Issuu

election!

’14

COMOX VALLEY RECORD

OPTIONS 2014 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014

election!

’14

COMOXVALLEYRECORD.COM

General Election Day Saturday, November 15, 2014

SEE INSIDE FOR: – Candidate Q&As – Voting times and locations – Voting eligibility – Government responsibilities

B2 | OPTIONS 2014

Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q:

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

City of Courtenay Candidates

Go to comoxvalleyrecord.com “Elections” tab for comprehensive coverage including all candidates previously published bios and unedited answers to the questions below. There you will find an easy to read, printable copy of all answers provided. You can also contact candidates directly if you have questions of your own.

Jon Ambler

Mayoral Candidate Ph: 250-334-3458 jkambler@yahoo.com

Larry Jangula Mayoral Candidate Ph: 250-897-6749 ljangula@shaw.ca

Bill Anglin

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-334-8484 billanglin@telus.net

Terry Chaney Dan Doerksen Erik Eriksson Candidate for Council Ph: 250-703-0190 tlchaney@telus.net

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-898-8518 danlinda.doerksen@ gmail.com

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-334-3306 erik@eriksson.ca

Marcus Felgenhauer

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-334-3482

As opposed to spending money on a lawsuit, would you approve of taxpayer dollars being spent helping to bring Maple Pool Campground into compliance with zoning regulations? online answer online answer declined to online answer declined to declined to yes expanded online only only answer only answer answer Is Courtenay in need of a third crossing over the estuary? online answer online answer yes expanded online only only

declined to answer

yes

declined to answer

yes

declined to answer

yes

declined to answer

yes

declined to answer

expanded online

Would you be in favour of committing more of your municipality’s roadways to bike lanes?

yes

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declined to answer

Would you support tax deferrals or other incentive to encourage densification via secondary suites?

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declined to answer

Are you in favour of the construction of the proposed Braidwood supportive housing project?

yes

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yes

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online answer only

declined to answer

Are you in favour of the city taking responsibility for the operating costs of such a project?

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declined to answer

Are you in favour of tax incentives for businesses to address vitalization of the downtown core?

yes

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yes

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online answer only

declined to answer

Do you support amalgamation of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland?

yes

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declined to answer

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Should the board for the publicly-funded Comox Valley Economic Development Society be elected by the public?

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declined to answer

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declined to answer

Would you support an increase in property taxes in order to assist in the homelessness situation in the Comox Valley?

yes

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declined to answer

yes

declined to answer

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Are housing solutions solely a municipal responsibility?

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ADVANCE VOTING

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City Hall, 830 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, B.C. from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on: Wednesday, November 5, 2014 and Wednesday, November 12, 2014.

OPTIONS 2014 | B3

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

City of Courtenay Candidates

David Frisch

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-338-3638 frisch.david@gmail.com

Doug Hillian George Knox Rebecca Lennox Stu Macinnis Manno Theos Candidate for Council Ph: 250-334-0693 dhillian59@shaw.ca

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-334-8879 geosher@shaw.ca

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-650-5582 rebeccajlennox@ gmail.com

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-218-1735 stumacforcouncil@ hotmail.com

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-703-0463 mtheos@shaw.ca

Bob Wells

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-792-1945 votebobwells@ gmail.com

Starr Winchester Candidate for Council Ph: 250-334-2664 starrwin@shaw.ca

As opposed to spending money on a lawsuit, would you approve of taxpayer dollars being spent helping to bring Maple Pool Campground into compliance with zoning regulations? online answer online answer declined to online answer online answer yes yes yes expanded online expanded online expanded online only only answer only only Is Courtenay in need of a third crossing over the estuary? online answer online answer online answer no expanded online only only only

declined to answer

online answer only

yes

online answer only

yes

online answer only

yes

online answer only

yes

online answer only

yes

online answer only

Would you be in favour of committing more of your municipality’s roadways to bike lanes? online answer only

online answer only

yes

expanded online

yes

expanded online

declined to answer

yes

expanded online

Would you support tax deferrals or other incentive to encourage densification via secondary suites?

yes

expanded online

online answer online answer online answer only only only

declined to answer

Are you in favour of the construction of the proposed Braidwood supportive housing project? online answer only

online answer online answer only only

yes

expanded online

declined to answer

expanded online

Are you in favour of the city taking responsibility for the operating costs of such a project? declined to answer

online answer online answer online answer only only only

declined to answer

expanded online

Are you in favour of tax incentives for businesses to address vitalization of the downtown core?

yes

expanded online

online answer online answer online answer only only only

declined to answer

yes

expanded online

Do you support amalgamation of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland? online answer only

online answer online answer online answer only only only

declined to answer

yes

expanded online

Should the board for the publicly-funded Comox Valley Economic Development Society be elected by the public? yes

online answer only

expanded online

yes

expanded online

declined to answer

yes

online answer only

Would you support an increase in property taxes in order to assist in the homelessness situation in the Comox Valley? declined to answer

online answer online answer online answer only only only

declined to answer

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declined to answer

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Are housing solutions solely a municipal responsibility?

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GENERAL VOTING DAY

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Conference Hall, Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay, B.C. or Queeneesh Elementary School, 2345 Mission Road, Courtenay.B.C.

B4 | OPTIONS 2014

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

ELECT

…building a vibrant and progressive Courtenay

JON AMBLER

• strengthen our downtown

Mayor City of Courtenay

• support services for families and seniors • ensure clear and fair development rule

A Proven Leader

ON N OV. 15 V Davi OTE d

FRIS COUR

@frischdavid1

TENA Y CO

UNCI

250-338-3638 | www.davidfrisch.ca Authorized by Dylan Gothard, Financial Agent for David Frisch; 250-703-3766

MEET JON at Billy D’s 5th St., Courtenay

TONIGHT!

Nov 4th 7-9pm This advertisement authorized by Jon Ambler 250-334-3458

Marcus Felgenhauer Councillor City of Courtenay

TEAM PLAYER • LEADER

What I Stand For: • • • •

Resolving ‘Maple Pool’ in a fair and equitable way, without further legal action. Keeping Courtenay a vibrant community for all to enjoy, from youth to seniors. Maintaining the quality of life and the natural beauty of the City of Courtenay. Making the City of Courtenay even more financially responsible to you, the taxpayer.

COMMITTED

I am part of the community. Sandy and I made this our home 23 years ago.

I am committed to the growth of this community in business, quality of life and our natural surroundings.

Call me! I welcome your thoughts.

