Candidates were asked to fill out a profile questionnaire. Here are their responses:
MAYOR
Carol Hamilton**
59
Position sought: Mayor
Reasons for running: I have lived in Colwood for nearly 35 years and enjoyed the challenges and rewards of serving as Mayor for the past 3 years. I will continue to provide strong leadership in reaching out to residents and working with all of Council to better the City of Colwood. There is no “I” in my vision of the team that is Colwood City Council. I will continue to respectfully work alongside citizens, Council, staff and other parties toward a plan for our ‘waste water’ that is financially affordable for our taxpayers. I will support the vision of the people through our recently revised Official Community Plan, including arts & culture, food security, transportation, and the environment, to ensure that we truly can “Live, Work and Play” here in the City of Colwood. Our future requires economic viability, diversity and sustainability. This includes exploring opportunities to work with other municipalities on ways to increase efficiency and fiscal responsibility in the Capital region. Achieving our vision of a vibrant, connected and soulful community will take a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility. We need to tighten our belts and carefully manage our finances. I believe my past experiences in 32 years of building our family business, raising a family, surviving the economic crisis of the early 80s and overcoming personal family tragedies has strengthened my values. Let's work together to build a strong and prosperous Colwood.
Facebook: Re-Elect Carol Hamilton for Mayor of Colwood 2014
David Michael Shebib
71, junk hauler
Position sought: Mayor
Government doesn't have the right to put itself in debt. With me as mayor a lot of people are going to be fired and many municipal assets sold off. Time for everyone to meditate on their delusional preconceptions of 'job security'. If the police refuse to tow the line they will be put on leave and a massive deputizing of volunteers will replace them. It is not hard to be mayor when you understand patience as the core of response and recovery.
facebook.com/pages/David-Shebib-for-Mayor/1428992550689761
Robin Stanbridge
38, designer
Position sought: Mayor
We live in an increasingly sophisticated world - where politicians are plainly incapable of solving our past problems nevermind the uncertainties before us. Yet we are a city with an enormous span of knowledge and expertise. We can harness our collective knowledge and replace our political system and use our tablets and smartphones to design, review, collaborate and create the most elegant, attractive, cost effective and ecologically sound solutions, not just to sewage, but to every problem we face. We become resilient and adapt to problems rapidly such as emergencies by working collectively. And when we do build that collaborative system, we will have created not merely a direct, participatory democracy, but a dynamic aggregate of our collective intelligence; a system where our talents can be contributed to our collective benefit. + citywide wifi for problem-solving; access to academic publications; emergency services; direct, participatory democracy with accountability by property taxation, and the option to contribute skills for executing solutions in lieu of property tax
facebook.com/Zerosewage?ref=bookmarks
COUNCIL (6 seats)
Lilja Chong
22, manager, poli-sci student
Position sought: Councillor
I had the privilege of growing up in Colwood. But with significant increases in taxes and a lack of focus on economic development I fear that many of my generation will be unable to afford to raise a family in our community. Increased taxation also means that seniors on fixed incomes end up being taxed out of the homes they spent a lifetime acquiring and maintaining. I want to see an elevated highway crossing for the Galloping Goose trail in Colwood. Too many people are cutting across and the current situation is a tragedy waiting to happen. I want to ensure that our waste management system is cost effective and not the current billion dollar boondoggle the CRD has planned. Colwood is one of the few local municipalities not asking voters for their view on amalgamation. The excuses for not doing so are just that, excuses. As your Councillor I will ensure that the community is listened to and that you are given a full say on major issues like amalgamation. I want a liveable and sustainable community not just for myself but for all of us. On November 15th please vote Lilja Chong for Colwood Council.
facebook.com/pages/Lilja-Chong-for-Colwood-Council/591436324302157
Cynthia Day*
53, city councillor
Position sought: Councillor
A resident for 27 years, I’m committed to understanding the issues from the ground up. I support community involvement and championed webcasting council meetings for transparent governance. CRD asked us to pay upfront for sewers that most could not access. I’ve visited four plants with options for a local system that’s affordable, expandable, and environmentally superior. I work hard to bring good value for money to Colwood. Supporting local business, our first hotel and the development of a business case for a Performing Arts Centre I am committed to a vibrant city! Collaborating with IACDI, West Shore Parks and Recreation and CRD Parks, I’m pleased to showcase our free, award winning “User Friendly Trail Guide” showcasing accessibility and inclusion. Programs at Pacific Centre Family Resources and West Shore Parks and Recreation reduce the burden on police and increase safety, helping protect youth from exploitation. I’m committed to keeping Colwood affordable for families. Find out what I’m working on through Facebook and Twitter. Please vote and be involved in your democracy!
facebook.com/ColwoodCityCouncillorCynthiaDay
Buddy DeVito
62, retired
Position sought: ouncillor
I was elected in 1996 and enjoyed my term serving the residents of Colwood. I am running again because I see again a very positive future for Colwood. Colwood is moving forward and I want to be part of these next exciting 4 years. I would like to be part of this council as we move Colwood forward with this promising momentum.
Stephen Huneck
60, scuba Instructor
Position sought: Councillor
Due to some very poor decision making by previous councils, the citizens of Colwood are paying taxes that do not coincide with services they receive. Democracy starts at the local level and offers us the ability to try and change things for the better. For Colwood, better is; taxes commensurate with services and realistic growth. I believe that my municipality needs someone on council, without any personal agenda, who will make sure our community, once again, is the best place to live on the west shore. And that I can do.
