CAMPAIGNS & LOBBYING
Welcome to the Penticton Candidates answer section.
First, here are the questions we asked:
1. Why are you running for City Council/Mayor?
2. Civic Elections have notoriously low turn out, especially among young voters. What do you think the key issues are for student voters in your region this civic election?
3. Summarize your position on maintaining a balance between environmental sustainability and economic development. How important is it – and is a balance currently being maintained in your community?
4. What role, if any, do you feel municipal governments should have in the development of affordable housing?
5. Would you make a commitment for the community to set a target for affordable housing to be developed each year? What would you do to ensure that these targets were met?
6. Would you champion the development of a comprehensive affordable housing strategy for your community? What would such a strategy look like?
7. What transit issues does your community face, and what immediate changes do you think could be made to address them and improve service?
8. While our region’s senior population continues to grow recent graduates are looking beyond this region for career opportunities. What is your position on this situation?
9. Why should student voters in your region choose you for City Council/Mayor?
*Please note the responses are presented exactly as received. Some responses have been truncated to the 100 word limit.
Candidate List - Only candidates who responded are listed
Mayor - Dan Ashton
Mayor - Katie Robinson
Mayor - Vic Powell
Council - Andrew Jakubeit
Council - Burga Black
Council - David Korinetz
Council - Garry Litke
Council - Gary Leaman
Council - Helena Konanz
Council - Jason Cox
Council - Jeannie Cavallo
Council - John Vassilaki
Council - Kevin Noonan
Council - Michael Pearce
Council - Wes Hopkin
Mayoral Candidate Responses:
1.
To continue to bring fiscal, financial accountability and common sense back to City Hall. Also to reduce bureaucracy and red tape and reinforce the customer service policies the City seems to have forgotten.
2.
In my opinion it is jobs and sound economic principles. Quality of life is not far behind, with special attention to be paid to environmental issues and opportunities of “something for youth” that need to be addressed.
3.
I have always been oriented to environmental sustainability. Development and the environment need to go hand in hand for success in maintaining a quality of life we have all come to enjoy. But common sense needs to be brought into the equation for balance. In my opinion I think the community has been quite proactive in maintaining sustainable environmental planning and initiation.
4.
We are involved, whether we want to be or not. It has become an issue that senior levels of government have not kept up on, which in turn is forcing Municipal government to act upon for the community to the best of our capability. This Council has several successful projects that we have participated in, and I think that because of this there will be more in the future.
5.
I will make a commitment that when the appropriate partnerships and funds are available, I will do my very best to see that the project(s) come to fruition.
6.
Absolutely…..but in partnership with other levels of government. The strategy would be a business case and business plan of obtainable objectives that would secure the creation of more affordable housing. The City has land available for just such a program….but does not have the capital to complete such an undertaking on its own.
7.
Our issue with Transit is the cost, and up until now the ability to work in a timely fashion with B.C. Transit on route changes and additions. Also the size of the buses and operating costs in relationship to the number of riders is also an issue. We are going to be testing a smaller more efficient bus in late November which may be an option for the future.
8.
It needs to be addressed as do the multitude of issues associated with keep young professionals and young families here. Through our Economic Incentive Zones we are trying to entice companies to look at Penticton. The new College and the curriculum offered will make a difference in providing opportunities to utilize the skills learned within this community. We are working with the appropriate industries to make their expansions possible and along with that comes the opportunity of jobs.
9.
I am a dedicated, transparent and very hard working Mayor that has accomplished a substantial amount in this past term…..however we have more to do. My governance style is very inclusive and I do my best to get consensus and I always have the best interests of the Community in mind. I am actively involved in trying to support the demands and desires of youth in this Community and fully support “Rock The Vote” which I hope will help get the youth listened to!
1.
I believe the City should be headed in another direction & am a firm believer in stepping up to the plate to be accountable, rather than sitting on the sidelines complaining. I can make a positive difference in the manner in which the City works & look forward to creating a more cooperative, user-friendly, helpful environment to attract business & tourists alike.
2.
I would think affordable housing, affordable education, & access to a good job market would be on the top of any students priority list. One person CAN make a difference..... there are many countries in the world where the citizens do not have a choice in how their government works. Students in Canada have an incredible opportunity to make a difference by exercising their right to vote. Be accountable, stand up for what you believe in & know that it does make a difference! Vote on November 19th for the candidate of your choice.
3.
Environmental sustainability & economic development complement each other beautifully & lead the way responsibly toward the future. Our own brand new campus of Okanagan College is a brilliant example of an excellent balance between the two. Environmental sustainability is our commitment to future generations and so far Penticton has had a pretty good record to be proud of, while always striving to achieve a better balance.
4.