250-897-9652

ATTENTION! IMPORTANT NOTICE: I chose not to participate in the election questionnaire in this section of the Comox Valley Record. I feel strongly that the complex nature of the questions do not lend themselves in any way to a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ format. If you would like to discuss any of the questions with me, please call 250-897-9652 or email mfelgenhauer@hotmail.com. Thanks, Marcus Authorized by Joy Porter, Financial Agent for Marcus Felgenhauer, electmarcus@gmail.com

OPTIONS 2014 | B5

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

C.V. Regional District Candidates

Wayne Anderson

Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q:

Candidate for Area A Ph: 250-871-8771 Cell: 250-650-1223 wayne@wayne-anderson.com

Bruce Jolliffe Candidate for Area A Ph: 250-335-1275 bruce@brucejolliffe.ca

Dan Lisch

Candidate for Area A dan@danlisch.ca

Jim Gillis

Candidate for Area B Ph: 250-890-0161 Cell: 250-218-1384 jimgillis@shaw.ca

Rod Nichol

Candidate for Area B Ph: 250-898-8873 Cell: 250-792-0676 rodnichol@shaw.ca

James Derry Candidate for Area C Ph: 250-338-2720 jamderij@telus.net

Edwin Grieve Candidate for Area C Ph: 250-337-8558 Cell: 250-218-1385 edwingrieve@shaw.ca

Would you support an increase in the number of small scale sustainable farms producing food for local consumption?

yes

declined to answer

Is the widening of the Dove Creek Bridge a priority? declined to no yes expanded online answer

yes

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yes

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Would you support tax increases to improve flood protection measures? online answer declined to no yes expanded online expanded online only answer

yes

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yes

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yes

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yes

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yes

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Should the CVRD consider purchasing the contenious Stotan Falls-area lot of land from the Nanaimo based developers?

yes

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yes

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declined to answer

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Should the board for the publicly-funded Comox Valley Economic Development Society be elected by the public? declined to yes yes no yes yes expanded online expanded online expanded online expanded online expanded online answer Would you support an increase in property taxes in order to assist in the homelessness situation in the Comox Valley? declined to no yes yes no yes expanded online expanded online expanded online expanded online answer

declined to answer

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yes

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Is a new agricultural plan a priority?

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yes

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Should there be an overhaul of CVED’s agricultural strategy, to small-scale sustainable farming? declined to yes no yes yes expanded online expanded online expanded online expanded online answer

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yes

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Do you believe that the Alternate Approval Process provides due diligence in seeking approval from the electors? online answer declined to no yes no no expanded online expanded online expanded online only answer

ADVANCE VOTING Wednesday, Nov. 5 & Wednesday, Nov. 12 8:00 am and 8:00 pm at the following location: CVRD Boardroom 550B Comox Road Courtenay, BC

ELECTORAL AREA A

ELECTORAL AREA B

Saturday, Nov. 15 between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm

at the following locations:

Fanny Bay OAP Hall - 418 Ships Point Road - Fanny Bay, BC Union Bay Community Hall - 5401 South Island Highway - Union Bay, BC Royston Elementary School - 3830 Warren Avenue - Royston, BC Denman Island Senior Centre - 1111 Northwest Road - Denman Island, BC Hornby Island Elementary School - 2100 Sollan Road - Hornby Island, BC CVRD Boardroom - 550B Comox Road - Courtenay, BC

SPECIAL VOTING OPPORTUNITIES will be held: Thursday, November 6, 2014 - 9:00 am to 12:00 noon Denman Island Senior Centre: 1111 Northwest Road, Denman Island, BC Thursday, November 6, 2014 - 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Hornby Island Elementary School: 2100 Sollan Road, Hornby Island,, BC Monday, November 10, 2014 - 10:00 am to 12:00 noon St. Joseph’s General Hospital: 2137 Comox Avenue, Comox, BC (intended for patients and staff of St. Joseph’s General Hospital)

at the following locations: North Island Distance Education School - 2505 Smith Road - Courtenay, BC (NIDES – formerly Tsolum Elementary) CVRD Boardroom - 550B Comox Road - Courtenay, BC SPECIAL VOTING OPPORTUNITIES will be held: Monday, November 10, 2014 - 10:00 am to 12:00 noon St. Joseph’s General Hospital: 2137 Comox Avenue, Comox, BC (intended for patients and staff of St. Joseph’s General Hospital)

yes

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yes

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ELECTORAL AREA C Saturday, Nov. 15 between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm

at the following locations: North Island Distance Education School - 2505 Smith Road - Courtenay, BC (NIDES – formerly Tsolum Elementary) Living Waters Church - 2222 Regent Road - Courtenay, BC CVRD Boardroom - 550B Comox Road - Courtenay, BC SPECIAL VOTING OPPORTUNITIES will be held: Monday, November 10, 2014 - 10:00 am to 12:00 noon St. Joseph’s General Hospital: 2137 Comox Avenue, Comox, BC (intended for patients and staff of St. Joseph’s General Hospital)

B6 | OPTIONS 2014

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

“As a candidate for Courtenay City Council I have declined to answer the slate questions posted to us by The Record. With the complexity of the issues at hand, I felt the yes or no answers were simply not enough to voice my views in an honest and concise way.”

ON NOVEMBER 15

✔ VOTE GEORGE

Please take the time to write me or phone me (250-650-5582) if you are interested in where I stand on any given issue. I would be happy to answer your questions, I just need more than a choice of two words.

KNOX

Read about my visions for Courtenay at rebeccalennox.ca

City of Courtenay Council

“Let GEORGE Do It”

On Nov. 15 Elect REBECCA LENNOX City of Courtenay Authorized by Financial Agent Claire Frank for Rebecca Lennox, rebeccajlennox@gmail.com

 Resident of the Comox Valley for the past 35 years  My pledge to voters is to pro-actively work for the citizens of Courtenay.  Rescinding the Maple Pool lawsuit issue. Resolving homelessness in the Comox Valley

“I offer the voters of Courtenay the opportunity to elect a fair and open-minded individual who will actively listen to all perspectives and make choices that represent the needs and desires of our citizens in a fiscally responsible manner.”

VOTE DAN

DOERKSEN for Courtenay Council

• The Maple Pool campground legal fiasco MUST end. • ENOUGH MONEY AND TIME SPENT ON HOMELESS STUDIES. Let’s do something about it.

QUESTIONS?

• Council needs to look at how we do business within the City in regards to development permits. WE NEED TO BE THOROUGH BUT EFFICIENT

Reach Me

 Passionate about the environment.

250-703-3463

 Fiscally responsible

geosher@shaw.ca

• I will work hard, attend as many council and committee meetings as possible and to the best of my abilities represent the cares and the concerns of this beautiful city and of the people.

This advertisement authorized by Dan Doerksen Email: danlinda.doerksen@gmail.com

This advertisment authorized by George Knox, 250-703-3463

RE-ELECT

MANNO

THEOS

As I go door to door to 10,000 homes...

The Clear Message I have Heard is to END THE MAPLE POOL COURT CASE

I AGREE!

Court cases are expensive! Let’s work together with the private Sector to find solutions for the homeless. Residents of Maple Pool are happy living in that area.

