Ben Craig
Phone: 604-837-7037
Email: ben.craig@shaw.ca
Facebook: Ben Craig for Council
Twitter: @bencraig
Age: 48
Occupation: financial advisor
Coquitlam resident for: eight years
Campaign funding: Friends, relatives and associates.
Previous community service: director, Mediated Learning Academy; past-president, Oakdale Neighbourhood Association; president, Maillardville Residents Association; treasurer, St. Andrews United Church; coach, Coquitlam Little League
Name the two most important issues facing the city of Coquitlam?
Controlling the cost of government. Meaningful community engagement.
If elected, what steps would you take to improve housing affordability in Coquitlam?
Here, I believe the city has tremendous influence. Local government is the first stop in the development approval process. They can use this leverage not only to increase supply but influence development of a wide range of housing options, such as below market rental.
What do you hope to accomplish as a city councillor?
Thousands of new residents in our city should reduce the property tax burden on the rest of us. Instead, taxes are rising at a greater rate than inflation and population growth. I will work with council and staff to ensure the prosperity created by new development is shared more equitably with existing residents.
How can Coquitlam attract employment opportunities so residents can work in the same community where they live?
Coquitlam is a bedroom community. We need to create an economic engine within our city limits. To do this, we must attract businesses to our city. Coquitlam businesses share a disproportionate tax burden. To attract businesses, we must start treating our local business as the valued stakeholders they are.
