Gary Richard Korpan
Website: http://www.facebook.com/gary.korpan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gary.korpan
Are you associated with or running as part of a slate? If so, which one?
No. I am totally independent.
Do you live in the municipality where you are running, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to that community?
I have lived in Nanaimo since 1967.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
Retired. Formerly a lawyer, previously Mayor of Nanaimo.
Tell us about your previous elected and/or community experience.
I have a degree in political science; a degree in law with emphasis in constitutional law; post graduate courses in municipal government; 20 plus years running a law practice; 9 years Nanaimo City Councillor; 15 years as Nanaimo Mayor (1993-2008); 20 years on the Regional District.
I have wide community knowledge that would benefit the new Council ranging from City operations and budgeting, economic to environmental to social issues as well as experience in dealing with emergencies. My employment as an Auxiliary Police officer with Victoria City Police under the Law Student Police Program gives me added insight into policing and social needs. My appointment to the BC Premier’s Task Force on Mental Health and Addictions gave me detailed knowledge of the homeless crisis.
Why are you running? What’s your motivation?
I truly believe that my responsibility is to serve our city in return for all the opportunities it has given me. I wish to help in our unending goal of making Nanaimo an even better, healthier, and safe place to work and live.
I am offering my extensive training, knowledge, and experience in municipal government as a candidate for the new City Council.
My Mayoral and Councillor experience includes institutional memory of City operations that will alert Council to issues newcomers may not be aware of. I know who to contact to solve citizen questions and problems quickly.
What are your top three issues?
1-“Citizens, especially seniors, fear parts of our City, particularly Downtown.” We all deserve to feel safe throughout Nanaimo.
I commit to ensuring City Council acts decisively on Public Safety.
2-Citizen tax payers expect and demand fiscal responsibility. I especially hate wasteful spending.
Nanaimo needs constant budgetary review of all City operations to ensure your hard earned tax money is well spent.
3-Good governance, as witnessed by the positive cooperation of the diverse Council teams I had the honour of serving with and leading. Good decisions are based on following the fundamental Golden Rule principle of: “Treat others like you would like to be treated.”
What’s your vision for your community in 25 years?
We must work to make Nanaimo a safe, environmentally healthy community with wide economic opportunities so everyone can prosper. A great city for all to enjoy…children, seniors, visitors, everyone.
What’s one “big idea” you have for your community?
Council needs to budget responsibly. All organizations receiving tax subsidies should undergo a detailed audit to ensure they truly deserve your money.
I will recommend the new Mayor use their authority to have all questionable funding decisions and budget line items reconsidered by a recorded vote in open session. We should know exactly who wastes your tax money and who acts to ensure you get good value.
