In the run up to the civic election, we asked candidates for the City of Nanaimo some basic questions:
Their answers are posted here, verbatim, in the order they were received.
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Al Thompson
1] Al Thompson and this will be my 71st winter.
2] At present I am a consultant for a company that sells distilling
equipment, I consult, sell, order,ship, design, import and test the
equipment.
In the past I have been a milk man , farm worker, paper boy, licenced
heavy duty mechanic, cab driver, and have owned my own company for over 40
years working as a product and freight relocation specialist. In the slow
times, I worked in a coal mine, spent a few years as a shop foreman, service
manager, western regional equipment manager for seven divisions [ waste
disposal] and was the shore captain of two 400′ ships down in San Francisco
Bay for 8 months, Spent one year selling scrape steal to India..
3+4] Priorities if elected, 1] stop the wasteful spending and put a two
year freeze on all wages, stop using consultants and lawyers for every damn
thing. 2] clean the city, 3] to revitalize the down town core by building
more middle income buildings. and stop over engineering ever thing that
needs fixing..
5] Why should folks vote for me, well I am a nice guy, I work well with
others and I listen and learn. I know how to balance a budget. I am for
making Nanaimo for the the people of Nanaimo, tourists come second. I am for
more industry, we have two ports lets use them.
And I live here in Nanaimo
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Ian Thorpe – Incumbent
I am 66 years old and have lived in Nanaimo all my adult life. I am retired after a 35-year career as a school teacher/administrator in our city. I have also worked in broadcasting, and for 38 years have written a newspaper column promoting local sports: “The Thorpe Report.” I have worked in unions and in management, and have been able to relate with all sides of the political spectrum. I have sat on or chaired numerous executive boards. I have enjoyed leadership roles which required me to be a good listener and a reasoned thinker. My experiences have taught me how to be decisive, and to make evidence-based decisions in a fair and impartial manner. After serving for three years on the City’s Parks and Recreation Committee I ran and was elected to Nanaimo Council in 2014. During the past term I have served on the Public Safety Committee, Grants Advisory Committee, Community Development Committee, and am chair of the Parks, Recreation, and Wellness Committee. I have been one of the City representatives at the Regional District where I was elected as vice-chair. I am now seeking re-election to Nanaimo City Council in order to bring my experience and skills to the table to assist in mentoring the new Councillors who will be elected. I believe I have much to offer.
I decided to run for re-election because I believe that Nanaimo is at a crucial cross-roads in its history. Our city’s reputation has suffered over the past four years and we cannot allow this to continue. Now we need to choose wisely and select the right people to provide positive leadership, restore confidence, and move Nanaimo forward. I expect a big change in Council following the election, with many new faces. I believe I am well qualified to take a leadership role, and I want to bring my experience and knowledge back to the table to lead positive change. During the past term I tried hard to remain responsible and professional. I believe that I bring a mature and thoughtful approach to decision-making, and am known as a voice of reason. I value responsible conduct, integrity, and open and honest communication. I believe in doing my homework on issues, and in voting as an independent voice based on what I think is best for the City.
There are many issues facing our city. Homelessness and affordability are among them, and it will be important to work with partners such as the provincial government to implement strategies to address those topics. Improving our transportation network is another important issue, as is the careful development of our downtown waterfront area. We need to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy community while promoting economic prosperity and fiscal accountability. However, for me the first and main priority is to re-establish proper principles of civic governance. Councillors and City staff need to know their roles and duties, and interact appropriately and respectfully. We need to re-establish Nanaimo and City Council’s credibility – with our citizens, with our business community, and with potential investors.
Yes, I live within the City of Nanaimo.
I encourage voters to become informed and to visit my campaign website: www.ianthorpe.ca
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Peter Kent
City Councillor & 35+ years in the TV/Film business. This includes 15 years as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s personal stunt double, becoming the first Canadian to earn a spot in the Hollywood Stuntman’s Hall of Fame. I am a 30-year Screen Actors Guild member, Second Unit Director, Producer & Screenwriter. I teach at my stunt school “Peter Kent’s School of Hard Knocks” and am sourcing out real estate areas in Nanaimo to bring my stunt school to. Until the election, I commute to sit as city councillor in Squamish, though I no longer live there.
Why did you decide to run for a seat at the council table?
