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. I want this discussed in an open meeting. Pine Valley requires $1.7million dollars in improvements. The City went to tender for a 10 year contract under the condition that the private contractor invest that money. *No one bid*. I don't believe we should increase your taxes to fix Pine Valley! My solution to raise that money: Buy the surplus lands around John McInnis/Peden Hill from the School District. Move the course over and the pro shop next to their huge parking lot. This would allow the City to sell and develop nine acres, an area the size of Superstore!
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 voted to rezone and redevelop the old school. Rezoning applications require Councillors to consider the proposed change in land use. How will that change affect the neighbourhood? How will it impact the community as a whole? Often these are not cut and dry issues. Occasionally, as in this case, they become very contentious. It's easy to say 'put it somewhere else'. The challenge is that, although women's recovery centres have been talked about for years, this is the first one that could become reality. As such, I looked at the 'community as a whole' and supported this rezoning.
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. When you talk to employees you'll find that they have many things that drive their job satisfaction. Are they being appreciated/recognized for the work they do? Is there good communication in the organization? Is there engagement with management? Are there concerns around their job security? Are they being paid a fair wage? Are there opportunities for growth/promotion? City CUPE workers are the third highest paid in the province and had consecutive wage increases for decades. The current contract included net zero for the first two years and a 2% increase in the last two years.
4. Why should residents vote in the Nov. 15 municipal election?
4. As a Councillor for the past six years I have been a dedicated and decisive champion for our basic infrastructure. I am proud that our Water, Sewer, and Garbage service are now fully funded; that our roads are finally being fixed. However, the work is not done. Significant improvements are needed to basic foundation items of our City which are at, or nearing, the end of their service life.
I'm Cameron Stolz and I'm asking for your vote so that I can continue to be a voice of experience; championing the much needed improvements to our City's basic infrastructure!
