Election question of the week: What's the top issue in this election and why?
Mayoral candidates
Rob Kirkham
No single issue is of top priority for our community, in fact, quite the opposite. The responsibility of mayor and council is to address all the competing interests and issues that need our attention in an informed and timely manner. Squamish is progressing on so many fronts, at such a pace, that the challenge is to keep continuous momentum on all ongoing projects. One key project that addresses a variety of objectives is moving the Oceanfront from plan to reality. Uniting the many varied groups and organizations for consensus building is imperative to our ultimate success as a community.
Auli Parviainen
Residents want to build a sustainable and diverse economy to create?employment opportunities for all. Being a mere bedroom community doesn't?allow for a high degree of livability. People choose Squamish as a home to?participate in a vibrant, thriving and healthy community, one where work,?play, recreation and arts and culture are integrated within the natural?environment. A transparent and inclusive local government representative of?diverse interests needs to stand united and decisive in action to repair our?reputation as a place to do business and be accountable for the execution of?our common vision. We need fresh ideas and united action to create?confidence.
Ron Bahm
Job creation: If the citizens are unemployed or underemployed, they have no money to put back into the local economy. Being employed makes people feel good, which in turn makes for ahealthy community. People commuting to Vancouver or Whistler to go to work, on average, pay between $600 to $1,000 per month just for fuel costs alone. This money could be going back into the community if these people worked here in Squamish.
Council candidates
Susan Chapelle
Economic development: Squamish is at a time of both economic and social transition. It will take strong leadership and effective planning to set achievable goals that meet our community's needs. In these times of limited financing and more complex issues, we need creative ideas and innovative solutions.
Ron Sander
Developing a local economy that provides family-supporting jobs, revenue to the District to afford the amenities and services the community desires. Proven leadership that understands business and the community will develop a plan that welcomes a wide variety of business from recreation to industry.
Rob Weys
The most important issue in this election is the number of Squamish residents who vote. In the past, the voter turnout has been low. To change Squamish and have key issues resolved, as many eligible voters need to participate in the election process; otherwise, only a percentage of the community is actually deciding the future of Squamish.
Bryan Raiser
Easy. Will the thousands of people who just moved to Squamish actually get informed and vote? Our community's demographic has changed dramatically. The cornerstone of democracy is active participation in elections. Having an engaged public is absolutely essential to ensure our leaders truly represent our community. Please vote (Raiser).
Doug Race
Although not really an issue, I think the most important initiative for a new Council will be the implementation of the Oceanfront plan. This project will create employment, attract business and visitors to our community, stimulate our downtown area and will, in a significant way, define our community.
Sarah BraebrookWisdom. Which of the candidates have the wisdom to make sound decisions which will serve the residents of Squamish well into the future?What have they demonstrated so far?If wise, sensible, thoughtful people are chosen, all the other issues of economic development, funds allocation, etc., will be dealt with effectively.
Eric Andersen
Jobs strategy collaboration -Lack of jobs means economic, social, environmental stress. Without strategy we spin wheels, squander employment lands, displace instead of diversify. Division and bias will make us unprepared. We can be not only Outdoor Recreation Capital, but an innovation arena. All industries are knowledge-based or they won't survive.
Nate DolhaEconomic development. Without expansion and diversification of our local economy, the only way we will be able to fund future infrastructure, transit, recreation, etc., is through increases to taxation. I believe Squamish would rather see an expansion to the tax base across the board than an increase on property taxes.
Peter Kent
There's more than one succinct issue crying out for attention. Poor marketing, the evolution of jobs, aging infrastructure, the SODC, a dysfunctional transportation system, a perception that we're a difficult place for development/business, and a mistrust of our government's inner workings or its unwillingness to "listen" are all deeply intertwined.
Ted Prior
Electing a dedicated council with diverse backgrounds that represents all Squamish citizens. A council that will revitalize the downtown, bring back investor confidence, and cut red tape, which will create jobs and momentum. Get to know your candidates and vote - it's the best way to move Squamish forward!
Patricia Heintzman
The Oceanfront and how to empower the economy and leverage our incredible/diverse human capital will dominate the debate and become the seminal issue that engages other issues such as transit, environment, homelessness, housing and affordability, public engagement, recreation amenities and cohesive leadership Elections must enliven a diversity of issues and opportunities.
Mike Jenson
Economic development. The world needs to know that Squamish is open for business. More business means a better economy and more jobs here. Healthy residential development is good for our community, but we need to restore the balance between residential and commercial to ensure a stronger community where residents live, work and play.
Jeff Cooke
I want to get Squamish on the road to prosperity. Growing our economy creates more revenue for recreational and social programs without raising taxes. The key issue is choosing leaders who are suited to this task. We need entrepreneurs like myself with extensive experience growing large businesses and managing tight budgets.
Brad Hodge
The divisions in the community. We can't fix the economy or address spending priorities when we aren't ourselves in agreement on what those should be. Council should continue to make every effort to involve and engage the public and set the right example of compromise and civility in Chambers.
Phil Audet
Jobs and the economy are by far the most important issues in this election. A healthy downtown and the waterfront project moving forward are huge positive steps for Squamish. We need a transparent government that has vision and acts on what is in the best interest of its people.
Uffe Hansen
Nexen Lands use - Ideal location for heavy industrial (non-polluting) with rail and sea access. Squamish needs good paying jobs so this will be a good start. It will also build the tax base. Ensuring that there are park lands set aside for residents to have access to the ocean.
Debra McBride
DOS debt. Solution: maintain to gain. As a volunteer for Mountain FM, I learned the zero budget process. DOS services remain the same with same budget. Zero tax increases. Grants in aid are first and fully funded. No development cost deferrals. Adventure Centre sells, Chamber moves. No SODC salaries.
Balvinder Biring
The most important issue in this election is sustainable jobs, which falls under the umbrella of "Economic Sustainability," one of my platform key goals. To achieve my vision of a "healthy, vibrant community," the business adaptability and growth that can provide sustainable jobs to support a growing community is very critical.
Chris Wallace
I believe the biggest issue facing Squamish is the Squamish Oceanfront lands. It is my opinion that the current direction does not make economic sense. We purchased a piece of land for $1 and we now have a mortgage for the same piece of land for $7.2 million.
Douglas Neville
We are currently stagnant economically and with infrastructure needing to be updated or replaced, we need a healthy economy more than ever. This is what I would like to focus on as a councillor, protecting our investments in our homes and our existing businesses by finding new industry and maintaining our infrastructure.
Geoff Dyer
Restoring Squamish's image as a place that is "open for business." Restoring confidence in this community, including council and staff, will lead to positive growth and jobs (sustainability). Sensible, timely decisions are needed to accomplish this. Being branded as the "Red Tape Capital of Canada" impacts us all and isn't the reputation we want.
Editor's note: Council candidates Terrill Patterson and Larry McLennan did not respond to the question in time for The Chief's press deadline.
