JAMIE ARDEN
Age: did not answer
Number of years living in PoCo: entire life
Occupation: Manager of facilities maintenance, parks, recreation and culture with the city of Abbotsford
What civic committee and community work have you done?
I spent many years on the city United Way committee and volunteer at Canada Day and May Day community events.
Who is funding your campaign?
I have received money from the employee group of CUPE workers whom I worked with for 24 years and my parents.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
My 24 years of service as an employee and employee representative of the city of Port Coquitlam, volunteer service at special events in the community and as a council watcher for the past 20 years are just a few of the reasons I believe I am qualified to continue my service as your city councillor.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes? Explain.
I do believe we get some good value for our tax dollars. Our solid waste system, parks and rec services and financial management systems are something for us all to be proud of.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
I believe we should be looking at innovative ways to be fiscally accountable, such as grant opportunities, proactive bylaw enforcement and working with our employee groups to collaborate on ways to maintain high levels of service while being financially responsible.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
An added service would be for us to operate a street sweeper once again. It is a service that was greatly reduced over the years. It seems like a small thing but as someone who grew up here, I remember when our neighbourhood streets were cleaned regularly and it helped with keeping storm drains clear, roads free of debris and gave a sense of pride. A reduced service would be to eliminate as many areas where we utilize unnecessary paper to our citizens.
CHRIS CARR
Age: 47
Number of years living in PoCo: 22
Occupation: Maintenance mechanic with BC Children's and Women's Hospital
What civic committee and community work have you done?
I have been a leader with Scouting for 30 years (22 in Port Coquitlam), chairman of the board of directors for the Tri-City Family Place for 13 years and head co-ordinator of EPCOM (Emergency Preparedness Communications) for the city of PoCo for six years.
Who is funding your campaign?
So far, I have received donations from the Hospital Employees' Union, friends and family.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
As my leadership experience with Scouting, EPCOM and Tri-City Family Place shows, I am not hesitant - in fact I am eager - to get involved with the planning and decisions that affect Port Coquitlam.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
We are doing OK but I believe things could be better. I think the residents of PoCo are getting tired of getting a tax hike whenever the city needs more money. I would like to see the city operate more efficiently with the money they've got.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
Yes.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
I would like to see our recycling program increased and perhaps bringing in more money for the city.
SHERRY CARROLL
Age: did not answer
Number of years on council: three
Occupation: registered professional geoscientist
Who is funding your campaign?
As in the last campaign, I am funding this campaign myself. I have not sought any sponsorship from any particular interest group because I believe that I must bring a balanced view to all the citizens of Port Coquitlam.
Why do you believe you deserve to be rehired by taxpayers?
I am asking to be re-elected so that I may continue to work as a member of our corporate team. I truly believe that this is the best way to do the very important work of helping our system work for you, our residents and businesses.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
The top concern of our residents is definitely obtaining value for the tax dollar. We do this a number of ways, which can be summarized as fiscal restraint at the local level combined with firm representation of Port Coquitlam's financial interests to other jurisdictions.
What is council's greatest accomplishment in the last three years?
We were able to deliver the Coast Meridian Overpass and Broadway Connector to our citizens under trying financial circumstances.
What must council do better in the next three years?
While we have already made much progress, for the next three years, we should be looking to strike a better alliance with our neighbours in the Tri-Cities, including our First Nation, Kwikwetlem. Similarly, homelessness and affordable housing alternatives are ongoing issues that need to be addressed.
TODD DELAURIER
Age: 40
Number of years living in PoCo: 38
Occupation: electrician maintaining industrial automated equipment
What civic committee and community work have you done?
PoCo May Day parade plus seven years attendance at Port Coquitlam council meetings.
Who is funding your campaign?
