Questions & Answers

Your candidate for Parksville City Council has been busy answering many questions from voters, media organizations and the Parksville Chamber of Commerce who did a great job organizing and staging the two All Candidate Forums.

Answering them all has filled many mornings the past couple of weeks, so I thought it might be interesting and useful for you to see my answers directly on the following websites. (You can also find other candidates' answers there.)

If you don't find an answer to your particular question anywhere on my website or below, please send it to me by using the "Ask Ralph" button.

Parksville Chamber of Commerce : Audience questions from the Sep.26 All Candidates Forum. You will also find a link there to view the event from the comfort of your couch.

Victoria Times Columnist : Questions sent to Municipal Candidates on Vancouver Island.

The PQB News sent out questions but has not published them yet, so here is a sneak preview of my answers:

Q 1. What do you believe to be the most pressing election issue in your community?

During my neighborhood canvassing, it’s clear that water, or the lack thereof, is top of mind amongst Parksville residents. There is a feeling of anxiety about the long-term impact on our community and frustration at the apparent lack of action by Council on the problem.

To me the solution is clear. We must build a second dam in the Arrowsmith watershed to secure our long-term supply needs without depending on the ever-receding snowpack. The water is there; we just have to capture it to support our City and the river for future generations.

Q 2 . How will you balance the needs of seniors and younger residents?

Both seniors and younger residents need access to facilities where community engagement and recreation are supported. Unfortunately, that is lacking in Parksville with the lease of the Jensen Centre to the Boys & Girls Club and recent closure of the Craig Street Commons by School District 69. To me the solution is clear. The City of Parksville must secure that ten-acre parcel of land for future public use, so it’s not lost to developers.

We have a golden opportunity to locate there a community centre, recreation centre and possibly even a new aquatic centre for the health and enjoyment of future generations.

Q 3 . What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I served for fourteen years as a School Commissioner (Trustee) with the Lester B. Pearson School Board in Montreal. There I learned the importance of working closely with fellow Commissioners, Administrators and especially the Parent Community to achieve the best possible result for the community. I take the time to do the work and prepare for meetings, be they at Council, with Community Groups or individuals. But communication is the key. The first step is to clearly communicate what the objectives of any proposal are, and then really listen to concerned individuals or communities. After the decision is taken, it’s just as important to communicate the reasons. I believe I am well equipped to make that all happen a member of Parksville City Council.