ABBOTSFORD ELECTION 2011 - CANDIDATE EVALUATION GUIDE FOR VOTERS
CANDIDATE NAME _______________________________ RUNNING FOR:
Mayor
Councillor
1 Not Qualified
2
3
4
Somewhat Qualified
Score
KNOWLEDGE RATING (maximum score for each knowledge section – 5) 1. Current Issues (refer to page 2)
5 Qualified
Score from page 2
2. The City · History, culture, diversity and how city has evolved over time. · Core industries and economic drivers; emerging trends, needs and ‘best-fit’ opportunities for development. · Changing demographics, population growth, and impacts/benefits of immigration – implications for future needs. · Issues affecting the most vulnerable and marginalized residents; issues affecting the environment. 3. Legislation · Local Government Act/Community Charter - mandate, powers, limitations, restrictions governing Council activities. · Other Legislation such as: Agricultural Land Reserve Act and Treaties/Legislation relating to First Nations. · Jurisdictional boundaries and relationships – Federal, Provincial, Municipal, Regional Districts, RCMP, DFO, FVRL. SKILLS RATING (maximum score for each skill section – 5) 4. Communication Skills · Approachability: is widely and routinely accessible to the community through meetings, events, phone, email, etc. · Listens carefully to citizens with a commitment to understand concerns, perspectives or suggestions. · Transparency: addresses questions openly and honestly; offers responses that are easily understood. · Commitment to regular and timely communication or updates to citizens and businesses. 5. Understanding of Financial Information and Financial Consequences of Policies and Proposals · Understands basic financial information and is able to discuss/assess budgets and financial statements. · Understands and can articulate the long-term taxation and budget consequences of financial proposals and decisions. · Acknowledges the risks associated with specific proposals and communicates this to citizens prior to final decisions. · Balances personal enthusiasm for a project or proposal with financial risks and consequences taxpayers must bear. 6. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills · Ability to analyze problems and process information in a logical, structured way. · As needed, requests additional input, opinions or expertise for more informed decision-making. · Maintains a long-term perspective and understands potential impact of decisions. · Prepared to participate - familiar with background materials prior to attending meetings, sessions, committees, etc. 7. Diplomacy and Teamwork · Works constructively with others in meetings and on committees without dominating flow of information or ideas. · Considers different points of view without being dismissive; focuses on issues; avoids personal attacks. · Understands relationship of elected officials to City staff and uses appropriate methods of communication. · Is able to negotiate, mediate and constructively resolve conflicts between groups or individuals. 8. Organizational and Administrative Skills · Plans and manages time according to priorities: keeps appointments; meets deadlines; honours start/end of meetings. · Effectively utilizes the time and expertise of City staff and other professionals. · Is able to offer constructive feedback to staff; holds staff accountable to elected officials and taxpayers. PERSONAL STRENGTHS RATING (maximum score for each section – 5) 9. Qualities · Honest, fair, trustworthy and capable of conduct appropriate for role. · Demonstrates respect for citizens, business/property owners, due process, diversity, and established rules or practices. · Inclusive – free from bias or prejudice toward any culture, religion, group or individual. · Maturity/confidence – can set aside personal interests and influences for common good of all citizens. 10. Track Record · Relevant experience, results and examples that demonstrate the knowledge, skills and qualities required for the role. MAXIMUM TOTAL SCORE for QUALIFIED CANDIDATE - 50
Version #1 Abbotsford: Comments or suggestions to gcgroup@shaw.ca
CANDIDATE TOTAL
1
ABBOTSFORD ELECTION 2011 - CANDIDATE EVALUATION GUIDE FOR VOTERS
CANDIDATE NAME _______________________________ RUNNING FOR:
Mayor
Councillor
IDENTIFY YOUR TOP 5 ISSUES
IF SATISFIED WITH CANDIDATE’S KNOWLEDGE AND POSITION ON 5 ISSUES - MARK IF NOT MARK X ADD CHECK MARKS and ENTER SCORE ON PAGE 1
CANDIDATE’S POSITION
FOR
NOT
Water Supply Does Abbotsford’s water supply need to be expanded now? Is the Stave Lake P3 Project, with expenditures estimated at $300 million, the best option for taxpayers? Municipal Spending and Taxes Property taxes have increased at rate greater than inflation since 2008. Considering the benefits received, should the rate of increase continue or should spending be reduced? Balance on City Council Does Council currently represent a healthy balance of different perspectives and skills? Is there adequate representation for citizens and enough constructive debate on issues? Roads and Traffic Do current or planned roads/corridors accommodate development and future growth? Public Safety Growth rate of police budget continues to exceed rate of inflation and population growth. Can taxpayers afford continuous year over year increases for policing? Affordable Housing Are current strategies and activity levels meeting the City’s needs and priorities? Wages and Benefits of Municipal Employees According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, public sector wages and benefits are currently 35.9% higher than private sector counterparts. Are residents and property owners receiving service levels and overall value that justifies these payroll expenditures? Environmental Stewardship and Conservation Considering rate of growth and development, is City managing this responsibility? Is it a high enough priority? What does the City currently do well? What needs to improve going forward? Participation in Two Regional Districts - Metro Vancouver and FVRD Are costs of participation justified? Do taxpayers receive value for money? New Residential, Commercial and Industrial Development Is pace managed? Is land use effectively optimized? Are wise choices being made? Crime Strategies Are they working? Can they be effectively maintained with current staff? How can strategies be optimized for financial sustainability? Bylaw Reform Due to changes and growth over past decade, many bylaws are outdated. How will inequities, illogical application and bylaw enforcement be improved? Local Transit Is the City well served by current partnership with Mission and BC Transit? Council and City Communication to Citizens Do current communication practices effectively meet taxpayers’ needs? Business Growth and Development of Local Jobs Do current growth and development strategies create ‘work where you live’ short and long-‐term job opportunities?
Maximum is 5
CANDIDATE SCORE FOR KNOWLEDGE OF ISSUES
Version #1 Abbotsford: Comments or suggestions to gcgroup@shaw.ca
2