The City should take a leadership role in attracting more affordable housing to Penticton, including discussions & lobbying with other levels of government, services clubs, or any interested groups in addressing this serious situation. Tax incentives, working partnerships & legalized secondary suites to make affordable housing a reality in our community is essential. Where there is a will, there is a way & the City should play a key role in facilitating projects of this kind, it is time to pay attention & get the job done. Seniors, women & children are particularly effected, as are students when affordable housing is not available,
5.
Yes I would, starting with our Official Community Plan, to designate possible areas for redevelopment. Communities don't plan to fail...but they do fail to plan...( or fail to stick to the plan! ) that is where the short & long term goals come into the picture via the OCP. Affordable housing continues to need to be a priority & hopefully a new council will hear the voice of the community.
6.
A comprehensive affordable housing strategy is essential & as per the previous question, council would have to review & if necessary update the official community plan with a serious focus on affordable housing.
7.
There is always a need to think smaller & more efficiently in regard to public transit in a community of our size. This is constantly under review, however we also need to look at promoting higher population density within our downtown core, along with alternative options to any type of motorized vehicles including buses. A need for public transit between outlying communities, such as Summerland & Kelowna has also been brought to light & should be reviewed.
8.
The senior population is growing worldwide, this is not only a local phenomenon. The need for an increasing health care industry should not be overlooked considering this fact. As we attract higher tech secondary industry, manufacturing & educational opportunities, I believe we will be more successful in keeping our younger generation closer. We have been warned that in the coming years there will be a serious shortage of trades people to keep our economy growing & having an entrepreneurial spirit in accessing the needs in demand will aways keep you a step ahead.
9.
Having served as a Councillor for almost a decade ( 1990-1999 ) with a proven track record of sound decision making, I bring a wealth of positive experience to the table along with a renewed sense of dedication & commitment to my community. I have " walked the talk" & now look forward to a new challenge getting Penticton back on track to an exciting new future. The only way to make a difference is to get involved.....Please vote for strong leadership on November 19th!
1.
I am running for the Mayors seat in Penticton for the simple reason that I am not happy the way this city is being administered.
2.
If students don’t get involved they have nothing to complain about. I am a strong believer in the fact if you don’t vote don’t complain. Get involved.
3.
Economic development and the environment must come had in hand.
4.
Municipal government can not do it alone. Affordable housing must achieved by all governments.
5.
No Answer
6.
No Answer
7.
Penticton has no transit issues to my knowledge.
8.
I would like to see more industry in our city that could supply good paying jobs for our graduate students.
9.
I spent almost 33 years in the military and have the ability, education and ability to manger the city.
Council Candidate Responses:
1.
I’m running again because I’ve always been community minded, put my money where my mouth is and feel I can make a difference. I’m proud to have been part of this current council that had to make a lot of difficult decisions. I feel we have a great opportunity to make headway in improving our Economy (Job Creation), Tourism Development, and Community pride.
2.
Key issues for students…Public transit that has better routes and frequency, more events for youth, and the biggest…more jobs that not only pay more but require some intellect, or interaction with others that enhance life and academic goals.
3.
I think it is important to have a balance between development and environmental sustainability. We are trying to encourage development to use xeriscaping principles; we have the capacity to take excess solar power back to our electrical grid. The OK College center of excellence is a living workshop that hopefully other projects coming to the city will adopt some of the principles and designs.
4.
Municipal governments should be leaders in providing innovative solutions for affordable housing. If municipalities are taking the lead or making initiatives to improve affordable housing…they will be more apt to get funding from other levels of government (instead of waiting for upper levels to simple hand out money or expecting them to take the lead).
5.
Council should set out some targets for affordable housing; however, the market and development would drive the implementation. All we can do is offer the incentives or programs and encourage development. There is a project moving forward by the SOEC that will be dorm housing for the Hockey School academy program but will have some apartments for rent as well. The College itself is now also entertaining expressions of interest for on-site residences which will address some housing deficiencies.
6.
One affordable strategy would be offering City owned land to be leased. Instead of having a duplex or multi-family project having to incur the costs of land the potential occupant would only have to pay for building costs which would drop the price by almost $100K...the City would get taxes paid and receive a minimal yearly fee (but keep the Land as an asset and make family/starter home affordable). Whistler has successful programs for affordable housing for both purchase and rental that Penticton should adapt.
7.
A transit review is currently taking place and recently the Province also order an independent review. In Penticton we need to reconsider some routes and expand or reconfigure them, we need to increase the frequency and we need to enhance Sunday service. We also need to continue to expand our cycling network.
8.
