What is the most important issue facing the Township, and how would you propose to deal with it?
The most important issue is coupled together, that is the poor top down Community Planning Process that is in place, coupled with the fact Mayor and Council are not listening or hearing community input. This has been well documented over the last three years.
I propose introducing my Mayor’s Open Public Forum one Saturday every month (three hours) to provide easy and non-formal access to Mayor and Council. In conjunction with that in collaboration with our communities I am proposing a new Community Based Community Planning model. All of this would provide our residents with the comfort of knowing they are involved and their community will be protected from undue surprises.
2 . Should there be restrictions on developers in Willoughby until the situation regarding funding for new schools has been received?
I am not in favor of stopping development I am in favor of stepping back, taking a deep breath and initiating a new Planning Process. As we deal with this issue immediately after the election I would work directly with the School District, ensure we are both dealing with the correct numbers of school registration and jointly meet with the appropriate ministries in Victoria and with our two senior ministers in this government. We cannot continue to add to the continued overcrowding situation without some assured relief. Our Community Planning process would include the infrastructure needs and deficits.
3. Do you support a pool and recreation centre complex in Aldergrove, and if so, when would construction begin? If not, why not?
Yes I do support the Aldergrove facility and want to initiate a complete update should I be elected Mayor. We need an immediate review of plans, financial and financial options. I would seek an immediate meeting with the Aldergrove group to discuss proposed plans moving forward with a view to get started as soon as is feasible. It would not be tied up with selling Township owned lands.
4.What type of development, if any, should be encouraged in a new community plan for Brookswood Fernridge?
As stated earlier our entire Community Plan process must be changed with a Community Based Community Planning Model. A Brookswood group would be involved in the process of establishing a new process. This is the process that will determine what is wanted in Brookswood Fernridge by the majority of their residents.