Todd Delaurier. I do not have any highrise developers trying to get me in office as a councillor.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
Third time running for council, active with my family in Remembrance Day, May Day, PoCo Pitch-in the Terry Fox Run, Canada Day, public skating and swimming. I am opposed to any more highrise buildings in Port Coquitlam.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
Poor value due to the $9.9 million for fish habitat at Domin-ion Triangle and the $11.4 million widening of Broadway that was too much cost to all the residents and businesses.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
Administration staff has grown and grown, zero work has been done on traffic calming in residential neighbourhoods. With the majority of the residents young families and seniors, we are all taxed to the max. There is little left for a coffee a day due to the Port Coquitlam city finance budgeting adding more costs to the residents and businesses
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
Added: Children's activities like swimming in the summer and skating; have the lessons available to children who sign up and continue their learning, not stop mid-season due to not enough lifeguards or skating instructors. With too many management positions and directors for parks and recreation, the payroll is extremely high for a small hometown charm. All services to the residents wouldn't be affected as the working staff who operate our facilities are excellent.
ERIC HIRVONEN
Age: did not answer
Number of years living in PoCo: 42
Occupation: entrepreneur
What civic committee and community work have you done?
I have done and continue doing volunteer activities in the community. As an example, providing transportation for children's groups, being involved with youth and adult sports groups, mentoring youth to guide their principles, volunteering services to local churches.
Who is funding your campaign?
My campaign is self-funded and some services are donated.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A non-egotistical approach to ensure council represents resident taxpayers and all activities at city hall are according to the B.C. Community Charter. I represent municipal spending thrift and finding new sources of revenue that are not the resident taxpayer to keep taxes lower.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
PoCo residents can get good value for tax dollars by keeping costs of operations at city hall to a minimum and not at a cost of loss of services to the residents of the community. A cutting of services is not good value for the taxes paid. Also, taxpayer funds used to transport goods to a private corporations is wasteful and terrible value for tax dollars.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
I would not support cutting services to the residents. We pay the city's bills. I support cutting wasteful expenditures and trimming departments of city hall that are unnecessary expenditures. In this way, taxes are kept lower.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
Services to add are free personal uses of recreational centres for Port Coquitlam residents, similar to the free personal usage of the public library. Free use of the recreational facilities is not adding cost to operations as it is offset by the private groups that pay for the majority of usage time. I do not like to see any loss of services. There is no need to cut services.
DEREK KOOTTE
Age: 22
Number of years living in PoCo: 22
Occupation: business owner, landscaper and student.
What civic committee and community work have you done?
Extensive volunteer work with the Relay for Life, homeless activism and support, social justice outreach and on the executive committee of Trinity United Church.
Who is funding your campaign?
Small donations from concerned individual residents in the community.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
My willingness to raise the difficult but necessary issues, such as strain on the infrastructure around the Shaughnessy Street underpass as the area grows in density, rather than the easy political points
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
The need for council to consistently raise property taxes beyond the provincial rate of inflation suggests unsustainable spending levels while a lack of transparency enables inefficient spending practices to persist.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
Budgeting should be pursued with an emphasis on sustainability, with consistent review of services and pursuit of innovation to ensure the tax rate, if at all possible, does not exceed the provincial rate of inflation.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
A green initiative in collaboration with residents and business owners to provide trees to interested residents at a significantly reduced rate, contributing to the beautification of the community while reducing the burden of maintenance costs for the city.
RON McKINNON
Age: 60
Number of years living in PoCo: 20 years in the "broader" PoCo community.
Occupation: computer systems/analyst, enterprise content/document management consulting and development services to major firms,
What civic committee and community work have you done?
Worked on a number of political campaigns, executive member of the local federal Liberal riding since 2006, president since 2009; federal Liberal candidate in the October 2008 election and member of Amnesty International chapter.
Who is funding your campaign?