RE-ELECT NOVEMBER 15th

MANNO MAKE YOUR THEOS VOTE COUNT Authorized by Manno Theos, financial agent, 250-792-5884

COMMON SENSE HARD WORK STRAIGHT TALK

RE-ELECT DOUG HILLIAN Your candidate for Courtenay City Council It has been a privilege to serve you since 2009. If re-elected, I will continue to offer a reasonable and progressive approach to the issues we face while remaining responsive and accessible to all citizens. For more information please visit

DougHillian.ca Authorized by Pam Munroe, Financial Agent for Doug Hillian, dpmunroe@gmail.com

BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER VOTE

Terry Lee

Chaney What are Your Concerns? Join me for coffee! FRIDAY, NOV 7 4-6pm at Michael’s Off Main 355 4th Street Authorized by Terry Chaney, financial agent, tlchaney@telus.net

OPTIONS 2014 | B7

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES FEDERAL

PROVINCIAL

MUNICIPAL

A list of federal, provincial, and municipal government responsibilities based upon current legislation and Cabinet positions. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canadian Heritage Citizenship and Immigration Environment Finance Fisheries and Oceans Foreign Affairs and International Trade Health Human Resources and Skills Development Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Industry Intergovernmental Affairs International Cooperation and Development Justice Labour National Defence National Revenue Natural Resources Public Safety Public Works and Government Services Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities Treasury Board Veterans Affairs Western Economic Diversification

Aboriginal Relations Agriculture and Rural Development Ambulance Services Culture Education Energy Enterprise and Advanced Education Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Health Human Services Infrastructure International & Intergovernmental Relations Justice and Solicitor General Municipal Affairs Tourism, Parks and Recreation Transportation Treasury Board and Finance

Agriculture service Airports Animal control Business licences Bylaw enforcement Cemeteries Community or convention centre or halls Cultural facilities (museums, libraries) Emergency and disaster services Family and Community support services Economic Development (i.e. CVEDS) Fire services Liquor licencing referrals Local elections Municipal land use planning Parks and pathways Police services Public lighting Public transportation Recreation facilities and programs Roads, streets and walks Sanitary sewage and treatment Social housing Storm sewers and drainage Tourism Water supply and distribution Waste management

In my 34 years in Courtenay, with all my community involvement, I believe I have developed a strong sense of where our citizens want our city to go. I am retired and able to devote the time, energy and experience required to do a good job.

Authorized by Erik Eriksson, Financial Agent, 250-218-0568

TOM GRANT for Mayor of Comox

VOTE ON NOVEMBER 15 TOM GRANT

Visit Tomâ€™s Campaign Headquarters in the Comox Center Mall or call Tom directly at 250-897-2093 tomgrantformayor.com

for Mayor of Comox 8 am to 8 pm Advance Polls Nov. 5th and 12th Comox Rec - 1855 Noel Ave

Authorized by Richard Grant, Financial Agent for Tom Grant. dick.grant@tomgrantformayor.com

B8 | OPTIONS 2014

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Town of Comox Candidates

Tom Grant

Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q:

Mayoral Candidate Ph: 250-871-4760 Cell: 250-897-2093 tom.grant@tomgrantformayor.com

Paul Ives

Mayoral Candidate Ph: 250-339-9109 Cell: 250-897-2557 paulives@shaw.ca

Russ Arnott

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-218-2001 russarnott@gmail.com

Kathleen Bell

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-339-2257 kathleen.n.bell@gmail.com

Don Davis

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-339-0505 Cell: 250-702-2876 dondaviscampaign@telus.net

Ken Grant

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-287-1797 unityken@shaw.ca

Are you in favour of expropriation of an easement in Comox on private waterfront properties for the creation of a public walkway? online answer only

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Would you support tax deferrals or other incentives to encourage densification via secondary suites?

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yes

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Are you in favour of the private redevelopment of Baybrook House as an interpretive centre?

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yes

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online answer only

yes

online answer only

yes

online answer only

yes

online answer only

yes

online answer only

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Are you in favour of tax incentives for businesses to address vitalization of the downtown core?

yes

expanded online

yes

expanded online

yes

expanded online

Would you be in favour of committing more of your municipality’s roadways to bike lanes? online answer only

yes

expanded online

Do you support amalgamation of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland? online answer only

expanded online

yes

expanded online

Should the board for the publicly-funded Comox Valley Economic Development Society be elected by the public?

expanded online

yes

expanded online

online answer only

Would you support an increase in property taxes in order to assist in the homelessness situation in the Comox Valley? online answer only

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Are housing solutions solely a municipal responsibility?

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HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE TO VOTE?

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You are elgible to vote in a local election as a resident You are eligible to vote as a non-resident property elector when you: elector when you: • are 18 years of age or older when you register to vote • are 18 years of age or older when you register to vote or will be 18 years of age or older on general voting or will be 18 years of age or older on general voting day; day; • are a Canadian citizen; • are a Canadian citizen; • have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six • have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months before you register to vote months before you register to vote • have lived in the jurisdiction where you intend to vote • are not disqualified under the Local Government Act, for at least 30 days before you register to vote; and, or any other enactment, or by law from voting in a local • are not disqualified under the Local Government Act, election; and, • are the registered owner of property in the jurisdiction or any other enactment, or by law from voting in a local where you intend to vote for at least 30 days before you election. register to vote.

OPTIONS 2014 | B9

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Town of Comox Candidates

Marg Grant

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-650-4999 marg.grant5@gmail.com

Hugh MacKinnon Candidate for Council Ph: 250-339-0661 mackinnons6@shaw.ca

Ian Moul

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-890-0737 imoul@shaw.ca

Barbara Price Candidate for Council Ph: 250-339-4037 Cell: 250-702-4194 bprice30@shaw.ca

Maureen Swift

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-339-1211 Cell: 250-702-1619 swiftforcomox@gmail.com

Vivienne Webster Candidate for Council lonfield@shaw.ca

Are you in favour of expropriation of an easement in Comox on private waterfront properties for the creation of a public walkway? online answer only

online answer only

expanded online

Would you support tax deferrals or other incentives to encourage densification via secondary suites? online answer online answer online answer no yes expanded online expanded online only only only

expanded online

Are you in favour of the private redevelopment of Baybrook House as an interpretive centre? online answer no no no expanded online expanded online expanded online only

online answer only

expanded online

online answer only

expanded online

yes

online answer only

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online answer only

expanded online

yes

Are you in favour of tax incentives for businesses to address vitalization of the downtown core? online answer only

yes

expanded online

yes

expanded online

yes

expanded online

Would you be in favour of committing more of your municipality’s roadways to bike lanes? online answer only

yes

expanded online

yes

expanded online

Do you support amalgamation of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland? online answer only

online answer only

expanded online

Should the board for the publicly-funded Comox Valley Economic Development Society be elected by the public? online answer only

expanded online

yes

expanded online

yes

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online answer only

yes

Would you support an increase in property taxes in order to assist in the homelessness situation in the Comox Valley? online answer only

yes

online answer only

Are housing solutions solely a municipal responsibility? online answer only

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HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING IN LOCAL ELECTIONS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA?