Growing up in Nanaimo from boy to young man, I have a deep affinity for the city. My mother and I ran a boarding house just off Wakesiah Ave. It has been disheartening witnessing the significant issues involving local governance over this last term. This has motivated me to help re-establish damaged relations with the electorate, municipal staff, protective services, ministerial agencies and community that hold a special place in my heart. It is imperative we attract, retain and recognize good city staff, for they are the backbone of every municipality. We must also work closely with First Nations, senior levels of government through UBCM and ministerial agencies to foster a forward thinking, economically strong and safe community for all. My experience as a sitting councillor is what I bring to the table. Squamish has faced significant issues, many on parallel with Nanaimo. Explosion of growth, infrastructure needs, homelessness and addiction are just a few. I am happy to say our council was one of the most productive, yet were also able to be congenial despite disagreements.
What do you think are the most important issues in Nanaimo?
Getting the City governance back on track with council and staff relations improved. They have suffered greatly under the last administration.
Getting into the next budget cycle with experienced hands and ascertaining our financial stability and strengths
Addressing the homeless/addiction and mental health issues through action with the senior levels of government to get available funding and start to implement changes across the spectrum immediately. Council needs to proactive on these fronts.
Do you live within the city?
No, I live in the RDN at Qualicum
Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can get more information about you and what is it?
https://www.facebook.com/nanaimocouncil/
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Pelé Gouda
I’m a local bartender, and I’m at the end of a Political science degree at VIU.
In pursuing my degree, I made sure to get as varied a political education as possible. I’ve studied far-reaching, abstract political theories and philosophies, as well as the precise, empirical stuff like statistical analyses and methods in actually writing good policies.
My political experience goes beyond just academic, however. I’m a political organizer who has helped to elect great progressive politicians like MP Sheila Malcolmson or MLA (and future mayor) Leonard Krog. I’ve also written policy at the provincial level. And I am an activist who has rallied people around issues like protecting our land and water from the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion, or counter demonstrating the dog whistle white-nationalist group, Soldiers of Odin.
I decided to run for council because I see the problems that face Nanaimo and I think that I would do well in fixing them; I have the temperament, the experience, the academic toolkit, and the interpersonal ability to get to work improving our city.
Moreover, I simply cannot divorce myself from the political. If I tried to do something else in this world, I know there would be some guilty feeling inside me, punishing me for not trying to make positive political change. I can’t help it. So where better to enter the political arena than my hometown?
While the environment and the economy always reign supreme in my books, there is one multifaceted issue that is on everyone’s lips, and rightly so: housing, homelessness, and tent city. I’ll try and concisely address these issues here, but for more information, check out my platform!
On the environment, I believe we ought to make a municipal advisory committee strictly around environmental sustainability. I would also push that committee focus on industrial and infrastructural ways of reducing our carbon footprint—rather than individual ones—such that the burden of greenifying doesn’t land on the working citizens and families of Nanaimo.
On the economy, I believe that it’s time now for a city council that focuses its economic intent more on the people of Nanaimo, and less on courting outside capital and wasteful legacy projects. We ought to make our economic priorities through the lens of local empowerment to create long-term, sustainable results. No stakeholder is more important than those who actually live in this city.
On housing and homelessness, there are two critical things to bear in mind:
One; ‘housing first’ policies are empirically proven to be the most effective, as well as the cheapest on the tax-payer. This is because it costs us more to constantly arrest and process the homeless than it does to help them get on their feet and start contributing to the economy.
Two; municipalities on their own do not have the necessary resources to seriously address the problem.
As such, we absolutely must work with the provincial government and BC housing to get the supportive housing resources we need. On the municipal end this means intelligent zoning, and meaningful consultation with neighbourhoods that will receive those housing resources.
I do live in Nanaimo. Just as I have since I was 5 years old!
Here are the places you can reach me, and learn more about my candidacy:
PeleGouda.com
facebook.com/PeleGoudaForCouncil
Instagram.com/Pele_is_Good
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Ken Osborn (Ozzy)
Describe yourself and your experience. Gary Korpan: I have a degree in political science; a degree in law with emphasis in constitutional law; post graduate courses in municipal government; 20 plus years running a law practice; 9 years Nanaimo City Councillor (1984-1993); 15 years as Nanaimo Mayor (1993-2008); 20 years on the Nanaimo Regional District.
