VOTE 20 SMART 11
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Tri-City News Friday, November 11, 2011, P1
PORT COQUITLAM Meet two candidates running for mayor of PoCo [P3 & P4]
TRASH TALK
CANDIDATES FOR COUNCIL IN PORT COQUITLAM ARE TALKING ABOUT CITY FINANCES AND, OF COURSE, GARBAGE PICK-UP. READ THEIR ANSWERS TO ELECTION QUESTIONS ON PAGES P6 TO P13. SCHOOL TRUSTEE CANDIDATES’ INFO AND ANSWERS CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE P15.
GARY MCKENNA/THE TRI-CITY NEWS
THE TRI-CITY NEWS URGES YOU TO VOTE ON NOV. 19
P2 Friday, November 11, 2011, Tri-City News
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Tri-City News Friday, November 11, 2011, P3
THE TRI-CITY NEWS
PORT COQUITLAM MAYORAL CANDIDATE
Issa: 3-2-1 is his tax increase promise A
nyone who lives on Coast Meridian Road near Lougheed Highway on Port Coquitlam’s north side knows the impact city policies can have on a neighbourhood. The nine-foot concrete walls that line what were once front yards are designed to block the sound from increased traffic that came with the new Coast Meridian Overpass. That $134-million infrastructure project, which connects PoCo’s north and south sides, is the reason William Issa first ran for city council, after he rallied his neighbours against the overpass. But as the 2011 municipal election approaches — and the CMO stands completed and well-used — the first-time mayoral candidate says he is past that issue and is focusing his campaign on the broader challenges facing the city. “It is like sitting behind a prison wall,� he said looking at the concrete barrier lining his front yard. “It still bothers me but it is way behind me now and we are moving on.� These days, taxes are Issa’s main concern and he believes Port Coquitlam residents are paying too much — way too much. He is calling for a 30% reduction in city spending and keeping tax increases to what he calls a “3-2-1 formula:� a 3% tax increase in the first year of his term followed by a 2% increase in the second year and a 1% increase in the third year. After that, he said, any increase would be pegged to the rate of inflation. But while Issa’s tax targets are a prominent part of his platform, he offers few details about how he plans to achieve those
IN QUOTES
“My mission as the mayor is to go into each department and look into how efficient each department is spending their money. We are basically going to manage that money and make sure we cut down on waste spending...
GARY MCKENNA/THE TRI-CITY NEWS
“Election time is where everybody starts to throw promises they can’t deliver. I will not promise anything that is not deliverable.�
William Issa previously ran for a seat on Port Coquitlam city council and this year is running for mayor. He’s promising to find millions in wasteful spending at city hall to keep property tax increases low.
William Issa, PoCo mayoral candidate
ambitious numbers. With union labour contracts, rising fuel prices and other inflationary costs, most Lower Mainland municipalities need to raise taxes by approximately 3% annually in order to maintain current service levels. Any additional capital projects or services would mean an even larger increase. Issa has pledged he will not cut services
service review was in 2008 and the process led to $700,000 in savings. In order for Issa to achieve a 30% reduction in spending, a similar review would have to find about $21.9 million in savings, not including the property tax reductions that are part of his 3-2-1 plan.
and said most of the savings will come from reducing what he calls “waste spending.� “My mission as the mayor is to go into each department and look into how efficient each department is spending their money,� he said. “We are basically going to manage that money and make sure we cut down on waste spending.� The last time the city conducted a core
RE-ELECT
RE-ELECT
John KERYLUK
Experience: 12 years - School Trustee 23 years - Educator 25 years - Councillor in Port Coquitlam
MIKE FORREST PORT COQUITLAM CITY COUNCILLOR I appreciate your past support and I would be proud to continue to serve our Community on our Port Coquitlam City Council. With your support I will continue to work with our City Council team to bring a Ă„scally responsible and balanced approach to the delivery of city facilities and services.