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Contact the appropriate jurisdiction for answers to questions about voter eligibility, where and when to vote and general questions about the election process. Local government addresses and phone numbers are listed in the blue pages of the local phone book, or are available online from CivicinfoBC at: www.civicinfo.bc.ca/11asp.

yes

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yes

VOTING OPPORTUNITIES ADVANCE VOTING Wednesday, November 5, 2014 and Wednesday, November 12, 2014 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Comox Community Center 1855 Noel Avenue, Comox GENERAL VOTING: Saturday, November 15, 2014 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Comox Community Center, 1855 Noel Avenue, Comox

B10 | OPTIONS 2014

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

ELECT:

Vivienne Webster C O M O X

C O U N C I L

I BELIEVE IN family, fighting for our environment and our need as human beings for green space.

I BELIEVE IN public safety, affordable housing and a healthy environment in which to live.

“ I have come to know Barbara as a caring and strong leader who is passionate about Comox heritage.” Steve Cowan,

COME AND MEET ME ON

Sunday, November 9 at The Little Red Church on Comox Ave from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Please come and tell me your concerns and issues for the town of Comox so we can work on them together as a community.

Board member Comox Archives and Museum and President of C.V. Royal Canadian Naval Association

Authorized by Financial Agent, Agnes Wisden for Vivienne Webster. agneswisden@gmail.com

“ Barbara is courageous and not afraid to take a stand on issues that affect our community.” Patti Fletcher,

WHY SHOULD I VOTE?

Comox Councillor 2002-2014

“ The Town is lucky to have Barbara. The Comox North East Woods wouldn’t exist or thrive without her.” Dr. Bill Halliday Board member of Friends of Comox-Lazo Forest Reserve

#7 ON THE BALLOT

• The right to vote is a fundamental democratic right that is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is the cornerstone of democracy.

Barbara Price

• When we vote, we choose the representatives who will make the laws and policies that govern how we live together.

Comox Council bprice30@shaw.ca

250-339-4037 Authorised by Sandra Stokmo Financial Agent for Barbara Price , 250-792-3131

• The legitimacy of a government lies in the fact that it is elected. Low voter turnouts may call into question this democratic legitimacy. • While democracy involves much more than holding elections every few years, voting is a powerful way to send a message to governments and politicians. The more votes, the more powerful the message is. In other words, every vote counts.

www.barbaraprice.ca for expanded answers to the Yes/No questionnaire

F O R P R O G R E S S I V E , D E D I C AT E D , V I B R A N T L E A D E R S H I P

www.elections.ca

Elect Tonia

FRAWLEY SCHOOL TRUSTEE COMOX “I have had the honour and privilege to serve the Town of Comox as Mayor for the last 6 years (and as Councillor for the previous 6 years). I am asking the residents of Comox for the privilege to continue serving as Mayor of Comox in the upcoming election. ”

I believe strong relationships and open lines of communication will lead to an effective Board of Education.

For more information on important issues that have an effect on the future of Comoxplease go to my website or @paulrodneyives

Authorized by Garry Murdock, Financial Agent • Ph: Ives 250-338-0105 • email: garrym1@shaw.ca Authorized by Garry Murdock, Financial Agent for Paul • Ph: 250-338-0105 • email: garrym1@shaw.ca

Authorized by Tonia Frawley, financial agent, 250-331-3442

OPTIONS 2014 | B11

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Village of Cumberland Candidates Go to comoxvalleyrecord.com “Elections” tab for comprehensive coverage including all candidates previously published bios and unedited answers to the questions below. There you will find an easy to read, printable copy of all answers provided. You can also contact candidates directly if you have questions of your own.

Roger Albert Colin Failler Candidate for Council Ph: 250-703-1894 rogeralbert@shaw.ca

Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q:

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-702-7371 cfailler@yahoo.com

Jesse Ketler

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-898-9085 jesseketler@hotmail.com

Roger Kishi

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-336-8458 rkishi@outlook.com

Steven Royer Gwyn Sproule Sean Sullivan Michael Walton

Candidate for Council Candidate for Council Candidate for Council Ph: 250-897-9333 Ph: 250-400-5052 Ph: 250-336-8165 stevenroyer66@shaw.ca gwynsproule@gmail.com islandsean@hotmail.com

Candidate for Council Ph: 250-400-5327 votewalton@shaw.ca

Is the improvement of roadway infrastructure a priority? declined to answer

yes

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yes

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yes

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yes

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declined to answer

Would you be in favour of tax incentives in order to attract more industrial/commercial business to the Village? declined to answer

yes

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yes

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yes

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yes

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declined to answer

Should residents be allowed to “opt out” pf the current garbage collection policies if the service is not used (saving $300 per year)? declined to declined to declined to declined to no no no no expanded online expanded online expanded online expanded online answer answer answer answer Would you support tax deferrals or other incentive to encourage densification via secondary suites? declined to answer

declined to answer

yes

online answer only

declined to answer

Are you in favour of tax incentives for businesses to address vitalization of the downtown core? declined to declined to online answer yes yes yes expanded online expanded online expanded online answer answer only

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Do you support amalgamation of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland? declined to answer

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Should the board for the publicly-funded Comox Valley Economic Development Society be elected by the public? declined to answer

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yes

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Would you support an increase in property taxes in order to assist in the homelessness situation in the Comox Valley? online answer declined to declined to declined to no yes yes expanded online expanded online expanded online only answer answer answer

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Are housing solutions solely a municipal responsibility? declined to declined to no no expanded online expanded online answer answer

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Note from the acclaimed Mayor of Cumberland, Leslie Baird I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Cumberland for your support over the years. It is an honour and privilege to represent Cumberland as Mayor. These past three years have been very busy with members of council approving many projects. I would like to thank

Councillor Greening and Councillor Copeman for there time on council and wish them well with their future plans. I look forward to working with the next council. My priorities on Council are Water, Sewer and roads to continue upgrading sections yearly. We have completed four Master Plans and now it is time to implement the recommendations as funds become available. The Official Community Plan has been completed, we need to

update our Zoning bylaw and bring it into compliance with the OCP. Council formed the Heritage Commission that will guide us in preserving and restoring our heritage assets. In closing I am open to your concerns and feedback please contact me at home 250-336-2718 Village Office 250-336-3001 cell 250-8975020, mail mayor.baird@cumberland.ca or Facebook Mayor Leslie Baird.

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ADVANCE VOTING Wednesday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, Nov. 8, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Village of Cumberland Council Chambers, 2675 Dunsmuir Avenue

GENERAL VOTING Saturday, Nov. 15 between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm at the following locations: OAP Hall on the lower floor of the Cumberland Cultural Centre, 2674 Dunsmuir Avenue SPECIAL VOTING OPPORTUNITIES will be open to qualified electors who are patients or residents of the Cumberland Lodge at the time of voting, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cumberland Lodge, 2696 Windermere Avenue

B12 | OPTIONS 2014

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

RUNNING FOR CUMBERLAND COUNCIL

WHY VOTE FOR STEVEN ROYER?