Self-funded but open to contributions.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
Broad experience in analysis and problem-solving complex issues for a wide variety of industries and businesses and working with stakeholders to achieve results.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
The roads are good, the city is clean and well kept, and the community is welcoming and safe. It's a good place to be, it's a good place to live. While we can still further leverage our potential and some new eyes on old problems will be a great asset here, a healthy balance has so far been struck.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
Keeping taxes under control is important but we cannot focus on taxes alone. We must consider them in the light of our overall goals, the needs of our residents and the quality of life we want to build here. We must evaluate services in terms of their effectiveness and efficiency toward fulfilling these objectives and in the context of our budget as a whole.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
Guide downtown development so the area becomes a vital, bustling, people-friendly and small business-friendly, street-level business and shopping venue. Give broader support and encouragement to increase inventory of affordable housing options and lobby senior governments to again offer investment incentives that will assist in this.
LEIGH MORRISON
Age: 56
Number of years living in PoCo: 15
Occupation: construction
What civic committee and community work have you done?
None.
Who is funding your campaign?
Self.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
Listening.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
Currently, no. For one, property taxes seem to continually go up and up with no accountability and no one is listening to concerns voiced or doing anything about it.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
There are lots of options that no one is looking at, which is what I would explore first and look at all the variables in play first.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
I'm not fluent on every service that is offered or its cost, so until I did a cost analysis of what was available, I couldn't just give an answer. I would like to see seniors helped out a little more. This could be done in a variety of different ways.
DARRIN NIELSEN
Age: 46
Number of years living in PoCo: 23
Occupation: realtor
What civic committee and community work have you done?
Did not answer.
Who is funding your campaign?
Myself.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
An ability to genuinely listen to the concerns of the residents, and to ensure that I will make my decisions based on the will of the majority of residents. I want to establish a citizens-engagement council that will be open to all residents to interact directly with me to discuss major issues affecting PoCo. As a councillor, I must be confident that my decisions represent the majority of the residents and I can only do that by talking with them and listening to them.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
If there is no performance-based budgeting required to justify all expenditures of taxpayers' money, then there is the likelihood that money is not efficiently being spent. I doubt PoCo city hall has perfected the efficient spending.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
Enough is enough with increases in taxes. However, no one has suggested cutting services. Therefore, the issue must be accountability. The council has to be willing to overhaul the budgeting process by implementing zero-based budgeting to examine every three years every existing program and expenses to review and re-approve them.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added? What services would you like to see reduced or eliminated?
My vision is to have the area surrounding the PoCo recreation centre redeveloped to allow for densification, enhanced recreation and business opportunities. A couple of highrises could be built along Mary Hill Road. An updated library would be incorporated on the main floor of one tower, a two-level seniors centre could be built in another tower that could be built for the 50-plus age group.
DARRELL PENNER
Age: did not answer
Number of years on council: 12
Occupation: did not answer
Who is funding your campaign?
I fund most of my campaign myself. I received some funds from PCF Local 1941.
Why do you believe you deserve to be rehired by taxpayers?
I have 12 years of experience. Since I have been elected, we have built an artificial sports field, upgraded the ice arena, expanded our trail system, built the Coast Meridian Overpass, implemented the environmentally sustainable garbage system and have brought in some of the best sustainable building requirements in North America.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
Yes, because if you compare us in the region, our taxes are about in the middle of the Metro Vancouver average but the city maintains a high level of service. However, we must always be looking at better and/or new ways of delivering those services.
What is council's greatest accomplishment in the last three years?
The Coast Meridian Overpass and our new garbage system.
What must council do better in the next three years?
We need to always look at better ways of doing business. Explore new revenue sources to offset property taxes. There are many different user groups that want their voice heard and acted on, and it is a delicate balance to help all the groups achieve their goals. I would continue to achieve that balance.
GLENN POLLOCK
Age: 53
Number of years on council: 3
Occupation: constituency assistant to Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth
Who is funding your campaign?
My campaign is being funded by a number of sources. Some friends, businessmen, developers and some unions.
Why do you believe you deserve to be rehired by taxpayers?
