1. What triggered you to make this step and run for municipal office?
I am standing for re-election because I am committed to Bowen, and believe in giving back to my community. There are projects in progress and other initiatives which I would like to see through to completion.
2. What common ground do you share with the other candidates running in this election?
I believe we all appreciate the natural green space that is so much a part of the island. I think we all want to see affordable housing, and other services so that our seniors can age in place on Bowen. We also all seem to want a community center: a multi-purpose area that could be a gathering or performance space as well as a place for other community activities and events.
3. What are your top three priorities for Bowen?
First and foremost we need to be good stewards. We need to look after what we have. That means the built infrastructure, the natural green space around us and the people who live here. I want to keep the caring, diverse community that we have. To help do that I would push the municipality, through its actions, policies and working with other levels of Government and service providers, to facilitate a vibrant economy, appropriate on-island health care services, diversity of housing, and transportation services that meet the needs of Bowen islanders.
The Community Lands are a priority. When we bought them we committed to sell some of them to pay off the purchase price. They were also intended to provide land for community facilities. The lot 2 rezoning is the first step to getting a community center, as well as some diversity of housing and paying down some of the debt. Other uses for some of the community lands could include space for light industry such as warehousing or construction workshops.
Another priority is the replacement of the main fire hall with a seismically sound building that meets WCB standards, and has space for an emergency command center.
4. Tell me about the community work you have done that you are most proud of?
A Bowen project I am very proud of being involved with is the creation of a first class public golf course on Bowen, which was done with hours of volunteer effort and private funds. Another is being a member of the steering committee for the bi-annual People Plants and Places Tour which raises money for the Bowen Island Museum and Archives; I co-ordinate approximately 100 volunteers who make the event such a success.
5. How will you work to make council open to the concerns and ideas of all Bowen Islanders?
I will listen respectfully to those that present at council and promote respectful dialogue. In the summer of 2012 BIM conducted a householder survey and the respondents indicated that their preferred method for providing input to council was through surveys like that one. The second choice was public consultations or open houses where residents could observe and comment on information posted on display boards.
6. What do you love most about living on Bowen Island?
The tranquility, natural green spaces, and friendliness of the island.
