5 minute read
The Maybe Mayors: Maggie Hathaway
"Whenever I have free time I love to golf" - Maggie Hathaway
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(Maggie Hathaway's response to the Council of Canadians question: Describe your model of leadership as a bumper sticker.)
Maggie Hathaway
Mayoral Candidate
Your working and family life so far:
Worked for City for 14 years, Legal Aid 8 years, MLA Assistant 13 years. My children were raised in Powell River, now living outside of Powell River. I am retired. Golf in the summer, curl in the winter. Lots of time to dedicate to the role of Mayor.
Your political career so far:
Councillor for 14 years, Regional Director, Regional Hospital Board, 911 Board for 4 years, Portfolios included protective services, social action, communications. Thirteen years as assistant to MLA.
Why you want to be Mayor of Powell River:
Love calling Powell River home. We need to thrive and prosper, attract new tax base, ensure housing availability; all the while being sustainable and environmentally friendly.
What you think the job of mayor is, or should be:
Chief Executive Officer providing leadership, team building, organizational skills, public relations and the ability to skillfully chair the Council meetings ensuring all are heard.
What else should people know about you?
I am dedicated, committed, and love serving Powell River. When I take on a task I do it to the best of my ability. What I don’t know, I find out. Strong leadership skills whilst being a team player. Lastly, no one knows I have a secret desire to be a stand up comedian.
From the PR Chamber of Commerce:
Apart from the Tla’amin-Pacific Hydrogen fuel project, what is your position on the 300-acre mill site? What would you like to see there and what would you work hard to support? Industrial? Residential? Return to Tla’amin?
We need to maintain the Mill lands as industrial property. The Renewable Hydrogen Canada project is an amazing green energy project providing the return of a solid tax base and up to 200 full time jobs.
From the PR Chamber of Commerce:
What is your vision for Powell River and what do you hope to accomplish during your 4 or 8 year term? (should you be fortunate enough win a 2nd term)
• Safe city, deal with crime. Continue war on drugs.
• Establish City Housing Authority.
• Implement Housing Needs Assessment.
• Bring industry to Mill site. Create jobs and tax base.
• Create Economic Development Committee.
• Review taxation and service levels.
From Volunteer Powell River Youth CAN:
What do you think needs to be done to improve our public transportation system?
Council meets annually with B.C. Transit to discuss ways to improve transit. The Zunga Bus pilot project has been very successful. Would like to expand the concept. Establish a third handi-dart vehicle.
From Volunteer Powell River Youth CAN:
What does reconciliation mean to you and how do you plan to take action on reconciliation?
Reconciliation is raising awareness about colonization and its effect on Indigenous people. Our Community Accord has been the framework for accomplishing this since 2003. Action is ongoing and education is expanding. We are renowned across the country for our reconciliation efforts.
From qathet Climate Alliance:
What immediate actions should the City take to significantly reduce community-wide emissions?
City’s actions have been ongoing and successful. The Climate Change Committee has provided Council with a report (August 16, 2022) which includes recommendations through to 2030. This report will be included in our strategic planning.
From qathet Climate Alliance:
How will you communicate to local residents the significance, urgency and need for these actions in addressing the global climate emergency?
• Provide incentives for purchasing e-bikes.
• Assist homeowners and businesses to retrofit their buildings.
• Host Net Zero building and retrofit seminars for homeowners and builders.
• Engagement with community climate groups.
From the Senior Citizens Association Branch 49:
What plans do you have to fill the large hole the mill closure leaves?
The Mill site is currently for sale. I am hopeful the Renewable Hydrogen Canada project comes to fruition. The property should maintain its industrial zoning and tax base.
From the Senior Citizens Association Branch 49:
What plans will you put in place that will benefit our large senior population?
• As Mayor I will establish an accessibility committee, create an accessibility plan and a public feed back tool.
• Reinstitute the Seniors Together program which provides monthly social/lunch/education for seniors.
From the Council of Canadians:
We are facing many serious and contentious issues in Power River, and the community is asking for greater involvement in the decision-making process. If elected, how would you build community collaboration, and which issues are you prepared to bring to a public forum? Please be specific.
Unless mandated under the Community Charter to a closed meeting (land, legal, labour) all meetings of Council are public forums. The public may attend, provide comment, ask questions on all issues. Process of holding questions until end of meeting needs review.
Final question from qL:
How will you respond to Tla’amin Nation’s name change request?
• Continue raising awareness through education whilst exploring a new name.
• I would fully endorse an opinion poll. I believe in democratic process.
•The process takes time. It cannot be rushed.
