Q: What one quality makes you most suited for the role of a community leader?
I believe my most important quality is I am a team player. I always listen to all sides of an argument and make decisions which will benefit the most number of people. If what the majority wants goes against what I believe to be the best decision, I will express my viewpoint but will support the majority whole heartedly, provided their views are based on sound information and facts.
Q: Should council be working harder to protect the surrounding forests and parks from industrial development, including logging and run of river power project? Or are these necessary operations?
I believe every project should be evaluated individually for its merits. Logging and run of river projects are very different as are gravel pits, resort lodges, etc. All intrude on our forests to varying degrees and some provide good long term benefits such as clean energy from a run of river power plant and employment and tax money in the case of logging. However some are more destructive to the environment in the case of logging and each area or project should be examined to determine whether the cost to the environment is worth it. With respect to any industrial activity in parks, I am totally against it. If we allow our parks to be eroded piecemeal by industrial activity, pretty soon there will be nothing left for future generations.
Q: Would you support the creation of a bylaw that would allow for care homes and assisted living? Why or why not?
I would definitely support such a bylaw. Our population in general is aging and in Harrison’s case, we probably have an even higher percentage. Many people choose to retire in Harrison and when they reach a point where they must give up their homes, they should have the option to stay in the Village where they are comfortable and surrounded by their friends.
Q: Can Harrison really survive on tourism alone?
I don’t think Harrison has any choice but to survive on tourism. We have a very limited land area and are at the end of a dead end highway. Both these pretty much preclude any industrial or manufacturing facilities. The only thing left for Harrison is tourism and this is what we must concentrate our efforts and resources on to make it a year round destination that includes the lake, hot springs, specialty shops and outdoor land based activities. We must reinvent ourselves around a common theme and make Harrison even more attractive to encourage more people to come and spend their vacation and recreation dollars.