In the run-up to the civic elections, we asked mayoral candidates a couple of basic questions:
Describe yourself and your experience. I was a musician in my 20’s and an academic in my 30’s and 40’s (PhD in Political Economy). In 1996 I was elected, and in 1999 re-elected, Mayor of Sechelt. After serving two terms I retired from public life. I worked for the Government of Canada as a negotiator from 2004 to 2011.  In 2014 I was re-elected as Mayor of Sechelt. I bring proven, experienced leadership to the role. I believe balance and harmony is the best response to negativity.
Why did you decide to run for mayor? Local government is my way to make a contribution to my community. We all need to give back in some way if we want our communities to reach the potential we imagine.
What do you think are the most important issues in Sechelt?  At the moment, the most important issue is securing a reliable, long term water supply. The second most important issue is affordability – not just housing, but affordability in general – food, childcare, transportation and shelter. Family income has not kept pace with the rising cost of basic living for many people. We need to address both sides of this issue – income security and the costs of living securely in Sechelt. How we deal with affordability, community growth and water supply is the basic question in this election: Does the community make the final decisions on how we live or do we let others (in the investment/development industry) determine our future? I will always put the community first.
Do you live in the District of Sechelt?  Yes. Since 1986.
Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can get more information about you and what is it? www.mayormilne.ca
Describe yourself and your experience.
I have served as a Councillor for the District of Sechelt for seven years. I am a small business owner, wife, mother, and a proud grandmother. I hold a Diploma in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Education Degree with double majors in Mathematics and Business Education. This year, through Dalhousie University, I completed an Executive Certificate in Local Government.
Why did you decide to run for mayor?
I appreciate and respect any person who steps up and takes on the duties of a Councillor or Mayor in our local government. At the same time, having served under 2 mayors with very different styles of governance, I have my own views about the most effective way of leading Sechelt forward which differ significantly from the approach they have taken. Examples are – trusting District staff to do their job; listening to and being in tune with citizens around major opportunities and issues; building relationships with other governments on the Sunshine Coast. I see that taking a proactive future view will serve the community in creating the city we all want.
What do you think are the most important issues in Sechelt?
Recently, I was asked what the three most important issues in Sechelt are. The first two are Water Supply and Affordable Housing. Affordable Housing is tied into Economic Development. In fact, all the issues are inter-related.
Then, depending on your age demographic, the third one differs. If you are in the younger demographic, I’d say it would be daycare. If you are in the older demographic, it is most likely senior’s housing and particularly, senior’s care.
Do you live in the District of Sechelt? Yes
Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can get more information about you and what is it?
Website:Â Â www.siegersforsechelt.com
Facebook: VoteSiegers
