The Castlegar News contacted the two mayoral and 10 council candidates and asked them to answer three questions regarding the upcoming municipal election on November 15.
The three questions are:
1. Why are you running?
2. What are your feeling about development?
3. What do you feel is the biggest issue of this election?
Lawrence Chernoff
1. I am running for re-election because I am passionate about the City of Castlegar. I am invested in the citizens and the needs of this community. I am proud of what we have accomplished as a Council and I want to continue to help make Castlegar an amazing place to call home.
2. I am very open-minded about the development of Castlegar. To date, we have undertaken a wide variety of projects. We have supported the initiatives of Communities in Bloom as well as Sculpturewalk. We have heavily invested in infrastructure such as major improvements to water, sewer and road systems.
We have created a new Official Community Plan that supports increased development densities within the city. The City has created a Revitalization Tax to support re-investment in existing commercial buildings. In addition, I am the chairperson of the Highway 3 Mayors and Chairs Coalition. This initiative prioritizes highways improvements on Highway 3 from Hope to the Alberta border, in order to promote economic development along this corridor. We are continuing to work towards a new navigational procedure that will improve landing/take-off reliability at the airport.
3. The biggest election issue is voter turn-out. In the last election, only 30 per cent of eligible voters cast ballots. I encourage all residents of Castlegar to research the candidates, ask the tough questions and take time to vote on November 15. It is imperative that citizens exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard. Let’s not leave anything to chance.
Gord Zaitsoff
1. I am running for the position of mayor because of my passion and well being of the residents of Castlegar and area. As electoral director for the last 12 years I have been able to accomplish many projects and strive to improve the economic stability of the area. My goals are very simple; work hard with high standards and respect everyone’s views for desired outcome.
My leadership skills have allowed me to focus on priorities that have resulted in achievable goals. My forest resource knowledge and education along with being a successful business owner has allowed me to obtain the necessary skills to manage the welfare of a community like Castlegar. The recent governing body of city have struggled to maintain a financial path that is sustainable and accountable with full transparency.
2. Economic development and diversity is key to the survival of Castlegar. We have the potential for it all: recreation, industry,business, environmental benefits, major health facility and education.
3. Many residents are worried about the lack of leadership and direction the city is heading in. This has resulted in the following key issues in this election:
Leadership and administration;
Economic development for community sustainability
Health care
Clear communication with area residents
Mutual respect with city employees
Accountability for all council members
This four year term is a new era in local government politics. Many of you wish for changes in the vision and welfare of Castlegar. I’m fully committed to make this happen. It will occur with your vote on November 15.