All candidates running in the municipal election have been forwarded the same set of questions to respond to.
1. What triggered you to make this step and run for municipal office?
I had two triggers.
Infrastructure: In the coming years we will be making the biggest and most far reaching infrastructure choices we are likely to ever make as a community. Especially around the Cove. My experience with infrastructure and operations is needed at the table.
Development: It was our choice as a community years ago to zone various land parcels such as The Cape for increases in density and we have taxed that land accordingly ever since. With that in mind it is reasonable to say that unless we are in a position to buy up these private parcels, development, over time will occur. Period. It was our own rules and well intentioned ignorance that devastated the Cape.
I do not want to see that tragedy repeated.
2. What common ground do you share with the other candidates running in this election?
I have had a couple thousand conversations about Bowen with residents over the years and never have never met a single person who wanted bad things to happen here.
I think our community’s greatest tragedy is that we were are all on the same page. We all share a passion for this place.
I share with other candidates, a passion for Bowen and her future. That is all the common ground we need.
3. What are your top three priorities for Bowen?
1. Bring the big picture view of Bowen to the table so we can better understand the complex infrastructure and land use choices we have to make.
2. To work with all stake holders on a much less compartmentalized transportation system for Bowen.
Our transportation network, including the ferry and water taxis, is a critical part of a healthy communities infrastructure. The quality of life we desire and our ability to reduce our very high carbon footprint are directly linked to the quality of our transportation network.
3. To find ways, including tourism, to expand our local economy. Making a living on Bowen is often a struggle. I believe there are many options to enhance the local economy in ways that are balanced and respectful to both nature and our diverse community population.
4. Tell me about the community work you have done that your are most proud of?
My experience has been that at any given time on Bowen there are less than 50 people volunteering to set up and run the majority of all the communities events including dozens of school events, Bowfest, dock dance, etc. I am most proud to have been one of those people.
5. How will you work to make council open to the concerns and ideas of all Bowen Islanders?
We often hear about this council or that council not being inclusive, or public sentiment about being left out of process. I think much of this talk is political rhetoric.
We on Bowen enjoy levels of access in the council chambers and the municipal hall that are almost unheard of in most Canadian municipalities. The average citizen here can show up at the municipal hall and chat with the CAO directly or expect to be heard by mayor and council at any public meeting.
That is a rare gift.
But if you want to be heard you need to show up. Our meetings are notoriously under-attended.
I think we always have room to improve and I think we improve by making sure that community members have a clearer view the big picture here and an understanding of what’s a stake when we make decisions.
6. What do you love most about living on Bowen Island?
I love the fact that I call home one of the safest most beautiful communities on the planet.
I love the fact the my kids got to grow up here.
I love the potential we have to be leaders in healthy community building instead of followers.
