Advisory Committees. Certainly for Planning, but perhaps also for Finance. The next time we work out a Strategic Plan, there should be a public presence on that committee. It would mean building Terms of Reference but that should not deter us.

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

A: I was delighted to read in the Citizen Satisfaction Survey that most people were pretty happy with the level of taxation and services. Residentially, I believe our tax rates are fair. Commercial tax rates have dropped from 60% to closer to 51% over the past 15 years or so and I also believe that is fair. Our job would be to listen to input from the Business Improvement Areas, to allow their advice to inform our decisions.

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

A:  I am committed to supporting a living wage for all, for healthy local food and clean water. I want to see real jobs in this valley that can support families. Too many families here have a parent or family member working away in other provinces. I want our hospital and Mental Health care facilities to be appropriately funded, which they are not. I want to continue to work on behalf of the disabled to make our community a safe, accessible place to work and live. I pledge to continue to speak out and to work towards these goals.

Return to Duncan Candidates