What are Port Moody's main financial challenges and how should those be addressed?
"The implementation of the just-completed long-term financial strategic plan. It's a brilliant overview of accountability and transparency on where our tax dollars are spent. Secondly, getting a grip on our long-term capital needs and coming up with a plan that articulates when and how we will replace amenities such as the soccer fields and library, or build new ones as required."
What issues will the Evergreen Line bring (good or bad) and how should those be handled?
"Our city staff and police and council have worked proactively to identify the potential impacts of the Evergreen Line. We need to be prepared to be reactive for any uncertainties that may arise. The number one issue is responsible growth around the SkyTrain stations and dealing with the resulting population increases and changes in existing traffic patterns. I'm looking forward to construction being completed and working to help the small business economy revive and become really successful."
What does Port Moody's "small-town charm" mean to you, and specify how you would preserve it.
"It's the character and integrity of Port Moody that has been created by our residents, our businesses, our artists, our community associations and by council. It's not necessarily the size of the community that makes for small-town charm, it's the spirit. I'm all for it, not just preserving it as best I can but building upon it."
What large infrastructure/capital project do you think Port Moody should build next?
"Council needs to develop a long-term strategic capital plan that looks at how and when we're going to replace things like the Inlet Centre soccer field, the library and a seniors centre. Those are three big capital projects I'd like the next council to clearly identify how and when they're going to be built."
Name two other top issues facing the city, and how you would tackle them.
"I'm chairing a sub-committee looking at a new strategic tourism plan (building on the plan drafted in 2007) to create a blueprint so all businesses and artists can thrive. It will be focused on key theme areas: culinary delights; arts and culture; natural environment; outdoor recreation; and heritage and history. If the city could focus its tourism and economic development in those theme areas, we'd really have some opportunities for success. The master transportation plan was created in 2005 - with the Evergreen Line and the impact of regional traffic patterns, we need to update it."