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

He will make Businesses

Excel He will make a Village that brings Tourism He will make a Village that is Safe & Clean He will keep the Forest Green He is a long term Resident in the Comox Valley… 40 Years! He is Experienced in Waste Management, Property Management,

VALUING THE PAST, VISION FOR THE FUTURE ❏ Good Governance ❏ Aligning zoning bylaws with official community plan ❏ Affordable housing ❏ More local health & social services ❏ Supporting recreation, arts & culture sectors ❏ Recently retired North Island College Instructor ❏ Author & editor of 2014 Comox Valley Quality of Life Report

and Street-landscaping ■

He has Excellent coaching and director experience

■

He is Passionate about families, healthy lifestyles, and helping those in need

■

He is a Go-Getter, approachable and energetic

■

ELECT ROGER ALBERT for Cumberland Council

find me on facebook at: elect Roger Albert for Cumberland Council

He Represented Canada (2 times in the 100km World Running Champion race as well as supporting local races and events)

This insert is authorized by Roger Albert, financial agent, socforall83@gmail.com.

WHY SHOULD I VOTE?

“If you are running for council in Cumberland, you have my vote my friend, even though I don’t live in Cumberland anymore, but I speak for the whole Comox Valley when I say that you have the respect of all of us in our community…the BEST property manager I ever had…not to mention a decent human being, pretty hard to find that nowadays.”

• The right to vote is a fundamental democratic right that is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is the cornerstone of democracy. • When we vote, we choose the representatives who will make the laws and policies that govern how we live together. • The legitimacy of a government lies in the fact that it is elected. Low voter turnouts may call into question this democratic legitimacy.

Testimony from Alicia Lindgren, Long term resident in Cumberland.

• While democracy involves much more than holding elections every few years, voting is a powerful way to send a message to governments and politicians. The more votes, the more powerful the message is. In other words, every vote counts.

Authorized by Elizabeth Royer, Financial Agent for Steven Royer. 250-400-5052

Steven WILL make your Village what you want it to be!

ON NOV. 15th RE-Elect

JANICE CATON School Trustee for the CITY OF COURTENAY • Janice brings her experience and knowledge as a parent, grandparent and trustee with her and fully understands the challenges and difficulties currently facing our students, parents, staff and school district. • Experienced, dedicated with a strong 29 year record of supporting the students, staff, parents and the educational community of the Comox Valley. • Continues to advocate for a strong public education system that is fully funded and sustainable that would not only address the current class size and composition issues, but will also lead to a stable and viable education system that supports the needs for all students. “As a retired school administrator in School District #71, I am pleased to fully endorse Janice Caton’s bid for re-election as school trustee. From my many experiences of working closely with Janice on educational issues, I know her to be a hard-working, honest person dedicated to providing a quality education for all students and maintaining a positive work environment for teachers. Your vote for Janice on November 15th will ensure that the our students and teachers in School Al Pullin District #71 are well served.” School Administrator, Retired Comox Valley School District

Caton, Janice This advertisement authorized by Janice Caton 250-338-6858

✔

www.elections.ca

ON NOV. 15 Re-Elect

DONNA GAMBACORTA School Trustee for the CITY OF COURTENAY

• I look forward to strengthening relationships in my role as trustee with students, teachers, parents, partner groups and the community as a whole. • I am second vice-chair of VISTA — Vancouver Island School Trustee Association and member of the finance committee • She is also the alternate representative to the Aboriginal Education Committee and the Provincial Council alternate. • Proud supporter of public education “As a trustee, I also know the difficulties and stresses placed on educators and the school district.” “I would like to continue working on your behalf as your trustee on the school board representing the City of Courtenay.”

As a Parent, I know first hand the difficulties faced by parents/guardians and students trying to ensure they receive the best educational experience.

Gambacorta, Donna This advertisment authorized by Donna Gambacorta, gamba99@shaw.ca

✔

Re-Elect Jim Gillis

Comox Valley Regional District

OPTIONS 2014 | B13

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

Re-Elect Jim Gillis

Director Area B Peter Coleman Comox Valley Regional DistrictTrustee for Comox For School

elect EXPERIENCE

lect Jim Gillis Re-Elect Jim Gillis • Champion Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) • Protecting your rural lifestyle

• 100% support for the environment

• Making the best use of your tax dollars

November Director Area15th B Where to Vote: COMMITMENT Director Area B • NIDES Centre (TsolumRegional School) Comox Valley District Served on vital Board committees in SD71: Finance, Property, 2205 Smith Road • Comox Valley Regional District Boardroom 505B Comox Road, Courtenay 8AM - 8PM

• The Comox Valley: Area B - Comox Valley Regional District Director Advanced Polls let's support it, promote it and protect it

RD boardroom Director Area B Wed Nov 5 and Wed Nov 12 Comox Valley Regional District • Champion Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) (Photos by Gloria Balazs) (approved by Jim Gillis 250-218-1384)

• Protecting your rural lifestyle • 100% support for the environment

Regional Growth Strategy (RGS)

Veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy; father of 5 public school graduates; and teacher/administrator in K-12 and post-secondary education systems (BCIT & SFU); and currently Board Chair.

November 15th

• Making the best use of your tax dollars

Teacher Professional Development. Represented the Board at Comox Valley Regional District B.C. Public School Employers Association and in meetings with the Minister of Education. Dedicated hundreds of hours to listening to the concerns of parents, students, teachers, administrators, and other citizens.

INDEPENDENCE

Authorized by Peter Coleman, Financial Agent, 250-218-4036.

November 15th VIDEO: Trustee for Comox Not affiliated with any special interest group.

Where to Vote: http://youtu.be/oRtFnz-NYEE • NIDES Centre (Tsolum School) 2205 Smith Road • Comox Valley Regional District Boardroom 505B Comox Road, Courtenay

QUESTIONS ABOUT MUNICIPAL AND REGIONAL DISTRICT ELECTIONS

Where to Vote: • NIDES Centre (Tsolum School) 8AM - 8PM • The Comox Valley: 2205 Smith Road Advanced Polls port for thelet's environment support it, promote it• Comox and protect it District Boardroom • Champion Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) Valley Regional RD boardroom (Photos by Gloria Balazs) 505B Comox Road, Courtenay e best use of your tax dollars

your rural lifestyle

November 15th

(approved by Jim Gillis 250-218-1384) • Protecting your November 15thrural lifestyle8AM - 8PM

x Valley: Advanced Polls Where to Vote: ort it, promote it and protect it environment • 100% support for the

RD boardroom • NIDES Centre(Photos (Tsolum School) by Gloria Balazs) Wed Nov 5 and Wed Nov 12 (approved by Jim Gillis 250-218-1384) 2205 Smith Road • Making the best use of your • Comox Valley Regional District Boardroom tax dollars 505B Comox Road, Courtenay

