All candidates have been sent the same questions to respond to.
1. What triggered you to make this step and run for municipal office?
My decision to run for mayor of Bowen Island was triggered by a desire to bring the knowledge, experience and connection I have acquired with the regional issues facing us into a primary leadership role. We need to move our community forward in addressing our critical local issues of senior’s care, affordable housing, transportation, economic development and utilities improvement. I am keenly aware of the industrial issues threatening Howe Sound and our burgeoning eco-tourism industry that all local governments and regional districts in our area depend on. With consensus building and this understanding of both regional and local issues, I feel my candidacy for Mayor is appropriate.
2. What common ground do you share with the other candidates running in this election?
The candidates all share the desire to make our community better. This is the thing that binds elected officials and this can and should bring us together for the good of who we represent. Once in office, you quickly discover that working for the common good is part of the DNA of elected officials despite views to the contrary.
3. What are your top three priorities for Bowen?
My number one priority is to create and support affordable housing in many forms for all age groups but especially for our elders, young families and those who are not financially independent. Second, creating the necessary conditions to bring revitalization to our community. This includes the Community Campus with all of the social elements of a Community Centre, Clinic, affordable living spaces and incremental revitalization to the Cove. Third, bringing more of an overt synthesis of satisfying our economic needs with our passion and concern for the environment.
4. Tell me about the community work you have done that your are most proud of?
Being part of the initiative to create the salmon spawning channel at the foot of the fish ladder and more recently being on the Bowfest board for the past two years. You really see the spirit of Bowen in full flight during that weekend. You cannot help but feel the pride when it all comes together and everyone is having such a great time together in Community.
5. How will you work to make council open to the concerns and ideas of all Bowen Islanders?
I have learned a lot about citizen engagement during my time with the Islands Trust. I plan to bring that knowledge to the table if I am elected.
6. What do you love most about living on Bowen Island?
The ever revealing beauty on the island and in the surrounding waters and the kind of people that have chosen to make this island here in the majestic Howe Sound, our home.
