Q: What one quality makes you most suited for the role of a community leader?
Caring. As a highway maintenance engineer I was in constant communication on a one to one basis with the residents of the municipality that I worked for to solve their everyday problems on mobility issues, cycle routes, disability access, traffic calming, safe routes to school, safer neighborhoods and paid parking and had the reputation of someone who cared about the residents and listens to all their concerns.
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?
Each operation needs to be assessed on it's own merits. Some will receive approval to proceed under supervision and others where the impact would be disastrous to the forest/parks and not benefit any local group and is solely for the profit of big business then the council should make a determined stand to stop this type of work.
Q: Would you support the creation of a bylaw that would allow for care homes and assisted living? Why or why not?
Yes, I would support such a bylaw. A care home or assisted living would generate job opportunities for the village residents and increase the tax income for the village which could help to sustain property taxes for both residents and businesses at their current level or reduce them depending on the income. Visitors to these homes would help to revitalize businesses and help them stay open in the low season as there would be a need for their services 12 months of the year when dependents and their families have a day out together.
Q: Can Harrison really survive on tourism alone?
No, wherever there is a beach, water or a nice open space there will always be tourist. Tourist need to be serviced and accommodated. Tourism alone could not generate enough capital to provide for all the tourists needs such as infrastructure to get to the beach front, washrooms, maintenance of the tourist area including garbage clear up, clearing the beach after day visitors, grass cutting, street lighting, signage, parking facilities, law enforcement, fire brigade, paramedics, boat launch all of which the residents taxes contribute to a large proportion of the above services.