I have wide community knowledge that would benefit the new Council ranging from City operations and budgeting, economic to environmental to social issues as well as experience in dealing with emergencies. My employment as an Auxiliary Police officer with Victoria City Police under the Law Student Police Program gives me added insight into policing and social needs. My appointment to the BC Premier’s Task Force on Mental Health and Addictions gave me detailed knowledge of the homeless crisis.
Why did you decide to run for a seat at the council table? Gary Korpan: Restore Good Governance; Stop wasteful spending; Ensure public safety. Nanaimo will have a new Council. Most candidates have little municipal government experience. I can provide reliable experience as someone who knows our civic governance history and can provide important insights as Council considers our serious issues. Nanaimo wants to regain its wide reputation for good governance by a new Council hiring non-partisan professional staff; listening respectfully to issues and concerns, researching and consulting diligently, responding promptly with fair, reasonable, cost efficient solutions while minimizing harmful ramifications. I have the experience and dedication to help achieve those goals. I truly believe that my responsibility is to serve our city in return for all the opportunities it has given me.
What do you think are the most important issues in Nanaimo? Gary Korpan: Restoring the ‘Shared Vision coalition’ of community institutions that worked cooperatively and successfully together and advocated jointly with senior governments to implement City wide priorities should be expanded to include the Aquaculture Visitor Centre/Marine Pavilion proposal which would be an excellent tourism attraction when linked to revitalized Newcastle Island Park amenities and Snuneymuxw First Nation cultural activities. Renew efforts for private investment in Nanaimo including visitor accommodation downtown. Permit higher density & heighth including mixed commercial residential projects. Update tourism and Conference Center marketing and management. Control of spending the current $180,000,000 budget revenue must be Council’s immediate priority. Clearly, Nanaimo citizens are not receiving good value for their contributions to government. Severe homelessness, atrocious road conditions, poor park and facilities conditions, are prime indicators that better City government is sorely needed.
Do you live within the city? Gary Korpan: Yes. I have resided in our bit of paradise known as Nanaimo since 1967.
Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can get more information about you and what is it?
Gary Korpan: Yes. Website info here – http://www.nanaimonet.com/440749053
Questions & suggestions via 250-758-9445 or [email protected] or www.facebook.com/gary.korpan
Thank you for asking. Gary Korpan 14th name on the ballot as Korpan, Gary Richard
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Darcy Olsen
Why did you decide to run for a seat at the council table?
I am rooted in the community and bring a diverse skill set to the table. With a strong work and volunteer history with municipal, provincial and federal governments, I have advocated for local citizens and non-profits, researched policy and fulfilled representational responsibilities. Previously, under my own consulting business, I worked to bring neighbourhoods and developers together to create complete communities that satisfy the needs of seniors, families and businesses. As the Director of Community Development for the Nanaimo Clippers, I shared my passion for community contribution with the young hockey players. Their volunteer reach in our community had the Nanaimo Clippers nominated for the first time with the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.
What do you think are the most important issues in Nanaimo?
Affordability
Sustainable economic growth
Rebuilding community partnerships
Do you live within the city?
Yes
Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can get more information about you and what is it?
https://www.facebook.com/electdarcyolsen/
https://darcyolsennanaimo.blogspot.com/
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Zeni Maartman (Zenaida)
Why did you decide to run for a seat at the council table?
My passion is to serve the people. To lead by example, providing good governance to our city. To work together to find the common ground that will be for the common good. The skills I have developed throughout my career and community work in team building, conflict resolution, communication and decision making are crucial to serving on City Council.
I have been a resident of Nanaimo for thirty years. I raised my children here and I see a small city with potential that is limitless. I envision a Nanaimo with a future that is diverse and inclusive, vibrant and healthy, safe and accessible.
What do you think are the most important issues in Nanaimo?
Social and environmental responsibilities go hand in hand with a healthy economy.
Strong leadership and good governance that creates a positive work culture for city employees, listens to our communities and becomes a green, clean city that all citizens will be proud to call home. Revitalize the heart of our City, action derelict and vacant buildings, create people friendly spaces.
Rebuild relationships with city partners and all levels of government. including the Indigenous Community
Economic Development – capitalizing on opportunities such as the cannabis industry, tourism, and encouraging innovation, technology, arts and culture. Follow through on Master waterfront plan, hotel for conference center and passenger ferry.
Protect our watersheds and environment, improve public transportation, bike lanes, a not for profit recycling to support zero-waste, support of farmers’ markets.
