Maureen Nicholson
Running for: Councillor
Age: 60
Occupation: College professor
How long have you lived on Bowen?: 13 years
Who inspires you? (Alive, dead, fictional, local, national, international - anyone): Elizabeth May
Please list any current and past committees you've been a part of and how long you served on each: Communications (3 years) Heritage Commission (3 years) Snug Cove Improvements Working Group (3 years) Economic Development (4 years) Environment and Climate Action (4 months) Emergency Executive (2 years) Internet Connectivity Working Group (3 years) Business Licensing Task Force (2 years) Mayor’s Standing Committee on Community Lands (3 years) Community Centre Communications (2 years) On-Island Composting Working Group (2 years) Housing (3 months) Parks, Trails and Greenways (4 months) Metro Board (4 years) Metro Regional Parks (4 years) Metro Regional Culture Subcommittee (4 years)
What are your priorities if elected (beyond housing or transportation.): Communications and engagement, improved infrastructure, "rural recognition," responding to funding and partnership opportunities, protection of green space, no industrial-scale logging, park expansion and enhancement
Housing is emerging as one of the top issues of this election - what would you specifically do to address the lack of affordable and/or rental housing?: Partner with non-profits or other groups; issue an expression of interest for Lot 1, Area 2, for a potential project; develop a bequeathment policy for private land donation; fast-track rental-only rezoning projects; convene a local developers meeting to generate ideas; use a municipal and regional district tax with funds going into the Affordable Housing Fund.
How would you address the animal control issues of deer and skunks on-island?: Secure professional advice to assess the nature and prevalence of the problem and to provide a recommendation for appropriate, legal response – then do it.
What ideas do you have for managing Bowen's tourism tensions?: Improved traffic management (use of water taxis, BC Ferries-funded marshalling); help for Tourism Bowen to develop a community-and business-supported tourism plan; affordable housing for employees to help ensure better service for visitors and residents in the summer tourism season; tell your friends it's awful here.
Air BnB - yes or no? Why?: Yes, where the accommodation rented is a legal bed and breakfast, commercial guest accommodation, or guest house. Such rentals are a significant local economic driver for businesses and home owners.
In a campaign (so far) characterized by candidates agreeing with one another-what do you feel is at stake in this election?: Continuity for a number of major capital projects; retention of a knowledge and relationship base developed over the past four years
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/maureenforbowen
Twitter handle: @maureenforbowen
Website address: https://maureennicholson.wordpress.com/
