Economic development, preservation of agricultural land and sensible redevelopment of municipal facilities are common goals of candidates running for two vacant Central Saanich council seats.
Three former councillors, including one who challenged the mayor’s job last time, are among eight candidates hoping to fill the two vacant council positions in a byelection April 13.
Former Coun. Christopher Graham, a 12-year Central Saanich council veteran who lost in a bid to be mayor in 2011, is once again standing for council. Also among the candidates are former Coun. Susan Mason, who was narrowly defeated in 2011, and Bob Thompson, who last served on council from 2002 to 2008.
The byelection is necessary to replace former Coun. Terry Siklenka, who resigned under a cloud after he turned up living and working in the Cayman Islands while on a paid leave from council, and former Coun. Adam Olsen, who resigned in order to run as the Green Party candidate in Saanich North and the Islands in the May provincial election.
The Times Colonist asked the candidates to outline their reasons for running and identify what they saw as the top three issues in the campaign.
Below, you’ll find the information (edited for space) that they provided.
Alicia Cormier, 48, small business/social enterprise entrepreneur
Previous elected experience: None, but has served on Central Saanich advisory planning commission and several not-for-profit volunteer boards.
Reason for running: With more than 28 years of management, sales and marketing experience, I have a variety of skills to offer the municipality. I have lived on the Peninsula most of my life and have raised two daughters here. I have the time, energy and experience to serve the citizens of Central Saanich and a sincere desire to put my knowledge and experience to work for the best interests of our community.
Top three issues:
1. Collaborate with business, agriculture and First Nations representatives to champion a local economic-development strategy that will revitalize Keating, Saanichton and Brentwood Bay and also stimulate opportunities for First Nations communities and the agriculture sector. A focus on adding new technology-based businesses, agri-tourism and local food-production facilities would be a priority.
2. Encouraging community engagement and improving public participation and transparency in council decisions and activities. In addition to the review of whether or not to proceed with a new town hall, I would be a strong advocate for encouraging active community participation in the upcoming review of our Official Community Plan and Regional Sustainability Strategy.
3. Careful fiscal management to ensure we provide essential municipal services while living within our current tax base. I would advocate for ongoing review of municipal expenditures to ensure we are using tax dollars wisely and we are working closely with provincial and federal governments and neighbouring municipalities to maximize funding opportunities and deliver services in the most cost-effective manner.
Christopher Graham, 35, farmer and business owner
Previous elected experience: 12 years on Central Saanich Council (1996 to 2008).
Reason for running: I bring experience and enthusiasm. I enjoyed the 12 years I served on council and would like the opportunity to do more. I feel the community would benefit from my municipal experience and my small-business and finance background.
Top three issues:
1. Economic development focusing on Keating revitalization: working with the province to create safer traffic access off the highway; promoting redevelopment with residential over business where appropriate to create affordable worker housing and enhance economic activity in Keating; more business-friendly bylaws, faster approvals and a fairer tax system.
2. Careful budget management and financial planning to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep our costs down while providing the services our residents need. While on council, as chair of the finance and administration committee, I identified a calculation error and through contacting our MLA directly and with council’s support, I was successful in having the Small Communities grant restored — an annual savings to Central Saanich since 2005. This year, that grant is being reduced, a significant factor in the anticipated 5.36 per cent tax increase. This does not include provisions for replacing the municipal hall or public works building, which have been identified as inadequate .
3. Enhancing agriculture and protecting rural Central Saanich by following the Official Community Plan and using smart-growth principles to focus future development towards the residential settlement areas. Servicing isolated pockets of urban development with infrastructure such as sewer, water and bus service is expensive, inefficient and an impairment to quality of life. It also creates conflicts between farmers and their suburban neighbours. Land speculation by developers has been identified as the No. 1 threat to agriculture in our region. I will work to ensure that threat is reduced.
John Hannam, 65, retired teacher; hay and horse farmer
Previous elected experience: None
Reason for running: I have enjoyed living on our farm in Central Saanich for the last 13 years and feel very much at home in the community. I believe my successful administrative experience working within various organizations would be of benefit to the municipality.
Top three issues:
1. The biggest challenge facing Central Saanich is to find a balance between the rural and urban needs of its citizens. There is an ongoing need to develop strategies to expand the municipality’s revenue base within the guidelines of the Official Community Plan.
2. Through the development of these strategies, the infrastructure of the municipality has to be maintained and improved, while being mindful of the resources available to it.
3. Farming activities have to be actively encouraged and practically supported, while councillors work to meet the needs of all residents of the community. With careful consideration in matching these resources to the wants and needs of the community, we can set appropriate priorities and act on those areas in a rational and well-considered way.
Susan Mason, mid-60s, interior designer/planner
Previous elected experience: Central Saanich council (2002 to 2011)
Reason for running: I care passionately about our community and, after a year away, I feel excited, energized and ready to go back to the council table. Because the two vacancies come midway through the term, I feel it is vital that experienced leaders with historical knowledge are elected, thus ensuring a smooth transition.
Top three issues:
1. The Twasout First Nations development on the east side of the highway will have an impact on how we do business in Central Saanich, so it’s vital that we establish an economic strategy for the entire municipality in conjunction with First Nations and our neighbouring municipalities. We need to actively explore and encourage development and economic growth opportunities in our core areas consistent with our OCP, while encouraging symbiotic business relationships in the municipality. By re-evaluating the future of the Keating Industrial Area, encouraging a work/live environment, we could create a vibrant community and economic generator. This would enable our young people to stay in Central Saanich while supplying valuable workers, without jeopardizing our urban containment boundary and valuable farmlands.
