Occupation: Captain, CRJ-705 Air Canada Express.
Background:
Elected to Council, Town of Sidney, 1999-2005.
Resident of Sidney for 30 years and plans to retire in Sidney.
Married with two grown children.
1. Why are you running for council?
Seeing that a new mayor will be elected this election, I see that the team will need a strong, professional and positive councillor to allow council to give Town staff a clear direction as to what the residents and businesses of the Town of Sidney need and require.
2. What are your top three issues to tackle, if elected?
1) To see council work cooperatively and progressively with the businesses of Sidney to make Sidney the economic hub of the Saanich Peninsula. This also includes working with the Victoria Airport Authority and their land use program, since many community families work with the businesses associated within those lands.
2) To keep the waterfront lands of downtown Sidney for all to enjoy. The old Port Sidney lands need to be included in a revitalization plan.
3) We must always remember to include the residents and businesses of West Sidney when council gives direction to Town staff.
3. Is council’s relationship with the business community adequate and what would you change if elected?
The business sector in Sidney is very valuable to the sustainability of our Town and must be on council’s radar at all times. We must remember that our downtown serves as the economic centre of the Peninsula.
Town staff has been proactive in developing additional parking and the infrastructure to accommodate the future needs of our downtown core. We now need to work with business to fulfill their future needs while keeping our Town’s charm.
4. What sort of balance should Sidney seek to achieve on its waterfront land?
Our protection of our waterfront started with the redevelopment of Resthaven hospital with waterfront dedicated to the public walkway.
There is still commercial land to be developed and as it was with The Pier development the waterfront of those properties will be top priority to be retained by the Town for the public.
5. How would you contribute to people’s enjoyment in living, working and playing in Sidney?
Our infrastructure and parks are two priorities that need to be maintained. Council must clearly direct Town Staff in continuing to seek the rejuvenation of our downtown.
Continued safe access to and from West Sidney must also be addressed.