Q: What do you see as the main issue in Agassiz and how do you propose Council can address it?
A: After attending council meetings diligently, I feel that the process that our council uses to address the needs of our community is a major issue. That also is one of the major reasons why I have decided to seek a seat on council. Lack of effort to seek public input, referring issues to staff without direction, discussing issues outside of council meetings, and spending our tax dollars almost recklessly, shows a flawed process. The way that council dealt with the funds we received from the filming of Wayward Pines in our community was to me a classic example of how things should not be done. Seeking input, directing staff, being transparent, and being frugal with our tax dollars are my simple solutions to these issues. It is of no surprise to me that the public’s trust in local government has deteriorated to the point that it is at today.
Q: The Municipality needs to collect taxes to provide sufficient services to all of its members. Explain the benefits or pitfalls in providing tax breaks to businesses or farms as you understand it.
A; This question almost answers itself. Our municipality has an annual operating budget of over 10 million dollars. Municipal taxes are used to provide sufficient services to ALL of it’s members. There is no fairness in providing tax breaks to one sector. It simply means that the other sectors will have to pull more than their own weight. To me tax breaks are simply used as a carrot dangling on a stick that seldom if ever comes to being.
Q: While the community elects the Mayor and Councillors, the District staff does the day-to-day work of running operations. If elected, how do you plan to foster relationships within the workplace to keep the District running smoothly?
A: Council as the elected representatives of the public are obligated to direct staff. Having said that, my intention is to be part of a team, staff included. I plan to be very approachable, that is simply a part of my D.N.A. I have every intention of spending a great deal of time and effort interacting with staff. To me that is the simplest and most effective way of fostering relationships within the work place.