I believe I deserve to be rehired because I've done a great job. I've fulfilled all of my council obligations, researched every decision that I've made, tried to get back to residents on every occasion and done a ton of charity work for among others, Share, Crossroads Hospice, the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
Yes, I do think taxpayers are getting good value. Our whole council works hard, works well together and makes decisions for the right reasons. During our term, we did a core service review and ended up saving taxpayers a great deal of money.
What is council's greatest accomplishment in the last three years?
I believe we've had many accomplishments but I think the most significant was the OCP amendment for the Dominion Triangle. This will open up an area of the Dominion Triangle that has sat undeveloped for 25 years. This amendment will allow for a 17-acre light industrial park that will bring good, high-paying jobs to PoCo but, because it also has a residential component, the developer is building the main access road, saving taxpayers over $8 million.
What must council do better in the next three years?
In the next three years, council must do a better job of finding other sources of revenue. At the end of the day, everything comes down to dollars and I don't think we can continue to raise property taxes. If I'm re-elected, I plan on finding other sources of revenue in order to keep a cap on property taxes while still maintaining service levels and undertaking capital projects.
LES ROBSON
Age: 84
Number of years living in PoCo: 13
Occupation: retired
What civic committee and community work have you done?
Chair of the Winslow Centre Advisory Board and volunteer at Kilmer elementary school (12 years).
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
My lifestyle through Depression, recessions, wars, up and down lifestyles and ending up with a great life. I have the time and the energy.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
No. Too many high-priced positions at the top. Just like a fruit tree: You take care of the roots and keep the top pruned and trimmed.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
Yes.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
I would like to inspect the services before making a common sense judgment.
LIH-MING TAM
Age: 44
Number of years living in PoCo: 15
Occupation: self-employed accountant and business development consultant
What civic committee and community work have you done?
President and director for the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association for five years; advisor to smart growth committee for four years.
Who is funding your campaign?
Myself.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
I will bring a fresh voice to city council that better reflects the kitchen-table concerns of families in our community. Fiscal prudence needs to come bare on expense decisions in our municipality.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
While residents have received good value in the past, current challenges need new solutions.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
You cannot have services without staff and you must have staff if you are to have services, so this question is not a simple yes or no issue. What it really comes down to is what services are essential and what are extras that will enhance our community that we are willing to extra taxes for. I would prefer to hold taxes at the current level while we re-evaluate our current commitments.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
I do not believe that any services need to be eliminated or added. But I do believe that every effort, within our existing budget, needs to be made to enhance services directed towards our youth programs and athletics.
MICHAEL THOMAS
Age: 31
Number of years living in PoCo: 7
Occupation: IT manager and computer consultant
What civic committee and community work have you done?
Council candidate 2008; regular council attendee; smart growth committee member; transportation solutions and operations committee; director or PoCo Heritage; May Day, Centennial and Spirit Week Task Forces; PoCo soccer coach; emergency preparedness member.
Who is funding your campaign?
Primarily self-funded, also by friends and family; some corporate contributions.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
I recognize the necessity of balancing services and revenue. I am a family man with deep roots in our community. Once elected, I'll take charge with ensuring development proceeds sustainably and responsibly in Port Coquitlam, creating jobs and opportunities in our community.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
As in any system, there is room for improvement. In 2010, council gave themselves an unprecedented 42% pay increase - this at a time when residents were facing dwindling retirement funds, higher unemployment rates and large tax increases. This sort of wasteful spending cannot be tolerated.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
We need to focus on service efficiencies and building revenue through smart, sustainable growth to fund services, facilities and transportation improvements our community needs.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
I would like to see the street sweeping program reinstated. I would also like to see parks and recreation programs increased through peak seasons that are often completely booked months in advance. By fully utilizing our facilities, we ensure maximum value for our taxpayers. As an IT manager and consultant, I have performed several corporate audits that have netted significant cost savings.