Partner with OK College center of excellence to foster/incubate green technologies and sustainable building practices into a business sector…it’s an emerging trend and has tremendous growth potential. We need to embrace the new creative economy and market the fact we are now rated #4 in BC as a City to do business in. The Economic Investment Zones will provide incentives for development and beautification to occur. There is opportunity for economic gardening to successful and utilize college graduates.
9.
I’ve always put my money where my mouth is…I’ve been always been community minded and volunteered such as on Minor Hockey executive including as President where I first learned ‘politics’ to being President of the Downtown Penticton Association where I championed the Community market in the 200 block and getting 1hr free parking. I have a proven track record of getting this going…I pushed for sport tourism, chaired and made happen the Canucks main camp, Young Stars tournament, World JrA Challenge and Axel Merckx Gran Fondo. I’m 40 years old, own the Grooveyard and want Penticton Vibrant again.
1.
I am running for City Council because I am concerned about our finances/budgets, or lack there of; the urgent need for affordable housing; and job creation.
2.
I think some key issues for student voters are: a) their lack of interest, which hopefully this election will encourage getting out and voting; b) Students need to be more vocal about their concerns re: student fees and student housing.
3.
I think a it is an important issue but to date am unaware of specific balance between environmental sustainability and economic development.
4.
I feel strongly that municipal governments should priorize the development of affordable housing.
5.
I feel when budgets are being planned by our community, affordable housing should be one of the items on the top of our list, priorized for a certain number to be completed each year as dollars present themselves. This would not only provide affordable housing, but also jobs for local people to build them.
6.
Yes, I would certainly champion the affordable housing strategy. As to what it would look like would be the responsibility of our city planners – to check out property available etc.
7.
Our current transit issues have been partially evaluated and provided for by the new buses purchased however some scheduling and bus fares needs to be reviewed.
8.
Our regions senior population will no doubt continue to grow, recent graduates will, if necessary, need to seek out career opportunities provided by this and other communities - Students to date have been afforded several opportunities.
9.
I believe student voters should vote for me as a city councilor as I have been involved in programs offering advancement in education and experience. I believe students are our future, as I have been made aware of by the many secondary school students who have availed themselves of the opportunity.
1.
I would like to be a voice for the Arts Community and do what I can to help foster a more diverse local economy.
2.
I would think that self expression through the various arts and higher paying jobs would be of importance, if not key issues.
3.
I would never support any development that had a potential to hurt our environment. That said, I think the newer technologies is where future economic growth will come from. I would like to see Penticton attract more hi-tech businesses and light manufacturing that employees skilled people who are well paid for their work.
4.
The primary way local government can help is to provide incentives, in the form of tax breaks and concessions. We cannot allow developers to use up all the available land to build condos and big houses only to leave those who cannot afford them with nowhere to live.
5.
I am not a fan of government owned housing, but I think there should be a ratio maintained based on new development. If someone wants to build a twenty story condo building then their plan has to include a row of affordable townhouses or an affordable apartment building. Permits should be issued based on the good of the community as a whole.
6.
I would definitely support the development of affordable housing, but I do not have a specific strategy to offer. I had to downsize myself, when I started my business, so I know how difficult it is to find an affordable apartment that is also liveable.
7.
I would like to see at least a limited Sunday bus service added for starters.
8.
As I mentioned before, the City needs to attract better paying jobs, and those are typically either government, hi-tech or manufacturing. For young people to be able to stay in our community they have to be able to make enough money, year round, so they can have a decent life and raise a family.
9.
I would think it was my desire to help shape our community into one that both supports the arts and the goal of making this a place where young people can really stay forever.
1.
My motivation to enter politics crystallized when Gordon Campbell destroyed the contract that regulated class sizes and began making post-secondary education less accessible. As a teacher of 33 years, and the father of a daughter beginning post secondary education in three years, I know the importance of tuition, class size, housing and transportation. I’ve worked to improve bike lanes and bus service, legalize secondary suites and carriage houses and secure community support for the college expansion, including funding. After serving two terms on Council, post-secondary issues are still a concern and a priority for me.
2.
The key issues for student voters in Penticton are tuition costs, housing and transportation. While the amount of rental accommodation has improved recently through options such as the availability of secondary suites, affordability remains a problem. I fully support a recent development proposal which will provide the option of dormitory housing for college students. The bike lane network needs to be expanded to connect with the college, and lanes need to be made safer. The transit system must be modified to give better service to the college, including regional transportation from outlying communities.
3.
I chair the Environment Committee for both the City of Penticton and the Regional District of the South Okanagan. Pressure to develop land, even designated agriculture land, is unrelenting. Through our urban densification strategy and our regional growth plan we have identified where development can occur. This provides clarity for everyone. Through our Climate Action Plans, we are implementing strategies for GHG reduction and water conservation. Recently, we established a working relationship with Kelowna UBC Institute for Sustainability in these endeavours. Balance between environmental sustainability and economic development is critical. Without the former, the latter is extremely short sighted.