• The Comox Valley: let's support it, promote it and protect it Advanced Polls 8AM - 8PM

www.JimGillis.ca

(Photos by Gloria Balazs) RD boardroom Authorized by Jim Gillis, Financial Agent, 250-218-1384 (approved by Jim Gillis 250-218-1384) Wed Nov 5 and Wed Nov 12

Edwin Grieve ‘working with people’

Where Vote: Wed Nov 5to and Wed Nov 12

• NIDES Centreof(Tsolum School) Ministry Community, Sport and Cultural Development 2205 Smith Road Governance and Structure Branch • Comox Valley Regional District Boardroom Phone: 250-387-4020 505B Comox Road, Courtenay www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/elections_home.htm

8AM - 8PM

Advanced Polls RD boardroom Wed Nov 5 and Wed Nov 12

www.cscd.gov.bc.ca

Area C Director and CVRD board chair Edwin Grieve faces reelection this time. Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Edwin is known as a friendly, helpful hardware salesman and for his involvement in music and organizing community events. “Edwin and his wife Jan live in area “C” and have two grown children; Sean and Aura and one grandchild Willum with another on the way in the spring. As a volunteer, he chairs the annual July 1st Celebrations, was a Musicfest director, organizes the Simms Park Summer Music Program, and helps produce the Child Development Telethon. In addition to his other accolades Edwin was declared a Freeman of the City of Courtenay before he got into politics. Once elected, he put his people skills and slogan ‘working with people’ into action, introducing the concept to the Comox Valley Regional Board, which recognized his talent and elected him chair. “6 years on the board and my 4 years as chair have taught me a few things,” said Grieve. “In order to move forward on the issues and projects facing the region, elected officials need access to the best information, and also be willing to talk openly and honestly with one another in an atmosphere of respect and decorum.” Co-operation, not confrontation, is the best way to get good decisions, he adds. “Although we may not all agree on every issue, there needs to be the feeling that everyone has been heard and their opinions validated. This is “Working with People.” This is what I believe in.” For Edwin’s views on issues facing the Comox Valley, visit his website www.edwingrieve.com and ‘Re-elect Edwin Grieve’ on Facebook. This advertisement authorized by Janice Swanson, financial agent swanson@shaw.ca.

B14 | OPTIONS 2014

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

School District 71 Trustee candidates Each electoral district will have its own school trustee candidates on the ballot, looking to represent said area. All can-

Chris Aikman Area A Candidate Phone: 250-335-1047 email: chrisaikman@shaw.ca

Sheila McDonnell Area A Candidate Phone: 250-897-1892 woodmcdonnell@shaw.ca

Ian Hargreaves Area C Candidate Phone: 250-703-1228 bushido8@shaw.ca

Paula Selby

Area C Candidate Phone: 250-218-6330

parentsoutsidethebox@gmail.com

Cliff Boldt Courtenay Candidate Phone: 250-334-1580 Email: mcboldt@telus.net

Janice Caton

Courtenay Candidate Phone: 250-338-6858 Email: jcaton10@shaw.ca

Donna Gambacorta Courtenay Candidate Phone: 250-338-7332 Email: gamba99@shaw.ca

didates were asked to respond to the following question: In your opinion what is the most critical issue facing the

school board at this time and how do you plan on addressing it? Here are their responses.

Clearly the most important issue facing school trustees today is to restore the health of our public schools. Specifically, we must ensure the viability of our smaller schools, such as those on Hornby and Denman Islands, which form an essential part of their communities. As a school trustee I would strive to: • Be accountable in defence of public education, always and everywhere. • Advocate through the B.C. School Trustees Association for school funding no less than the national average. Cur-

rently, we are last in Canada by many indicators. • Advocate actively with the Ministry of Education to revise their current policies, which actually encourage students to withdraw from public schools. The shrinking public school population is a result of these bad policies, more than of any other factor. • Seize the opportunity in the Premier’s statement that she wants dialogue on the future of education in B.C. • Redirect our existing resources to maximize classroom support, with bet-

ter teacher/pupil ratios, so that all students of all abilities can achieve their potential. • Restore the seamlessness that formerly existed between home and school. • Ensure our students experience a learning environment that challenges them mentally and physically, and prepares them for a rapidly changing world in which they must be active, thoughtful citizens. • Maximize our opportunities to expand the international student program. The Comox Valley and islands

offer a safe, beautiful environment to attract students from afar. Some school districts, such as Vancouver, include elementary grades in their international program; we can learn from their experience. The goal is to improve the district’s finances, while also enriching the learning experiences of our students. Public education is the foundation of our free and open society. We (trustees, parents, grandparents and teachers) must work together to protect and enhance it.

I think there is a disconnect between the district and public that requires some significant change and collaboration. People tell me “I don’t have kids in school, it doesn’t matter to me.” But we all need to care – students are our collective future. Our district was built by pioneers who believed in education. Black Creek, Sandwick, Fanny Bay, they hired and billeted teachers, kicked in a load of wood and agreed to taxes to share the load. Now we see a lack of interest and low

voter turnout that lets the government know elected boards don’t have a strong public investment behind them and can be over-ruled and disregarded. I’ve been advocating for measures that will re-engage parents and the public, and broaden the network for public education. We need to recapture a “village” around each of our schools. We have to look at how our organization might be discouraging participation and shutting out community. Opportunities to participate have to be meaningful

and relevant; people don’t want to come to a budget meeting about something already decided – but I believe that our community would bring their talent, experience, resources to plans for a district fitness strategy, fine arts or environmental program development. As a trustee, I promote networking with our municipal partners and agencies. I support community schools and programs that will get the public into our schools, meeting our students, and starting to feel that SD71 does matter to them.

Many pundits have been expecting the government to eliminate elected boards and move to the appointed regional authority model – a significant loss of public input and accountability. If that is to be, I want this area to have such strong, embedded advisory committees in place that the public voice for education will continue to be heard. I know that the trustees will achieve more with the mandate of a movement for public education and our students will thrive with the support of the community.

What is clear to me from the recent teachers’ strike is that public education funding in B.C. is amongst the lowest in Canada. The next provincial budget is projected to continue the trend of underfunding, downloading still more costs onto school boards already being crushed by the accumulating impact of more than a decade of underfunding. That will mean larger class sizes, fewer resources, more cuts to maintenance, and more pressure to close

schools. It will mean even less help for our most vulnerable students and those who need it most. What can be done? An entire generation of students have already gone from kindergarten to graduation, impacted by endless cutbacks. Solutions cannot wait for the next election, the next round of bargaining, or some court decision years away. Trustees need to be educational advocates throughout the province, standing up for public education, demanding that

the provincial government treat public education as a vital component of a prosperous and cohesive society — not as a burden upon taxpayers. It is time for new ideas, new strategies, and especially for trustees who will put the needs and the interests of public education ahead of partisan politics! When the next round of budget cuts comes, we need school trustees to say that it’s no longer good enough to work hard to minimize the damage. Our students, and our hard-working teachers

and educational staff, deserve better. They need trustees who will liaise with all educational partner groups, local organizations and the community to ensure that politicians’ understand the need to end the years of underfunding and to make quality public education the highest priority. The time has come to speak out for public education and to reject the strategy of endless compliance budgets … public education is far too important to be so undervalued.