DEAN WASHINGTON
Age: 46
Number of years living in PoCo: 42
Occupation: publisher and owner of RPM Media Inc.
What civic committee and community work have you done?
I am lead volunteer for the Downtown PoCo Car Show, have served on the Downtown Business Improvement Association for the past seven years, been involved in coaching lacrosse for over 30 years and have been a member of the PoCo Minor Lacrosse executive since 2009.
Who is funding your campaign?
I have had a few donations from friends and family but I will be funding the majority of the costs myself.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
I am a good listener, have a lot of ideas, can ask the tough questions and am not afraid to speak my mind. I have spent the past 20 years running my own business and prior to that I spent nine years in an organized labour environment working at a sawmill, where I was involved with the plant, fire and safety committees. I am also a past board member of ICBC, where I served a three-year term.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
If you look over the five-year forecast (2011-2015), you see there are major tax increases coming without major increases in services or capital projects for the taxpayer. So the short answer would be no.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
I don't believe there is a need to cut services. I believe we need to trim the fat in order to deliver the services efficiently or we will continue to see our taxes rise.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
I would like to see more money spent on repairing roads, improving rec centres and playing fields, and expanding the crime watch/citizen patrol programs. I don't necessarily want to see anything reduced or eliminated.
BRAD WEST
Age: 26
Number of years on council: 3
Occupation: communications professional.
Who is funding your campaign?
I have received support from family members, friends, local residents, unions and businesses.
Why do you believe you deserve to be rehired by taxpayers?
In my three years on council, I've worked hard to be a strong advocate and effective representative for Port Coquitlam residents. I listen closely to the people of our community and stand up for their issues. As a lifelong resident of PoCo, I love our city and want to ensure that what makes it such a great place to live is maintained for future generations.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
Yes. After being elected, council conducted a core review of city services that found $770,000 in savings for taxpayers through efficiencies. We must continue to be vigilant to ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely and on the priorities of our community. It's important to maintain funding for the key city services that residents count on.
What is council's greatest accomplishment in the last three years?
The final completion of the Coast Meridian Overpass and a number of other transportation upgrades are very significant to our community. They have been longtime projects that many have contributed to and it is rewarding to bring them to completion.
What must council do better in the next three years?
Council has worked hard on behalf of our community. We must continue to listen closely to the residents of Port Coquitlam and govern in away that reflects their values and priorities. With more people struggling to get by, prudent and responsible financial decision-making that supports local residents need to be at the centre of our thinking.
MICHAEL WRIGHT
Age: 74
Number of years on council: 29
Occupation: retired engineer
Who is funding your campaign?
My wife and I.
Why do you believe you deserve to be rehired by taxpayers?
I have a strong desire to serve all those who live, work and play in the city of Port Coquitlam. I am retired and am willing to make the necessary time commitment to be an effective councillor. I have many years of experience and my record shows that I have served with integrity and honesty.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
The simple answer is yes. I am very conscious of the fact that it is a prime responsibility of a city councillor to determine how best to spend the taxpayers' money and to ensure the city gets the best value for money. The demand for services will always exceed the ability to pay and the function of an effective council is to determine that balance and ensure that we create a complete community. I strongly endorse the position taken by council to involve the public during the annual budget preparation process.
What is council's greatest accomplishment in the last three years?
Apart from the Coast Meridian Overpass, which I am sure everyone will agree was the most significant project over the past three years, I would suggest that one of council's greatest accomplishments was the development of Vision 2020, Port Coquitlam's strategic plan. This document will guide the city's policy, operational and financial decisions through to 2020.
What must council do better in the next three years?
Although council has had significant success in attracting greater public participation in the development of our community, there is still room for improvement. We also need to continue to look for alternative sources of revenue, other than property taxes.
NOTES About this section
City council and school trustee candidate briefs are based on emailed forms
Incumbents are shown with a bullet [ ] after their names