4.
All levels of government have a role in affordable housing. As a member of Penticton City Council, I accept this responsibility. I’ve proposed bylaws legalizing secondary suites and carriage houses and developed a working relationship with BC Housing to facilitate the establishment of buildings that meet community needs. I’ll continue to advocate for rezoning suitable properties to allow for a variety of housing forms, and to support ‘Habitat for Humanity’ projects through variances and city staff guidance. The identification of under-utilized city property and making it available for additional affordable housing projects are the next steps.
5.
Setting a target for affordable housing would help the community chart the progress being made. With social housing, we should work with the province to set achievable numbers of units for construction base on need, including housing for persons with challenges. With market housing, we should employ strategies that will enable the developers to put units on the market at more affordable prices. Such strategies should include development cost charge reductions and zoning for densification. These approaches are all within the control of City Council and therefore, achievable.
6.
As Chair of Penticton’s Social Development Advisory Committee, I was instrumental in developing a comprehensive housing initiative strategy for Penticton in 2005. This document was the result of community engagement and consultation. It continues to guide and direct plans within the city. Recommendations from this housing strategy have helped legalize secondary suites, build ‘carriage houses’, and support community projects by the Kinsmen Club and ‘Habitat for Humanity’ among others. Although pivotal in encouraging affordable housing, the strategy is not all inclusive, as there are now additional avenues to explore such greater densification around existing infrastructure in the downtown core.
7.
Penticton’s public transit system is woefully inadequate. A recent study identified areas needing improvement but, so far, no change has occurred. Although Penticton has a new fleet of energy efficient buses paid for by the City, we cannot get the provincial organization, BC Transit, to move forward with the required improvements to routes and scheduling. I am advocating for increasing ridership by providing more efficient service to densely populated neighborhoods, using smaller buses and allowing for customized service based on demand. We know what needs to be done, let’s do it.
8.
Good paying, long term career opportunities are scarce in Penticton. Our newly created economic development office must focus on the knowledge based economy and the opportunities in the cultural economy. These are areas not only suitable for our community but the areas where recent graduates have the ‘edge’ over those with more seniority. For example, we now have an incubator at the new Centre for Excellence and a recent grant of $2.1 million to assist knowledge based business. We also have a template for a cultural district waiting to be developed which will provide opportunities in the arts sector.
9.
As a former high school teacher I’ve seen too many bright and talented individuals have little option but to leave town to make a living wage. This can be devastating for individuals and the community as a whole. We need to make Penticton an environmentally responsible community where long term career opportunities exist along side with attractive, affordable housing and recreational excitement. Young voters in Penticton should vote for me because I have a long history of caring and I am old enough to know that it’s only with their support I can turn that care into real action.
1.
I believe that I can make a difference and a significant contribution to our community.
2.
I expect that the most important issues to students fall largely outside of civic purview: job opportunities, the economy, housing prices, transportation costs, etc. On a local level, I think progressive and thoughtful leadership at City hall to take advantage of technological opportunities and economies, create an investment friendly climate to foster employment and support “quality of life” undertakings by the City.
3.
We want both. The city can do more with increased bike trails, support for enhanced public transit and discouraging automobile use. We can also do more with waste water and storm drain effluent. Local wind and hydro power generation need to be explored. Economic development and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
4.
The City is limited in what it can do as this jurisdiction on this important issue falls to senior levels of government. The City can support and encourage housing through waived fees and charges, providing land, designated neighbourhoods in the official community plan and supporting rezoning as required. There may also be some opportunity to facilitate the stakeholders in specific situations.
5.
Sharing the frustration on this issue and local goals with the provincial government’s elected officials and through the UBCM are two opportunities to raise the profile of the issue. Setting goals for things over which you have virtually no control is a recipe for disappointment, at best
6.
Any strategy would be limited to areas of civic jurisdiction as identified in #4. Typically responsibility follows authority, which municipalities lack in any substantial way on this important local issue. If doctors will not relocate to Penticton because of housing costs, what hope is there for someone starting a career or a family?
7.
Penticton, particularly in the valley bottom, lends itself very well to bicycle transit. I brought the existing bike lanes to Penticton when on City council previously and would look to dramatically expand the dedicated cycling opportunities. The use of public transit is important. To increase ridership and services, we need to start getting out of our personal cars. This is a daunting challenge given our love affair with the car as a society. The current cost per use of public transport is about $12. This number extremely heavily subsidized and roughly equates to the cost of local taxi service per use.
8.
Many grads leave simply to experience the world. Many leave to pursue schooling or careers not available to them locally. We are a small market, which limits the opportunities. Retirees are attracted by the local quality of life and the climate alone. Those starting careers need more.