Implement and action the Affordable Housing Strategy and the Action Plan to end Homelessness as soon as possible.
Do you live within the city?
Yes, I have lived in Harewood since 1989. I grew up on the Island in Errington but Nanaimo has been my home for almost thirty years.
Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can get more information about you and what is it?
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1] I was born and raised in Nanaimo, graduated from NDSS and received a Bachelor degree in Plant Science from UBC. Marianne and I moved back to Nanaimo in 1975 and became partners in Turley’s Florist which we ran successfully until this January when we sold the business and semi-retired. We both were active on a volunteer basis in minor sports, Arts and Culture entities, Business associations, United Way, Rotary, Navy Cadets, and School PAC’s.
2] I gave a lot of thought to running for Council before making my decision. I received a great deal of support from community members. With our retirement starting in January and the significant support and urging from many community members I decided that this would be something that I could focus on.
3] There are several key issues we need to accomplish positive results in.
An improved Economic Development process. The current pieces of a business funded MIBI and the City’s Economic Development department is the model where the skills of the two segments work together to attract and retain business. MIBI does the promotion of Nanaimo and uses information on Nanaimo’s assets provided by the City. The piece that needs improvement is the direction through the permit process.
The hiring of a CAO who brings a proven ability of attracting senior staff to fill the current vacancies. One of the qualifications of the CAO must bring is the ability to instill team building with in City staff. City Council must also treat City Staff with respect regardless of their opinion on specific issues.
Arts and Culture has been shown to be a key factor in the development of a successful city. We have many of those pieces here and need to promote them within and outside our community.
Our Downtown is unique. While there is lots of room for improvement it is significantly in better shape that it was in the early to mid 1990’s. Improvement will not be attained by staying with the status quo. We need City supported out of the box strategies. These could include but not limited to By-laws to enable the formation of a self-funded association and one to deal with vacant buildings.
4] Yes I live in the City of Nanaimo and have done so for all but 8 of my 70 years.
5] My web site is www.turleyfornanaimo.com and my facebook page is www.facebook.com/turleynanaimo
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Sheryl Armstrong – Incumbent
Name and age: Sheryl Armstrong aged 56
2. Occupation/background: retired from RCMP after 36 years
3. What will be your priorities if you are elected?
One of my priorities is to increase our asset management fund. Our fund has not kept pace with the goals set by Council. We need to have money in place to maintain our infrastructure and prepare for replacement of existing structures. Asset management is ongoing and we need to ensure our asset management plan is being followed.
We need to start dealing with homelessness and housing affordability. Community engagement should be happening now. We need to ensure our communities understand the various terms which are being used. Council needs to start identifying City owned properties which would be suitable for the various forms of housing. For example if a site has been identified for subsidized housing we should be meeting with the neighbourhood and ensuring they understand the type of housing proposed, hear their concerns, and take steps to address their concerns. We need to advocate for mental health and substance abuse treatment. If we do not address these core issues the problem will continue and grow larger as we have seen.
Economic Development
I believe the City needs to work with the business community , MIBI, Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders to see if the Nanaimo Economic Development Committee should be revived or is there a better model. We need to attract businesses to invest in our community. In order to do this the Council needs to listen to the subject matter experts and formulate and execute a plan to move forward. Council also needs to work together so the business community has faith in a Council which will put the needs of the Community first. We can use specified tax exemptions, such as a revitalization tax exemption and private/public partnerships to enhance business opportunities.
4. How do you plan to manage taxes and spending?
One of the things we need to do is be ready to take advantage of Provincial and Federal Grants, especially when it comes to infrastructure as they are quite often large budget items. The Core Services review identified areas where improvements could be made to streamline processes. We need to look at implementing the recommendations. We need to continue to advocate for our share of the taxes collected on the legalization of cannabis. There is downloading onto Municipal governments and we need to ensure funding comes with the added responsibilities. We need to prioritize our capital projects. Some things may have to wait. It is important to ensure if taxes are raised the tax payer knows why.
5. Why should people vote for you?
I believe I have shown this past year that I take my duties as a Councillor seriously. I come prepared to meetings, if I am not sure of an issue I will research it by talking to staff, subject matter experts, and speaking to those who maybe affected by the decision to be made. I try to balance the needs of the entire City not just one area. I am consistent in my approach to decisions. I keep the citizens informed of my rationale for any controversial decision and what I have done for the month on my Facebook site. If I disagree with another Councillor or citizen I do it respectfully. I chose to retire in Nanaimo as I think it is a beautiful City with so much potential and I would like the opportunity to help develop the potential further.
