The mayoral and city council candidates were asked to reply to four questions that we hope will give voters a better idea on where they stand on some of the most challenging issues of the day.
1. The current city council voted 5-4 to keep Pine Valley. If this matter were to come before council again, how would you vote and why?
1. The Pine Valley Golf course opportunity has not been fully discussed. It is in ill repair and in need of redevelopment. . We cannot ignore the fact that the Pine Valley 18 hole course is currently in need of an over $1.7 million redevelopment to stay functional and the money will not come from Santa Claus. Let's consider selling half of the land when the time is right and use the money to provide the user group with a new and current 9 hole par 3 golf or pitch and putt experience with no additional tax burden to city taxpayers
2. City council voted 8-1 in favour of the Northern Recovery Centre for Women in the former Haldi Road elementary school. How would you have voted and why? (Incumbents: how did you vote and why?)
2. I was not on council at the time and did not attend the public hearing; as such I do not have all the information and will not state a position.
3. The current city council gave its bargaining committee a target of a net-zero increase to negotiate a new collective agreement with city workers, leading to the first-ever labour disruption by municipal staff. What will be your recommendation when the current collective agreements for city workers expire in 2016 and why?
3. It would be careless and irresponsible to begin negotiating a labour contract during an election campaign; and I am not careless or irresponsible; as such I will not comment on this labour issue.
4. Why should residents vote in the Nov. 15 municipal election?
4. This is an opportunity for residents of Prince George to elect new or ratify current council members. Local government is representative government and over the 4 year term will make thousands of decisions on behalf of our community. I encourage the electorate to select candidates that do their homework and have the experience and courage to make decisions that align with their Vision of our community; its needs and wants. Make your voice heard, vote November 15th.
