Castlegar News sent the following questions to each city council candidate. Candidates were given 100 words maximum per question. Answers appear as they were submitted, unless they were shortened for being over the 100-word limit.
There are seven candidates running for six seats: Darcy Bell, Brian Bogle, Sandy Bojechko, Shirley Falstead, Sue Heaton-Sherstibitoff, Cherryl MacLeod and Florio Vassilakakis.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Married for 22 years, father of two adult girls. I have spent a good portion of my career in business administrative roles. I enjoy collaboration and getting involved in the nitty gritty administrative aspects of things. I love spending quality time with my family, board games, movies and tinkering on all technical things.
What is the biggest issue you see facing the city and how would you address it?
Housing – affordable and available housing. I see a gap between low income and “starter” housing and very expensive executive homes. I would like to hear what conversations have taken place thus far and continue those conversations to look for ways to bridge this gap.
What are your top three city priorities?
1. As mentioned previously, housing is a big issue and a big priority for me.
2. Homelessness and Inclusion. While very separate issues, it is very important to me that every voice receives representation and every person in our community is treated with respect and dignity.
3. Economic development. We live in a city driven by small businesses. While they have proven resilient throughout the last several years, we need to make sure that we are providing the tools to drive more growth to help these businesses provide jobs and keep our economy moving forward.
How do you think the city could address the housing shortage?
I think the key here is to develop more middle-class housing. Steppingstones are easier to take than giant leaps. As more starter level homes become available it opens up more opportunities for people to get into housing who otherwise may not have the opportunity. It will require creative development and planning.
What type of development would you like to see in our community, and what steps would you take to attract it?
I think there is lots of opportunity in downtown to create additional and improved small business spaces, housing, and recreational areas for families. This starts with working with landlords and property owners to create effective and long-term strategies to meet these needs. Whether through re-evaluating current tax structures or looking for other economic incentives I want to see these conversations continue to take place in the next term.
What skills or experience do you have that would make you a good councilor?
I have been involved in various board over the years (currently serving as the board chair of Woodland Park Housing Cooperative). I have also been involved in a variety of administrative and management roles throughout my career. I have strong administrative and critical thinking skills and can look at the broader picture and effectively break it down into project size pieces.
Why should local residents vote for you?
I bring with me the foundational belief that every constituent regardless of their economic status or background has not only the right to be heard, but also to be understood and treated with respect and dignity.
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