Facebook Sheryl Armstrong-Nanaimo City Council
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(1) Describe yourself and your experience.
I am an incumbent having served one term on council. More can be found here
http://gordonfuller.blogspot.
(2)Why did you decide to run for a seat at the council
table?
To follow through with recommendations from the Core Service Review as well as the Deloitte Report that can potentially save upwards of $10million. These monies could then be put towards lower taxes, increased services and employment.
(3) What do you think are the most important issues in
Nanaimo?
Housing: recently Council adopted a Comprehensive Affordable Housing Strategy
https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/
Economic Development: geared towards well paying jobs
Livability: Parks, Sports facilities and accessible projects for all like the proposed Waterfront Walkway
https://www.nanaimo.ca/your-
(4) Do you live within the city?
YES; 37 years
(5) Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can
get more information about you and what is it?
Describe yourself and your experience.
I am a Human Resources, Labour Relations and Aboriginal Relations professional with over 40 years experience in resolving problems through alternative dispute methods such as mediation and arbitration. This has included aboriginal workforce development, health and safety, workers’ compensation, human rights and respectful workplace issues. I currently provide Human Resources, Labour Relations and Aboriginal Relations services as a consultant.
I have served as an industry advisory member to the board of an Aboriginal pre-apprenticeship training program.
I was on a government committee that promoted hiring, training and retaining apprentices in industry.
I have served as a Director, Vice-President and Audit Committee Member of a Credit Union.
I am a member of the Canadian Industrial Relations Association (CIRA), of the Arbitrators Association of British Columbia (AABC) and of the British Columbia Industrial Relations Association (BCIRA).
I currently volunteer at Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank and I have been a volunteer at United Way.
Why did you decide to run for a seat at the council table?
I have acquired skills through my university and continuing education along with my career in business as a Human Resources/Labour Relations professional that will be useful on Council. These include finding solutions to conflict situations; understanding complex financial, social, legal, and engineering information; providing collaborative leadership to members of teams with diverse aspirations in order to develop common goals; and one of the most valuable skills; listening to the views of others before reaching a conclusion. In addition I have served on the board of a credit union, its audit committee and as a vice-president, acquiring similar skills with a financial focus. With the need for a new and rejuvenated City Council I believe that I have the experience and skills which the residents of Nanaimo are looking for.
What do you think are the most important issues in Nanaimo?
Affordable housing by utilizing all funding which Provincial and Federal governments offer.
Investment and Job Creation by attracting businesses to Nanaimo and facilitating existing ones
Better transportation such as improvements to transit and roads.
Health care upgrades so Nanaimo residents receive treatment locally, especially for Mental Health and Addictions.
Getting civic projects done in a timely, efficient manner always keeping in mind that it’s taxpayers’ dollars doing the funding.
Good government by Council overseeing the operations of the city in a responsible manner
Manage smarter by Council always analysing if taxpayers are getting value for money spent
Integrity and Upfront Transparency so people know what their council is doing for them.
Do you live within the city?
Yes, I live in the City of Nanaimo where I raised three children, two adult ones that still live here along with three grandchildren.
Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can get more information about you and what is it?
You can or follow me on my campaign Facebook page @guy4nanaimo or check out details of my platform on my websitehttp://guybeaulieu4council.ca/
Describe yourself and your experience.
I grew up in Nanaimo and am proud to call this community my home. I’m a clinical counselor with a master’s degree and have worked in the prison system. I also own and operate a successful tree service business that hires youth facing barriers to employment. Serving our community as a board member for several local non-profits and as a Regional District committee member is a big part of my life. I’m also a co-founder of the Mid-Island Community Development Co-op; an organization devoted to improving the health and sustainability of local neighborhoods.
Why did you decide to run for a seat at the council table?
I’m running for a seat at council because Nanaimo is growing rapidly and our community needs to work together to keep it a livable place. I want us to succeed as a community. My parents are growing old here, and my partner and I will be raising our family here. With my professional skills, strong track record of service, and commitment to working co-operatively for community, I believe I can effectively work at the council table towards a Nanaimo that is livable, environmentally sustainable and full of opportunity for all generations and walks of life.
