Occupation: Semi-retired property manager.
Background:
Currently elected to Sidney council for my second term. (2008-2014) I have been a resident, small business and home owner in Sidney for 26 years. My wife Fiona and I raised our three boys here. I have been a long time community volunteer as well as being the president of both the Peninsula Soccer and the Sidney Anglers associations and Member of the Legion and ANAVETS.
1. Why are you running for Mayor?
Firstly, I have always believed in giving back to the community and can think of no better way than being a councillor or your future mayor.
Secondly, I wish to continue to build on the successes of the past six years. As mayor, I would maintain the operational and fiscal excellence we already enjoy, due in part to council making the right decisions over the years, but primarily due to the hard-working, dedicated staff who make this town as great as it is.
Thirdly, I believe my six years on council, my work on various committees, and serving as Acting Mayor have all provided me with a solid foundation of experience in municipal governance and leadership.
2. What are your top three issues to tackle, if elected?
1. Affordable housing is one of the key issues, along with exploring ways to offer incentives for purpose-built rentals to address the shortage of workforce housing.
2. I believe Sidney’s spectacular waterfront is one of our greatest assets, as is our widely-appreciated small town charm. Protecting and enhancing these incredible assets will be a priority for me. If elected a key waterfront priority will be enhancing one of our key gateways to the Salish Sea — Beacon Wharf. We are currently working towards that, along with adding a passenger-only ferry service.
3. Continued prudent fiscal management is critical for both our residents and business community. When the previous mayor and council increased exempt staff wages back in 2007, it was the current council that introduced a two year wage freeze based upon a recommendation from the administration. What I don’t want to see is wasting the taxpayers’ money on another review.
3. Is council’s relationship with the business community adequate and what would you change if elected?
Council has done a good job of maintaining a constructive relationship with the business community, but we always can do more. I plan to offer more support to the business community by supporting the Mayor’s Downtown Revitalization Task Force and by formalizing an economic development function within the Town.
4. What sort of balance should Sidney seek to achieve on its waterfront land?
We need to focus on fostering new opportunities for waterfront activity, including a new public dock and Gulf Islands foot passenger ferry, while ensuring that we strike the right balance in preserving the unique beauty of our waterfront setting for future generations.
5. How would you contribute to people’s enjoyment in living, working and playing in Sidney?
By providing greater opportunity for public consultation and input. By exercising responsible fiscal management, which means achieving a balance between maintaining and enhancing the level of service and care our residents have come to expect, and working within our budget to keep tax increases as low as possible. By focusing on the everyday things that make our lives better, such as keeping our downtown an attractive place to be.
By recognizing the essential role our many non-profit groups and volunteers play in the community and supporting their efforts.