9.
I know the marketplace second to none. I ask questions. I listen. I look for opportunities. I am a strategic thinker. I will take a stand. I am a team builder. I have experience. For details, please my blog
1.
I am running for Penticton City Council to make a difference and contribute to our community. My background is that was a world ranked Professional Tennis Player, I have a degree in Political Science from UCLA and I am a former employee of NIKE where I worked at their corporate Headquarters. Since moving to the Okanagan 16 years ago I’ve opened up 3 businesses, including our family business in the downtown core. I am a wife and mother of two teenage children, and I volunteer throughout the community, including regularly at the Soupateria and as the Tennis Coach at Pen Hi.
2.
One of the main issues for student voters in Penticton is the fact that most of them have very few choices when attending college here and eventually need to leave town to finish their degree. This can be very costly and can put a huge barrier on their chances of finishing their degree or in getting the major of their choice. This is changing with the expansion of the college and the building of the Centre of Excellence. This has put Penticton on the map not only for educational opportunities but also for green technology.
3.
This balance of environmental sustainability and economic development are crucial for any changes to our community at this stage. The Centre of Excellence at Okangan College in Penticton is a model of environmental sustainability for the entire city, and will help to promote smart growth in our city. There are changes that need to be made immediately here, including revamping our transit system to get people out of their cars and into environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
4.
Municipalities have a responsibility to foster affordable housing in their communities. This is one of the major problems in our community, as we offer many low paying service industry jobs yet don’t have enough jobs to match the cost of living here. And many jobs are only available during the summer months, hence the “brain drain” of Penticton as young people go elsewhere to live. I’ve already met with the president of our local habitat for humanity and also with Donna Lomas, the Dean of Okanagan College, and will come up with solutions in the next 3 years for this serious problem in Penticton.
5.
I would make a commitment for the community to set a target for affordable and less expensive housing to be developed each year. One thing we can do to meet these targets is to insist that any multi unit complex in Penticton is required to sell a percentage of their units and a more affordable price for lower income people. If the developers know this ahead of time, they can work it into their costs in the entire project.
6.
I would champion the development of a comprehensive affordable housing strategy for Penticton. This is a North American crisis right now. We need to study what other communities have done to solve these problems. One thing we can do in our community is to promote the building of affordable dormitories for our college students.
7.
We have some serious transit issues that need to be addressed in Penticton. First our busses are much too big for the size of our community, and run around empty most of the time. They do not run a full schedule on evenings or weekends, and are just not utilized, as they should be. We need smaller environmentally friendly busses and we need to revamp the transit schedule. We also need to work with the other communities around us to offer some transit between these communities.
8.
Penticton has the highest rate of people over 65 in the Okanagan, and one of the highest rates in BC and Canada. The Okanagan has the lowest fertility rate of any area in Canada. Our senior population is growing; our youth are leaving. We cannot provide the services our community needs with this youth “ brain drain”. We need to focus on affordable housing and job opportunities so that young families are able to stay.
9.
1.
I've worked on the Chamber of Commerce and on volunteer city advisory boards for several years. I've been involved in a number of city issues over that time. I believe I have served the community well. I think that public service is an important way to support the quality of our community. I want to step up to Council to contribute at the
next level. I think we can do better in this community. At 37, I possess the energy, determination, and long term perspective the City of Penticton needs. It is time for a fresh, new voice.
2.
In speaking with students and young people in Penticton, I have heard a number of concerns about job opportunities, affordability and availability of quality housing, transit and transportation, recreation, culture and events and community safety. As an Okanagan University College grad myself (1999), I know the issues that affect
students during the college experience and through the transition into life after college.
3.
Sustainable environment and growth can only be achieved through the integration of policies that connect or integrate the environment, the economy and the community. Approaching sustainability from a single perspective may prove successful on the short run but costly on the long run. As a career banker, specializing in land development financing, I know first hand that projects can be both environmentally sustainable and profitable. In fact, increasingly the market is increasingly demanding more balance in this regard. Currently, there is little development happening, which provides the opportunity to establish good policies and guidelines to attract sustainable development.
4.
Housing comes in a variety of forms from supportive housing to rental housing to home ownership. In terms of supportive housing, Penticton has done very little in recent years to foster these developments. There are opportunities for the city to partner with Okanagan College to help develop dorms near the campus. When it comes to rental housing, the city can provide incentives for multi-family developers to build rental housing. Recent council support of secondary suites is a good start. The city can influence housing market affordability by encouraging urban density and reasonable development cost charges.
5.