What do you think are the most important issues in Nanaimo?
Key issues in Nanaimo are:
1) Restoring a well-functioning local government that can work effectively with the community.
2) Taking action on improving the homelessness and the housing affordability crisis
3) Ensuring a livable city with well paying jobs and a healthy environment in the face of rapid growth
Do you live within the city?
Yes.
Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can get more information about you and what is it?
My Website is www.bengeselbract.ca and facebook: www.facebook.com/VoteGeselbracht/
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Lloyd W MacIlquham
Age: 67
I have been a lawyer for 29 years, 27 practising Immigration law.
I also have a Masters of Science degree in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Math & Physics.
I am first a family man, though, with a wonderful wife and 2 great teenage sons who have grown up here in Nanaimo.
I am second a community person, and has been very active especially in the cultural milieu of Nanaimo every since they moved here in 2002. February 2nd, will be the 12 th year holding our Robbie Burns – Chinese New Years Celebration her in Nanaimo.
My wife and I have had, as volunteers, a radio show called SinoNaimo News on CHLY for almost 7 years where we have melded both Western and the Chinese cultures in both English and Mandarin reaching out to the Community to high-lite culture, people and events. I have also been part of the International Flag Festival for many years now.
I have had, over the years, considerable experience in politics (in now Toronto) being campaign manager, and working for candidates, at all level of government, especially women who have gone on to become Cabinet Ministers. I also stepped up to the plate and ran in the 2004 Federal Election here in the then Nanaimo-Cowichan riding.
Why did you decide to run for a seat at the council table?
A great humanist once said:
“I love, therefore I care . . . I care, therefore I do.”
I am running for a seat at the Nanaimo City Council
“To bring City Council Back to the People”.
I was recently in Toronto, and was on a number of occasions asked what is going on in Nananimo at City Hall. I was taken aback by this, especially coming from a City that elected Rob Ford as mayor.
This really brought home the extent to which our City Hall is in Crisis and the importance of restoring the confidence of the people of Nanaimo.
I have had considerable experience in city politics and Campaigns and felt strongly that my presence in the Campaign would help to “raise the bar” so to speak for all candidates to do this.
My long experience, considerable community involvement and educational achievements make me uniquely suited to approaching even the most difficult of community problems critically, objectively, viewing all side, getting to the heart of the problem and taking an essential part in the careful construction of solutions that take into account, in a fair, transparent and just manner, absent of special interests, all important considerations, and, most fundamentally, that ‘Serve the Will of the People’.
What do you think are the most important issues in Nanaimo?
I feel that restoring the confidence of the people in our City Council is of primary concern.
I intend to do this thru: Transparency . . . Integrity . . . Inclusiveness . . . and building the Future for all
– Transparency – for all to see and know that their Counsel is functioning with comity befitting
their office, and working and for all the people of Nanaimo
– Integrity – putting the interest of all the people first and not narrow and special interests
– Inclusiveness – facilitating meaningful dissemination and input to and from everyone both individuals and stakeholders
– and the Future building a prosperous, safe and sustainable and diverse economy, affording everyone the opportunity to realize their dream
I would like to see for the Future of Nanaimo a City where people are choosing Nanaimo to live, right from young families choosing to live, build a home, find fulfilling work, raise their children, and realize their dreams, hand in hand with everyone else, to, and including, those choosing to retire.
I would like to see a City:
– where people can find an affordable place to live, with availability of rents within their means;
– where new businesses are encouraged and can thrive, maintaining a competitive local market ensuring the ready access to essential goods and services.
– that promotes and facilitates public cultural activities of all kinds and all year round.
– with a well developed transit system which caters to the needs of the people, and is affordable for those needing the transit, including, getting to work, school, children’s activities and other essentials.
– that understands the problems of its people, especially those in need, and that has the ability to reach out, providing relief and good, even enlightened, solutions.
And, do so with fiscal responsibility.
Do you live within the city?
Yes, and I will represent the whole City, not some sub-region or sub-group, or narrow or special interest,and will deal with issues whether they directly affects everyone or a segment of the people, applying the City’s resources, in a fiscal responsible way, to address these matter s.
Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can get more information about you and what is it?
F: Lloyd Mac for Nanaimo City Council
tel.: 250-729-9948
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Erin Hemmens
Describe yourself and your experience.