Much of the recent (teacher-government) dispute centred on class size and composition. Composition ...what does it mean? In a perfect world each class would be composed of children ready, willing and able to learn. In reality, some children enter the system without many of the skills to function in a class.

It can take years to find out if there is an underlying disability (even if the child requires extra help or extra supervision, he or she is not designated and composition concerns for that class are increased). Now imagine a dozen kindergarten children arrive at a school requiring extra support. A situation like this happened at one of our rural schools last

year. Fortunately, the district was able to find extra supports and these students will be able to move forward. Unfortunately, the Student Services department — the one tasked with finding those extra supports — is the department hardest hit by this year’s tough budget. It no longer has the flexibility to move that quickly.

Maybe rural parents just need more access to preschool programs/early learning opportunities? One thing is certain, the world is changing! This district is dedicated to educating children to be ready to meet this future and I am committed to helping rural communities be supported in having equitable access to the supports our children need to be part of that change.

The most critical provincial issue facing public education in the Comox Valley and province-wide is centralization of funding, curriculum, and many daily operations in the school and classroom. There must be a move toward bringing public education policy development back to the local level, using a process that recognizes the role of professionals and includes parents, students and the broader community.

This will lead to a more balanced approach to responsibilities and controls between the school board and the provincial bureaucracy. All politics is local. Public education is political. Public education is too complex to be controlled and changed by a select few individuals or groups from Victoria. Trustees must make sure that all citizens can participate in identifying

needs and developing detailed policy suggestions that will benefit students in public education. School trustees must have high expectations of students and teachers. Teaching and learning are complicated and sometimes messy processes of students, parents and teachers working together. Trustees must work with teachers, students, parents and support staff to

provide classrooms where students can do their best. This consultation can be achieved by trustees working with students, teachers, support staff, parent advisory committees to include them in the process of developing and implementing policy. It’s time for a bottom-up approach to the management of public education. We have had enough of the top-down approach.

In my nine years as a trustee I have seen a serious shift in the funding of public education. Resources have become more scarce, schools require upgrades, teachers need to be supported in classrooms and parents need to believe that their tax dollars are contributing to optimal learning in their classrooms. But that is not what we are seeing in 2014. I believe that the lack of sustainable and predictable funding is the most

critical issue facing boards today. By not knowing from one year to the next what funding will be available to serve students, trustees find it difficult to ensure that we can continue to provide the supporting resources for students. The ministry has new expectations for how and what students learn, but if we cannot count on consistent long-term funding for planning and implementing new programs we will not be able to prepare our students for the future.

Our students and staff deserve to have learning and teaching environments that have all that they need to be positive and effective. Parents need to know that the boards will have the resources needed to support students. Government needs to recognize that dollars invested in education are critical to moving ahead. We will continue to address this issue by working with other districts and our provincial association to insist on

accountability from the government, and the provision of predictable funding. Working with our educational partners in engaging the broader community as to the importance of a rich, fully-funded public education system. I have been an outspoken critic over the lack of funding along with our board, we will continue to work with all of our provincial educational partners in advocating for a strongly funded system that supports and meets the needs of all students.

One of the most critical issues facing the district today is equality from school to school and student to student. We need to expand our programs such as the Valley View Elementary/Berwick program. I would like to see this brought to some of our other elementary schools and have them partner up with Glacier View Lodge, Casa Loma and Abbeyfield

House. Also with PACs fundraising and bringing so much to our schools, I would like to see this shared equitably. Some schools have an affluent neighbourhood to do their fundraising in, and that just doesn’t seem fair to the children of less affluent neighbourhoods. One possibility is to have a fundraiser link on our district website so

that each school can reach the whole community. Another way to bring equality to our district is to ensure that there is a cohesive working condition between parents, teachers and other support staff, administration, different ministries and the board. I feel that to make sure every child in our district is being given every

tool possible to have the best educational experience, we need better communication between all partner groups involved. I believe we have an amazing district that is being recognized nationally for some of our innovative projects and I would like to keep going forward, helping to create critical-thinking, global citizens who are prepared for the future.

OPTIONS 2014 | B15

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

School District 71 Trustee candidates Each electoral district will have its own school trustee candidates on the ballot, looking to represent said area. All can-

Jordan Huber

Courtenay Candidate 250-334-1843 jordknox@hotmail.com

Alex Robertson Courtenay Candidate Phone: 250-338-4216 Email: aaarober@shaw.ca

Peter Coleman Comox Candidate Phone: 250 339-1004 Email: pcoleman@sfu.ca

Jeany Della Siega Comox Candidate Phone:250-218-5580 jeanydellasiega@gmail.com

Tonia Frawley

Comox Candidate Phone: 250-339-1917 frawleyzoo@telus.net

Chettie Macdonald Comox Candidate Phone: 250-703-6110 chettiemacdonald@gmail.com

Meredith Starkey Area A Candidate Phone: 250-702-7050 meredithkstarkey@gmail.com

didates were asked to respond to the following question: In your opinion what is the most critical issue facing the

school board at this time and how do you plan on addressing it? Here are their responses.

A critical issue is the board’s communication and lack of responsiveness to parents’ concerns. My personal experience dealing with the board I found a lack of interest in listening to my concerns as a parent. Again during the labour dispute, I emailed trustees, none acknowledged my email. There’s a real disconnect communicating with people the trustees are supposed to be representing and addressing their concerns, including an unwillingness to advocate

or take a stance in the labour dispute, regardless of their actual position. The board needs to communicate with all parties involved in all matters, including the provincial government. Communicate the need for adequate funding for our school system. Trustees are elected to represent constituents including students, they needed to advocate when it really mattered. Public education is an equalizer in society. It gives children, from all walks

of life, an opportunity to learn, grow and succeed as caring, productive members of society. The board must advocate for these values and this is something I am committed to. All children deserve access to a quality education to enable them to follow their dreams and contribute to our city, province, country and planet. As trustee I will make this my number one priority. I will put kids first by advocating strongly for them, and do whatever is in

my power as trustee to build and support the best public education system possible. In order to achieve this goal it’s going to take a strong board to lobby for adequate funding and supports for students. I am committed to building just such a board by bringing my passion and dedication to this important work to help ensure that every child has access to a quality public education and in the process builds a better and stronger society for us all.

