Occupation: Interior Designer/ planner/ project manager / artist (who keeps trying to retire).
Background:
Having served on Central Saanich council from 2002 to 2011, I bring experience, consistency, historical memory, solid decision making and research skills to the table along with over 45 years professional experience as a designer/planner and project manager.
1. Why are you running for Council?
People have asked me to run knowing I care passionately for Central Saanich and that while sitting in the political middle I bring balance between growth and no growth and careful management of the District’s finances, infrastructure and operations, while aggressively exploring opportunities to increase our tax base.
2. What are your top three issues to tackle, if elected?
Defer Maber Flats until we have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
The Tsawout development on the east side of the Highway will have a huge impact on how we do business in Central Saanich and it’s vital that we establish a good long term plan for economic development with the aid of an economic development advisor and public input in conjunction with First Nations and neighbouring municipalities. This would include proper fiscal planning, while prioritizing financial demands and increasing our tax base.
Advocate for multi generational housing, senior care facilities and assisted living accommodation.
3. What kind of leadership will you bring to council?
Representing the political middle, I look at managing sustainable growth and bring balanced decision making to the table. I believe good communication and planning leads to good decision making, enabling me to be a strong, well-informed leader.
4. What are your thoughts on industrial, residential and agricultural balance in Central Saanich?
We have the convenience of an urban lifestyle with the benefits of country living all working in accord with one exception, truck access to our industrial area which currently impinges on our residential streets. We need to continue strongly advocating for improved access to Keating.
If elected I will continue to integrate environmental, economical, and social considerations together in all decisions related to growth and change in our community.
5. Do you think council should proceed with the proposed Maber Flats project?
I believe this should be deferred until an informed decision can be made.
Our Agricultural Advisory Committee has concerns with the land cost, that the qualitative and quantitative analysis was inadequate and that there are other design options which haven’t been looked at.
Good planning enables good decisions.