Natalia Lebedynsky
48, planner IBM (Project Ministry of Justice)
Position sought: Councillor
I want to see better regional governance; more efficient use of tax payers’ money and make Colwood part of a better and stronger community. Colwood council has refused to ask its citizens if they want to see how Colwood and the CRD might improve the way they are governed. If you agree that we should take a closer look at how this region is being governed - vote Pro AM. By doing so, will help convince the provincial government to fund a study to see what options there are to improve and reduce the amount of bureaucracy in the CRD. I believe that some form of Amalgamation will increase levels of efficiencies, co-ordinate processes, create cost saving opportunities and create greater investment opportunities. The Lack of cooperation amongst municipalities makes it impossible for us to maximize the benefits of this wonderful area we live in. My hope is to represent Colwood as a key player, a voice at the table and leader for a strong future we can all be proud to leave our children.
Gordie Logan*
43, supervisor VIHA
Position sought: Councillor
My goals for the next 4 years: Investment, Cooperation, Grants, Sewage Treatment and the Environment. Building on the positive work of the past 3 years, I want to put the plans we've been working on into action. I want to support business by making it attractive to locate here - increasing Colwood's tax base thereby reducing the tax burden on the rest of the taxpayers. As the Chair of CREST, I've worked hard to build the trust of our user agencies and have I have succeeded. I want to see the planned system re-fresh through to the end. With a large turnover on council, injecting new blood and excitement, having my experience and historical knowledge at the table will be an asset. Looking through the past, present and future lenses will help the City to make the right decisions. With Westridge Landing and Colwood's first hotel on the go, plus Royal Bay, Capital City Center and Ocean Grove about to start up, Colwood is the place to be! I bring the passion, I bring the right attitude, I love Colwood! Please vote [x] LOGAN, Gordie
Duane MacNeill
61, purchaser
Position sought: Councillor
I have resided for 27 years in Colwood, and I want to build on the success of the last three years in the areas of transportation planning and economic diversity and to enhance the living experience we have now. I will work with developers that want to define Colwood as a green place to work, live and play. I will support our move forward on local sewage treatment, partnering with other municipalities. The last five years attending council, budget and committee meetings have given me the insight to truly be a representative of the citizens. I am fiscally conservative with a goal to keep budgets to the rate of inflation. I will continue to be open on any issue as your councillor. I am committed to you, the citizens of Colwood, and I hope I can count on your support.
Rob Martin*
47, CEO Precise Surgical
Position sought: Councillor
If you review my 2011 goals, I am very proud to say that everything I said I would do, I did. So for the next 4 years, I would like to share with you what I will be working towards: 1) Making our approved Economic Development Plan a living document for our Community. This will require a concerted focus by Council and staff to make the objectives a reality. 2) Reducing debt and continuing to bring a strong financial balance sheet to the city. 3) Working towards a Sewer plan that meets the needs of all in our community, while controlling the financial burden on Colwood taxpayers. 4) Maintaining our partnership with our Arts and Recreation colleagues so that we meet the needs of a very talented and diverse community. 5) Continuing the work that the last Council started; to encourage development and make Colwood an attractive place to do business. 6) Making sure that Youth have many opportunities to express themselves through the arts, sports and their community connections
Facebook: Elect Rob Martin for Colwood City Council
Robb Marty
40, full-time student/part-time customer service, sales
Position sought: Councillor
I am an everyday person that would like the opportunity to represent the everyday people, and be a part of a new generation in local government. I believe that Colwood has a vibrant, prosperous, and sustainable future ahead of it. I would like the chance to be a part of guiding that future through the voices of Colwood.
Jason Nault
60, retired research scientist
Position sought: Councillor
With 3 terms on council (2000-2008) I know I can serve Colwood well in this position. My experience and history on Colwood and Regional committees have shown that I am willing to put in the long hours needed to provide reasoned input into decisions, putting the wishes and needs of residents at the forefront. Now retired, I can devote more of my time and use my experience to ensure that we continue moving forward in a positive direction over the next four years. As a councilor, I will use my position to support a local sewage treatment initiative which will be more effective than the CRD proposed system and support a study on the benefits and drawbacks of municipal amalgamation. Municipal government makes many decisions that directly impact day to day quality of life in Colwood, including planning, taxes, zoning, development, road maintenance, police and fire services, emergency planning and preparation, and representation on CRD for regional issues. I know I can serve the residents of Colwood by placing their concerns and wishes front and center in all of these municipal functions.
Terry Trace
59, Retired Municipal Employee
Position sought: Councillor
I am a retired Colwood resident who would like to give back to the community that I have lived in for most of my life. I have many years of senior municipal government experience working with members of Council and attending Council Meetings. My experience has given me the opportunity to realize what it takes to run a city and what is required to be a member of Council. I will work hard at maintaining a good relationship with Council members, committee members, staff and the general public. I understand how important it is to listen to the concerns and opinions of the general public and to understand the issues of Colwood prior to making informed decisions and I feel everyone has a right to be heard. I really enjoy living in this wonderful city and support sustainable development, improved amenities, parks, bike lanes and more trails. Because my city is important to me, it is my goal is to utilize my experience and put my heart into trying to make Colwood a better place to live.
facebook.com/terrytraceforcolwoodcouncil
* indicates incumbent councillor
** indicates incumbent mayor
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