2. We are also faced with costly maintenance on our aging facilities and how and when we can afford to replace them. Perhaps by developing a municipal centre with underground parking on municipally owned lands in the heart of Brentwood Village, combining services such as a municipal hall, police station, library and seniors assisted living, we could partner with other government agencies to share costs and enhance services. This could be phased in over time and the old hall could be sold later to offset costs.
3. Finally, we must take active steps to sustain and protect our farmlands for future generations. We need to tighten the soil-deposit bylaw to control the quality, quantity and proper transportation of fill being used on farmlands.
James McNulty, 25, business owner/manager
Previous elected experience: None. However, has served as the citizen representative to both Advisory Planning Commission and the Peninsula Recreation Commission.
Reason for running: After working closely with Mayor Alastair Bryson and Coun. Carl Jensen on the Peninsula Recreation Commission, I have been impressed with their vision for the community and want to ensure the good work this mayor and council have been doing is continued. Currently, there are no Keating Cross Road business owners on council. As one, I can contribute a different perspective. And with a home on ALR land, I understand the issues facing ALR land owners.
Top three issues:
1. Taxes. I support linking tax increases to the rate of inflation to ensure no increase in taxes in real terms from year to year. A stable tax policy will enable homeowners to plan their financial futures and encourage businesses to invest in the community.
2. Fire hall and city hall capital expenditure projects. I support a referendum on the new city hall. As the only councillor running with a background in the construction industry, I believe I can add knowledge and insight to both of these capital expenditure projects.
3. Land-use planning on Keating Cross Road and in Brentwood Bay and Saanichton Village areas. I support promoting policies on Keating Cross Road that result in businesses choosing to locate there, creating local jobs and building the tax base. I support policies that encourage infill housing within the village centres of Brentwood Bay and Saanichton Village, creating affordable housing and vibrant village centres.
Bernie Struck, 48, founder and president of a residential rental company; president of a forestry consulting firm
Previous elected experience: None
Reason for running: As a long-term resident and business operator in the area, I have often been discouraged at the cost and wasted energy and resources required to live and work in the area. I don't believe that our governments spend our taxpayers’ money effectively. I hope to help bring about a more responsible common-sense approach to our local government.
Top three issues:
1. Once the new firehall is completed, the district will focus on what to do with the current municipal hall. The new firehall placed a heavy burden on our taxpayers. I don’t think our residents are willing or able to take on another bill to finance this site. Clearly, there is much potential to develop the property, but we will need to approach the development from a fiscally responsible position. With proper input and planning, I believe that we can meet the goals of a new municipal building without burdening the taxpayer any further than necessary.
2. We are currently in the budget preparation time frame. I had hoped that the byelection could have taken place earlier, so that the new councillors would have had more input. I feel that our councillors need to be more vigilant in reviewing expenditures and revenue.
3. In the Official Community Plan, much is said of the community’s commitment to farmers and the rural lifestyle, yet our farming community is in danger of closing shop due to increased deer population. Here, again, is a good example of how government bureaucracy has perpetuated a problem and hinders any real solutions.
We need to work with farmers to find a solution to this increasing problem. We should also encourage more people to become involved in the production of local produce, possibly through community gardens or by making plots of land available for individual gardens.
Bob Thompson, 62, agri-food communications and marketing consultant; editor, Farm Fresh Guide
Previous elected experience: Nine years Central Saanich Councillor (2002 to 2008, 1993 to 1996).
Reason for running: I love living and working in Central Saanich. I want to work with other members of council to make balanced and fiscally responsible decisions that help us maintain a sustainable community, reflecting our core values as expressed in the Official Community Plan. I believe my experience will allow me to step seamlessly into the role of a councillor and make an immediate impact.
Top three issues:
1. Financial sustainability and taxation: Continue to look for long-term solutions for an economically sustainable municipal government, without excessive tax increases. Replacement of aging infrastructure, including the possibility of a new town hall, presents an ongoing challenge. (I support 2014 referendum.)
2. Economic development: Partner with local businesses to develop a revitalization plan for Keating Industrial area. Support redevelopment of Saanichton and Brentwood village centres. (We need to put more people — and customers — into the village centres.) Continue active support for local agriculture — no farmers, no food. Implement key recommendations of the Agricultural Area Plan and act to protect soil quality.
3. Livable neighbourhoods: Pursue appropriate housing solutions for families and workers, and look for opportunities for aging in town, including multi-generational housing — people want to downsize and to stay in Central Saanich. Review densification of residential neighbourhoods, through hands-on discussions and neighbourhood planning to determine what level of densification is acceptable, and where?
Ryan Windsor, 33, director of marketing and operations for a vineyard
Previous elected experience: None
Reason for running: Byelections are different from general elections because the business of council is already underway. As a community member who attends council and committee meetings regularly, I am familiar with much of the business before council. This should be an asset as council proceeds with decisions affecting local taxpayers.
Top three issues:
1. Referendum on borrowing for a new municipal hall and potential tax increases.
2. Strengthening of village and commercial cores of Saanichton, Brentwood Bay and Keating Cross Road.
3. Assisting local farmers in providing regional food security through the Agricultural Area Plan.
