Join me as we continue the work of ensuring
Saanich is “A Place for Everyone.”
I believe Saanich is a special place – that’s why my wife and I chose to raise our four sons here. I also believe that Saanich can continue to do better.
As a teacher, I am trained to recognize untapped potential. I can see that Saanich has the potential to become the standard that all Canadian communities will look to for excellence.
It would be my honour to serve and continue to ensure that Saanich can be “A place for everyone”.
Looking Back Over the Past 4 Years
As an experienced Saanich Councillor and CRD Director I understand the roles and have worked hard to create and maintain positive relationships with residents, staff and colleagues.
Through these roles, I helped to create new public amenities, enhance our biodiversity strategy, support Reconciliation with First Nations, and improve food security through agricultural development.
I am accessible, and available to meet, listen and discuss. I use social media to explain my votes and decisions.
Commitment to the future
I want to help guide Saanich through challenges related to sustainability, housing, and growth while balancing the needs of current and future residents.
I will allow my work to be guided by transparency and accountability, and will seek to create new ways to connect residents with local government and one another to strengthen social connection.
I am committed to continuing the vital work of reconciliation with First Nations.
Who can keep taxes reasonable while maintaining services?
Municipalities receive about 8 cents per tax dollar spent by Canadians but are responsible for essential services such as water, sewage and local roadways. The framework of simply relying on property taxes must evolve in the 21st century, and I have advocated at the federal level for change. The additional fact that local governments cannot run a deficit for operating makes it impossible to keep taxes at zero unless you have significant growth, such as a new Uptown Mall coming online each year.
I am committed to carefully scrutinizing the budget every year and I am open to reducing specific services if that is what we hear from people.
Who can manage growth without alienating established neighbourhoods?
This is undoubtedly going to be the biggest challenge in Saanich’s future. The secret is to find the right balance between growth and preservation.
I have always sought to find the right balance and do not rubber stamp any application, nor do I oppose all development. The way we build has to fit in with the Saanich we love.
With 12+ years of council experience and six years leading the CRD Board, I am prepared to help guide the region’s spending in a way that will benefit all residents, while being mindful of our current constraints.