I absolutely make that commitment. The city of Penticton should keep a
record of affordable housing needs and look at ways to provide incentives to ensure that we are moving toward meeting the needs. I also support the creation of an Affordable Housing Task Force with representation from stakeholder groups including students, landowners, builders, seniors and area not-for-profit groups.
6.
We need to draft an affordable housing strategy for the City of Penticton based on the recommendations, which come from an Affordable Housing Task Force. I want to help drive this process forward as soon as possible. It is overdue. Considerations should include increasing the supply of rental accommodation through the secondary suite by-law and partnerships with developers and non-profits, continuing to partner with senior levels of government to provide supportive housing, creating a fund to respond to housing partnership opportunities, and density bonuses for affordable housing projects.
7.
I’ve had a number of conversations lately on the issue of transit. Some immediate changes we could make include having a weekday route that starts early enough to get people to work in the industrial area and havin g a later evening “event route” on nights when Vees games or concerts are happening at the event centre. These simple initiatives would not only improve ridership but assist the economy by supporting jobs and events. I think that a transportation strategy including all modes from motor vehicle to bicycle pedestrian, is not only about moving this community around, but also about moving this community forward.
8.
Career opportunities are the most important factor in keeping recent graduates and young families here. I have served on Penticton Economic Development Advisory for the past here years. We have had success in helping existing local companies grow and hire. There is more that council can do to support economic development by creating an environment for companies to grow and for new companies to start. Okanagan College will produce the employees and entrepreneurs, to drive the economy. Jobs are only half the picture. Affordable housing, an exciting cultural scene with sports and event opportunities are also part of the solution.
9.
My campaign is about creating a vision in this community that doesn’t currently exist. We create that vision by talking to all the segments of our community. I have been hosting coffee sessions and community brainstorming sessions throughout the campaign. I am continuing the conversation on social media and that will not stop after the
election. (@jasoncoxpen on Twitter, /jasoncoxpen on Facebook and www.ourpenticton.com). I believe that by facilitating a community vision from which we can develop a plan. A plan that includes affordable housing, environmental sustainability, fun youth oriented events and jobs. Please vote Jason Cox on Nov 19th.
1.
I am running because I am concerned at the direction our City has taken in the last 6 years. We are not living up to our potential. I have been running a successful real estate business for the last 8 years and I am tired of listing and selling my clients homes so they can move to Alberta to get jobs. I want to be a catalyst to change this and create a City where families can thrive.
2.
I feel it is an absolute epidemic that the younger generations are not voting. It is simply allowing the older generations to run our cities. I feel the needs are not being met for the younger people simply because we are not taking the time to voice our concerns in elections. Seniors have much different needs then younger people and there has to be a balance. The issues for young voters are simple. They need jobs. They need to feel engaged in our community. I think that we have ignored the needs of our young voters and that is why they don’t vote.
3.
This balance is vital. Our OCP should be the guideline that makes sure we achieve the best balance we can. In the last few years, many have thought that we are not following the OCP as written. I think we should be measuring every decision against this delicate balance.
4.
Penticton has a lot of land that is not being utilized to its potential. We need to encourage developers to build affordable housing by offering incentives on some of this land. We also need to lobby the provincial and federal governments to assist us providing solutions. This is not an easy fix and we need as much help as we can get.
5.
Our economy is different then it has ever been and I don’t think setting a target is the right strategy. Instead, I think we need to attract well-paying, primary income jobs. We need to get our citizens back to work and earning decent wages.
6.
Obviously having a plan to tackle this problem is the first step. So I would be in favour of developing a strategy with input from citizens, developers and the provincial government. The strategy would have to include ways for all parties to contribute to the solution. The city and it’s taxpayers can’t afford to be the only stakeholder.
7.
If you asked our current city council, they would tell you that lack of ridership is the biggest issue. I bet if I asked students at OUC what they think the issue is, they would tell me that lack of service and scheduling is their largest issue. Bottom line is our bus system needs to run more often but we also need full buses to make it worthwhile. First thing I think we should do is talk to students and people that would take transit if it ran more frequently. We need to determine which routes need better service and address those areas first.
8.
This issue is one of the reasons I am running in this election. I have two children. I want them to go to school here at OUC. When they graduate, I want them to find jobs in their field right here. So my mission if elected, will be to work on attracting more jobs here. I will continue to push our Economic Investment Zones that will help make us the first choice for companies looking to re-locate.
9.
I want to make a difference here in Penticton. I want to make this a better city for my children and future generations. I am committed to listening to the concerns of younger voters and I want to make this a better place for them. We need young voters to feel engaged in our community. I want to help make this happen.
1.
I am running for city council for another 3 years. I am a very passionate Pentictonite who has lived and worked here all my life. I believe with my 45 years of being a successful businessman and 9 years on city council i bring a wealth of knowledge & experience to the table. I believe my extensive experience in developement & service industries will again be a huge asset to council.