My name is Erin Hemmens, I am 40 years old. I hold a Master’s degree in Anthropology and am a trained facilitator and project manager.
I currently serve Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Parksville and Qualicum as a coroner with the BC Coroners Service. Prior to my work as a coroner, I managed community based health and research projects for Dalhousie University, the Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, the IWK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the Capital Regional District Health Authority (Halifax), the Nova Scotia Department of Health, Doctors of BC and the Nanaimo Division of Family Practice.
I was a founding member of the John Barsby Wellness Centre, and conducted Nanaimo’s first ever city-wide primary care needs assessment. I have managed a $1.2 million dollar budget and several staff and external contractors. I served five years on the Board of the Midwifery Coalition of Nova Scotia, including two terms as co-chair. I am a member of two city committees: Community Vitality and the Community Engagement Task Force.
Why did you decide to run for a seat at the council table?
Municipal government is the closest government to the people, and therefore the arena in which individuals have the greatest opportunity to influence decisions that will impact their lives. It’s an inspiring, challenging and demanding environment, and I believe I have the skills, experience and disposition to thrive and be successful in it.
What do you think are the most important issues in Nanaimo?
I believe that affordable housing, homelessness, restoring good governance, restoring strong relationships with our partners, economic development and downtown revitalization are the key issues in our community.
Do you live within the city?
Yes, I am a proud resident of Nanaimo’s vibrant South End.
Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can get more information about you and what is it?
Website: https://www.hemmens2018.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hemmens2018/
Email: [email protected]
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Noah Routley
Why did you decide to run for a seat at the council table?
I have always worked in fields helping others. After receiving my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, I have worked in mental health and addictions as a program coordinator, managed a quality of life program for men with head injuries, worked as an employment counsellor, an addiction counselor and managed group home.
Wanting to help out the larger community, I was elected to the Board of Education for School District 68 Nanaimo-Ladysmith in 2014. Now that my youngest child is graduating from high school in the district, I feel that my experience, expertise in community advocacy, respect for all people and drive to make our community a better place will make me an excellent choice on our Council for the entire region.
What do you think are the most important issues in Nanaimo?
To improve local governance, transparency and accountability, we can adopt a more progressive model in how our council meetings are held. We need more open council meetings and less closed meetings while we deal with our diverse community issues.
Progressive councils have accomplished this by holding every issue of governance to an open public meeting. As the public is aware, many meetings are being held due to requirements for privacy, however, the final debate and decision can be made in any open meeting.
Nanaimo has many identified priorities to support. Overall housing affordability, supports for those who are homeless, community mental health and addictions support services, taking care of our local environment, the needs of our aging population, building infrastructure towards higher densification, to properly invest in our public transit system and
and support for attracting businesses that will lead to overall economic growth towards the overall goal of additional well paid, sustainable employment opportunities for the region and supporting local reconciliation efforts with our indigenous peoples.
However, we need to build cohesion first within Nanaimo. An open and transparent community engagement process will accurately give council clear direction, which will guide us in serving the public for our term in office.
However, even when our priorities or clear for Nanaimo, we have to be extremely accountable to our local ratepayers as taxpayers and their families are already feeling an overall tax burden. Increased taxation can also impact housing affordability, worsening our current housing situations. Instead, we need innovations and progressive planning. Other regions have had great success towards implementing community priorities, without unduly increasing tax rates. By holding a regional review with our provincial government, we can build teamwork and capacity as we look at overall funding gaps, community need, our local governance structure efficiency, local taxation rates and also community satisfaction with our local services. This innovative approach will likely build capacity and give Nanaimo the funds it needs for our regional goals!
Do you live within the city?
Yes.
Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can get more information about you and what is it?
Facebook: NoahRoutleyNanaimoCityCouncil2018/
Email:[email protected]
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Council candidates (8 to be elected):
Don Bonner
Bob J Breuker
Tyler J Brown
Brunie Brunie
Jerry Hong – Incumbent
Rae Kornberger
Brian Loos
Caranjit (Jeet) Manhas
Bill W Manners
Conrad Peach
Alexis Petersen
Wendy Pratt – Incumbent
Michael Ribicic
Richard Scott
David Simpson
Norm E Smith
Rick Smith
Fred Statham
Kevin B Storrie – Served prior to 2014
Avel Turnip (Debi Corbett)
Peter Urquhart
Trent R Whaley
Ashley B Zboyovsky
