Occupation: Retired businessman, and previous owner and operator of the local family business, Xanavision Video.
Background:
I am a family man with three children from ages 26-33; I am a previous small business owner of Xanavision Video, which included a location in Saanichton. I have also been a licensed home builder and I have been retired from this since 2011.
1. Why are you running for Council?
I want to help our future generations, our children saying that they will not be able to own a home due to high prices. We need to take a step back and look at what needs to be done, which should include making changes to the size and supply of lots to create new homes.
By allowing for smaller lot sizes and increasing supply of lots, the total cost of a home will decrease and allow for more people to become home owners. Existing property owners can also benefit by the allowance of infill housing on their excess land and the creation of carriage homes that can provide rental income.
2. What are your top three issues to tackle, if elected?
1. Protecting our productive farmland while allowing our non-productive farmland to be better utilized and included in the urban containment boundaries.
2. Increasing the number of homes/business within Central Saanich so we can increase the number of taxpayers (including businesses), which should in turn lower the tax burden per home.
3. Creating clear and transparent guidelines for those seeking to do business in our community (rezoning, building permits etc.).
3. What kind of leadership will you bring to council?
I will bring a transparent leadership. I believe that the elected officials should represent and be the voice of the residents in Central Saanich. I will listen to all stakeholders and ensure that decisions are only made once we have ample information to make an informed, intelligent decision.
I will not make decision based on how to get re elected or special interest groups (I am not taking any donations/ contributions from any person or groups) but on what is fair and right for our residents.
4. What are your thoughts on industrial, residential and agricultural balance in Central Saanich?
I believe balance amongst industrial, residential and agricultural uses is crucial to the success of Central Saanich.
It is my opinion there is not a balance and we need to increase our residential and industrial market growth gradually, while ensuring we maintain and protect our productive agricultural land.
5. Do you think council should proceed with the proposed Maber Flats project?
I believe that the proposal for Maber Flat should be re-evaluated as the residents of Central Saanich are requesting more information on the proposal.
We need to look at the immediate necessity of going forth and look into other options that can help farmers solve the issue of flooding.
Are we paying the right price for this particular piece of land? Ultimately, we need more information on the proposal and more feedback from residents.