2.
A. What will city council do to attract higher paying jobs for those of you who will be graduating son and are looking for work.
B. Affordable housing for those who do not live in dorms. What incentives does the city give to developers to encourage them to build such places.
C. Interregional transit from the south Okanagan to UBC Okanagan or to the college in Kelowna.
3.
My position on a balance between enviromental sustainability and economic developments is very important. In my opinion enviromental sustainability in the Penticton area is way ahead of economic development. Don't forget that before any development takes place the deveopler has to satisfy many enviromental concerns for the city, and the Provincal & Federal Governments.
4.
The role that municiple governments should have in the developement of affordable housing is to supply land for such projects. They should supply these lands to non profit societies who in turn would develope such facilities. I do not believe that municipal governments should be the landlords.
5.
Yes, i would commit to support the community to set targets for affordable housing. However, private developers and non profit organizations along with the public would have to get together in public forums to decide where such facilities would be built and the most important factor, who would be financing such a venture. When all this is accomplished then i would make sure that the city would contribute a fair share.
6.
Yes, i would be more than happy to help champion a comprehensive affordable housing strategy for my community. However, as I stated above the 3 main components, city, provencial & federal governments have to commit their portions to make this stratedgy work.
7.
Transit issues in our community are as follows:
A. Busses are too large
B. Running empty most of the time.
C. Not eonugh varied routes
D. Long waits between buses
Improvemnets in services
A. Smaller busses
B. More routes
C. Longest wait time 15 min.
D. School children should ride free to from school.
8.
City councils have a hard time attracting good paying jobs to their communities due to the push back we get from a certain portion of our population. It is not the seniors that are causing the problem but those from 45-55 years old . We in the south okanagan have a hard time aenticing high tech corpoprations to locate here due to the lack of properly trained personel.
9.
I will explain.
I have been a sucessful businessman for the past 45 years who started with very little but helped build a good portion of penticton. I believe that in order to suceed you have to work hard in order to know the value of a dollar. I am as energetic as any 35 year old and i still work 12-14 hours a day. I have a very strong social conscience who helps out many non-profits both by putting in time on their boards or helping them financially. I am not running to inflate my ego or to promote a particular cause. I do it because i have a love for my community and i want to help it grow for the benefit of all.
1.
The present City Council has failed to move Penticton forward out of the economic downturn. It makes foolish decisions behind closed doors that are wrong for our community. Then when the constituents ask for an accounting, City council bullies them down saying that the constituents do not have all the information required to make a good decision. The present City Councils track record shows that they are ineffective, expensive, secretive and out of touch with the community. I have the time, the ability, and the inclination to do a better job. So it is time to stop complaining and personally work for change.
2.
Job Creation, Affordable Housing, Recreation and Environmental issues.
3.
Environmental Sustainability and Economic Development are 2 of the most important concerns presently facing the World. Most communities in BC, ours included have been moving forward on Environmental concerns. Unfortunately we cannot say the same regarding economic development, one would almost think that City Council was purposely chasing businesses away.
4.
Many things affect this issue. Landlord and Tennant regulations, land and construction costs, supply and demand in the market. City Council can make sure that all programs offered by all levels of government are being utilized. City Council can also help by partnering with community organizations to develop Housing projects. Perhaps zoning incentive programs or reduced fee structures or even structured land costs could be used to assist development. Should the College have new dormitories?
5.
I would commit to work for affordable housing because it is so vital to our community. But it would be foolish for me to try and state a specific target with out all the data that City Hall currently has. Who & where is the greatest need? What programs are currently underused? Etc.
6.
Same answer as question 5
7.
At present Transit has large & expensive buses & ridership is low. This is a bad combination. Perhaps part of the answer is smaller buses, which reduces cost per unit. Routes and Timetables must be reviewed on an ongoing basis with the goal being increased ridership. I think a late night route should be looked at.
8.
I think that a community’s future is in jeopardy when graduates and young families must leave en masse to find employment to sustain them. That is why I am committed to affordable housing and attracting new business to our city.
9.
I am not a professional Politician I am a businessman. I like people in general and this City in particular. I have specific ideas that can help Penticton and the people that live here. I do not owe any debts or allegiances to any specific Group or Cause in this community. I will work for what is best for the majority of our community not just the vocal few.
1.
I am running for Council to serve the Community. With my skill set which is thirty-nine years as a lawyer, thirteen years as a mayor and nine years as councillor I believe I am a huge asset. When you have a budget of $100,000,000.00 a year you need a very strong business skill set.
2.
The key issues will be finding meaningful, gainful employment. They will eventually be concerned about rising property taxes and the cost of housing. I’m sure there are others.
