Communication, communication, communication; Squamish needs multi-directional conversation between the municipality and residents, says Squamish’s latest mayoral candidate.
Early Wednesday, Oct. 1, Auli Parviainen announced she was putting her name in the race to claim the big seat. Parviainen is no stranger to the political spotlight. In 2011, she went head-to-head with incumbent Mayor Rob Kirkham, losing by 179 votes.
It’s time for city hall to open its doors and become more inclusive, she said.
“I think one of the most important reasons and what is really pushing me to do this is now I feel the people don’t really have a meaningful voice anymore in their own community or on things that matter.”
In today’s world there are amble cheap and easy tools and surveys that could be utilized to help build a consensus, Parviainen said. There are some big decisions facing Squamish. While Parviainen said she has no intent of making the Nov. 15 election about the proposed Woodfibre liquefied natural gas plant, she does want to see more public opportunity for conversation around significant industrial proposals.
Parviainen noted she has concerns regarding the Squamish oceanfront sale. She wants to delve into who pays for the infrastructure required to service the site, noting the community shouldn’t be on the hook for that kind of bill. She said there needs to be more openness into the agreement and potential sale of the land.
“I don’t think this is about kyboshing the deal either,” Parviainen said.
Parviainen’s main goal is to foster an environment where citizens can easily participate in decision-making on a regular basis.
“My focus is on how to govern well and what does good governance look like,” she said.
Parviainen has lived in Squamish for five years. She’s been involved with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and Inside Edge.