It would appear that the most critical issue facing the school board at this time is the continuing problem of doing more with less. We have been told that there is no more money available to support the public education system, and to date, front-line workers have stepped forward and done their best to cover the short-

falls. Teachers have spent their own time and money; various support staff members are not replaced when absent for a day, and most are required to do more and more tasks each year as part of their daily workload; parents have provided assistance through volunteering and fund-raising; lab assistants try to save

money by shopping around for bargain prices on supplies on their own time, and student spaces in classrooms are given up to international students who bring a short-term injection of cash. These are only a few examples of how our education system (and the people working within it) is under stress. The work done by everyone is admi-

rable, but we are now close to the breaking point. We must stand up and prevent the further erosion of such a vital part of our society. It is time to return a measure of respect and value to our public education system.

The biggest single problem is the variability in student enrolment. Most of our other problems can be traced back to this root cause. Our enrolment drives our funding from government, and so drives budgeting, staffing and programs at the schools. Most major board decisions are within those areas. Until recently, we received quite accurate enrolment predictions from a province-wide demographic service. These predictions showed a steady decline, with each

entering cohort (at kindergarten) smaller than the cohort of graduates. This reduced our budget every year, which made planning difficult but possible. But in recent years there seems to have been more migration of students, so that school enrolments and then government funding change unexpectedly. In particular this seems to affect our special needs students; we must provide programs for them, yet we cannot predict accurately how many or what kinds

of students we are likely to get. This is a very significant budget issue. The enrolment problem is common to many districts across the province. In our case, within a year or two enrolments are expected to stabilize, with the entering class becoming the same size as the graduating class. If government budgeting practices don’t change for the worse, we can then look forward to stable budgets for several years. Staffing and programming will become more stable as well, which is

good for everyone in the district. Of course, a growing budget would solve many problems, but given the hard economic times, the board does not expect larger per student revenues. We continue to point out to government that, in particular, special needs funding is not keeping up with our costs. A significant increase in the Learning Improvement Fund would be enormously helpful. I believe every district in the province would agree with that statement.

Our school board’s most critical issue is the lack of funding per student in our schools. Although securing more funding this year is impossible, I plan on evaluating where our board spends the little money we do have, and looking for cost saving measures within our operating budget. I will lobby government for more funds as per the statistics I will acquire through my research. We need fresh perspective on how to

allocate the funds we have so I will be using all interested partner groups, in gathering and utilizing a broad range of ideas and perspectives to put forth a solid plan of action. Our community will have a completely transparent plan of action. Finding ways to stretch our funding further while not sacrificing our kids education will be my number one goal. Voting for Jeany Della Siega for Comox school trustee will help in achieving that goal.

election! ’14 Comprehensive coverage

I think that one of the most critical issues that our board of education is facing is that school districts in B.C. are underfunded compared to other provinces across the country. Compared to the national average student funding in B.C. is low. If B.C. students could receive comparative funding, districts could have a

huge impact on student learning. We would see more teachers and educational assistants in classrooms, principals and vice-principals would not have to teach instead of supervising their buildings, and the senior staff would have the resources to in-service staff and provide up-to-date resources for students.

Buildings could be upgraded and receive new technology. Then B.C. students would have the same opportunities that other students do elsewhere in Canada. I am willing to work to advocate for more funding. I would commit to learning and growing in the role of trustee.

My eight years of experience as District Parent Advisory Council chair and Parent Advisory Council chair have given me a deep-rooted passion for public education. I believe in fully-funded public education and think that it is government’s responsibility to make that happen. I will work to make this happen.

There are many critical issues facing the school board, but I believe they are symptomatic of the most crucial issue, the chronic under-funding of the public school system in British Columbia. In the last decade, we have seen a dramatic reduction in the amount spent on educating our children and this is causing a ripple effect on the quality of education in our community. In these challenging economic times, I understand that one of the most critical

tasks of the school board is to find innovative, constructive ways to put forth a balanced budget. This has become increasingly difficult during recent years of fiscal restraint and declining enrolment. I also believe it is the moral imperative of school board trustees to be outspoken advocates for adequate educational funding for the students and families who they represent and serve. I view the under-funding of our public system

as the key issue moving forward; including the cutting of programs designed to help some of our most at-risk students, decreased funding for educational assistants who help the growing number of students, and a reliance on the revenue generated from international students, often at the expense of our own local students. This school district is ready for a board that is not prepared to rubber stamp budgets that seek to cut more

from an already depleted system. Maintaining the status quo is simply not acceptable. If elected as trustee, I will be a strong advocate for all students and their specific needs. As a businesswoman with a background in finance, and as a mother with children enrolled in our public system, I believe that I possess both the expertise and conviction necessary to represent and serve the people of Comox as their trustee.

The Comox Valley School District is facing some significant and complex challenges: the Province continues to spend limited taxpayer resources to challenge the BC Supreme Court ruling on class size and composition; local teacher autonomy has been systematically undermined, beginning with the dismantling of the BC College of Teachers; and provincial funding for our schools has not kept pace with our needs,

leaving us in the unsavory position of off-loading more and more costs to parents, privatizing parts of our system, and cutting valuable programs. This is simply unacceptable as each of these issues directly impact the quality of our students’ learning environment, the time and special attention they can hope to receive from teachers, the educational opportunities available to them, and the success they will ultimately be

able to achieve. There is no one simple solution to these concerns, but I believe the incoming school board must first work to repair the strained relationships at the table. Harsh words have been exchanged, respect and trust have been lost, and we started this school year with a great deal of unproductive tension. I propose that a first step out of

this quagmire is for all stakeholders to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that would express gratitude for the good work and passion each group provides, clarity on the roles each will play going forward, and a commitment to the shared goal of doing what is necessary to provide the best public education for our students. Only then can we begin having the frank, tough conversations we need to have.

On November 15th Vote!

B16 | OPTIONS 2014

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

THE VOTES ARE IN!

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Bi-Weekly Lease Offer

144 * @0.99%

• $0 Down • APR for 48 months

100 * @1.99%

143 * @0.49% * See Dealer for Details. Cars May not be exactly as illustrated. On approved credit only.

2014 MazdaCX-5 GS

2013 MazdaCX-5 GS

29,998

160-Point Detailed Inspection 7-Year/140,000Kilometre Limited Powertrain Warranty✝ 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance

P3236 • 19,401km • Fully Equipped

25,212

SALE

P3213 • 49,359km • 5 Speed Auto • Loaded

2013 Mazda2

2013 Mazda5 GS

20,995

13,998

18,712

30-Day/3,000Kilometre Exchange Privilege

17,500

SALE

P3225 • 65,615km • Fully Equipped

2012 Mazda3 GS-L

2012 Mazda3 Sport

CarProof® Vehicle History Report

Available Extended Coverage

2015005A • 64,212km • 6 Speed Auto

P3247 • 4 Speed Auto

P3200 • 18,650km • 5 Speed Auto w/Manual Mode

475 Silverdale Crescent 250-338-5777 • 1-800-872-6800 www. courtenaymazda .com

Crown Isle Bvld.

Zero Deductible

Courtenay Mazda

Ryan

D10154

Rd.