3.
If a family does not have a job the environmental sustainability comes in second. I am for environmental sustainability but we cannot have people losing their jobs or not getting employment due to some regulations that could be implemented softer. One example is corner gas stations that we can not build on. They should be released from environmental regulations to create employment. We should spend more time going after big polluters.
4.
Municipal governments may have available land inventory to give to housing societies. They can give some consideration to waiving development costs and charges but they do not have the tax base federal or provincial governments have to carry out large developments of affordable housing.
5.
I’d make a commitment to help the societies that construct these units. I suspect we could never keep up with the demand.
6.
I think that is for other societies and not municipal government. We can provide cheap land and grants only. Let those that are in that business do the development.
7.
We have too big of buses. We are going to start to experiment with smaller ones and perhaps with this savings we can increase our routes and frequency of service.
8.
I have three children who recently left the community with work opportunities being poor and the housing costs being too high. It angers me. Recently I supported the prison which would have brought one half a billion dollars worth of primary jobs and lots of secondary work. The public did not want it so now we are back to looking and seeing if we can get something out of if it goes somewhere in this region. I will fight for jobs for all ages to allow families to stay close to the facility.
9.
When you manage 100 million dollars a year for the next three years you want the best experience you can get and a person with a lot of political ability.
1.
I’m running for City Council because I believe there needs to be representation of youth in local government. As a 22 year old recent graduate of Harvard University, and someone who understands the experience of growing up in Penticton, I feel I can give a voice to a part of our community that has historically been underrepresented in decision-making. I want to make sure that in balancing the budget, or crafting a long term vision for Penticton, that the concerns of those under 30 are actually taken into consideration.
2.
Obviously tuition fees and student debt are major concerns, but the power of local government to deal with those issues is limited. I see the key local issues for student voters in Penticton being access to affordable and convenient public transit options to campus, growth of well-paying jobs in their field of study, and access to affordable housing in order to study and work in this community. We also have to understand that, although these issues affect more than just students, young people face unique challenges and that there are no one-size fits all solutions to these problems.
3.
Finding a balance between sustainability and development is vital for Penticton, as so much of our economy is dependent upon our environment. I do not however believe there is an appropriate balance being maintained in large part due to a lack of long term vision from city leaders. We have no real long term vision for how our community is to grow, let alone one that takes into account the need to promote higher density housing developments and reduce expansion on the hillsides.
4.
Municipal government should play a significant role in the development of affordable housing, either through structuring regulations and incentives for private developers to create affordable housing or directly investing public funds and working with local groups to develop social housing, since the market for housing is clearly not fully addressing the needs of people in our community. Local government is also better positioned to understand and address those needs than the provincial government, though we often lack the necessary resources to take on large social housing developments, and so should take the lead in directing what funds are available.
5.
I would not support a target for new affordable housing developments each year, since it may be difficult to reach those targets and we cannot expect to meet the housing demand simply by building new accomodations. We need to find more innovative solutions that address not simply the shortage in the housing stock but also the funding gap between what renters can afford and landlords reasonably expect them to pay which may end up being a cheaper and faster solution than building new units.
6.
I would champion such a strategy and it would be focused on achieving a specific target: median housing costs should be no greater than 1/3 of median household income in Penticton. This could be achieved in a number of ways including: requiring developers to reserve a certain percentage of housing developments for owner-occupiers only, instead of speculators, or placing a price cap on a certain number of units to encourage a mix of affordable and market rate housing. I would also look at providing rent subsidies to help families and students afford the housing stock that is already available.
7.
The principal transit issue facing Penticton is the fact that ridership is so low that we lose $1million annually. I think this is caused in part because of a lack of awareness of transit options and poor signage indicating bus stops and accessible routes. I would propose a transit holiday for the months of July and August where public transit is free to ride so as to encourage participation and awareness and see if rider numbers improve once fares are reintroduced in September. I would also promote public art projects to beautify and bring more attention to bus stops.
8.
As a student who recently returned from studying abroad and who has had personal difficulties finding local employment this is an important concern of mine. However, we have to realize that seniors and youth are connected, and that the growth in our senior population can stimulate growth in fields like health care or financial planning that provide good career opportunities for educated young people. Penticton will always be a retirement area, we should leverage that fact, not bemoan it, and take advantage of the growth in services that cater to the needs of that population.
9.
As someone who is a recent graduate I understand the unique challenges faced by students, and can provide a different perspective than those who never went to college or university, or who might have graduated long ago. I also understand the interests and tastes of students in a way that their parents or grand parents might not. Our next city council is going to have to make some important decisions and I want to make sure that the voice of youth in our community does not have to fight to be heard but is actively involved in that decision-making process.
 |
 |