Will continue to... - Call for an effective bargaining system with the professional teachers of this province - Work in partnership with local governments - Campaign for appropriate funding - Maximize use of taxpayers’ dollars - Continue to have parents involved in the educational achievements of their children - Extend ďŹ ber optic technology to our schools
RE-ELECT
John KERYLUK
see ISSA PROMISES, PROMISES, page P5
Port Coquitlam SCHOOL TRUSTEE
Let’s step forward together with a renewed sense of pride and ownership in this place we call home.
November 19/11
“For Hometown Spirit� Vote
MIKE FORREST mwcf@shaw.ca
facebook/mikeforrest
604.942.6289
VOTESMART20 11
P4 Friday, November 11, 2011, Tri-City News
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THE TRI-CITY NEWS
PORT COQUITLAM MAYORAL CANDIDATE
Moore: Still fighting on trash & transit A
job interview can be a stressful undertaking no matter what type of work a person is seeking. But when that interview involves 55,000 residents spread out across a city, the process becomes all the more straining. Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore has campaigned for office before and has experienced victory and defeat. In the 2011 civic election campaign, he said he is working hard to avoid the latter. “The electorate can say you are doing a good job or they can say that you are not,” he told The Tri-City Newss while sitting in his office overlooking Veterans Park. “It is the ultimate job interview. In one swoop, it could be good or it could be bad... There are many sleepless nights.” But despite the stress that comes with running for re-election, Moore said that overall he is feeling good about his campaign. He enjoys knocking on doors and engaging the voters, who he said are providing him with new ideas should he be elected to a second term. Moore is quick to point to the accomplishments he and council have achieved in the three years since he was elected mayor. He cites the opening of the Coast Meridian Overpass, a $134-million infrastructure project that connects north and south Port Coquitlam as one of the city’s major accomplishments. The creation of an environmental strategic plan, a heritage strategic plan and the ongoing discussions about the city’s update of the master transportation plan are other initiatives he is proud of. Putting these plans into place, he said, will be a major part of the
IN QUOTES
“When I phone people or they phone me and I talk about why we made the [trash] decision... most of the people are on board. When they only read or hear about part of it, they don’t quite understand it so [the communication effort] was a failure on our side.”
JAMES MACLENNAN/THE TRI-CITY NEWS
Mayor Greg Moore is running for re-election and says he’s proud of the city completing the Coast Meridian Overpass and implementing a trash collection plan that saves money and greenhouse gases. next council’s three-year term. A core service review was also conducted, which saved taxpayers $770,000 annually, a feat Moore said shows his and council’s commitment to fiscal prudence. And while the city was not successful in convincing the provincial government to bring the Evergreen Line to Port Coquitlam, he said council did have some success in
RE-ELECT
Glenn Pollock
Victoria on transportation. Thanks to the city’s lobbying effort, a Y-joint is being planned for the SkyTrain tracks at Coquitlam Station that will allow for the eventual extension of the rapid transit line to PoCo and beyond at some point in the future. But the last three years have not gone completely smoothly for the first-term mayor. Some residents were angry when the city
“The electorate can say you are doing a good job or they can say that you are not. It is the ultimate job interview.” Greg Moore, PoCo mayoral candidate put forward a proposal that would reduce garbage collection from a weekly service to a bi-weekly schedule. In letters to the editor and to the city, many people said they did not have room to store their garbage and that the smell of the waste would attract bears and other animals. see COUNCIL PAY, PAY, page P7
In Port Coquitlam
for Port Coquitlam City Council
25 Years of Community Involvement • Reliable • Accountable • Experienced Twitter: @PoCoGlenn • Phone: 604-771-4415
Re-Elect Michael Wright for Councillor www.michaelwright.ca
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Tri-City News Friday, November 11, 2011, P5
THE TRI-CITY NEWS
Issa promises weekly trash collection continued from page P3
But despite the gap in Issa’s budget plans, he maintains that what he is promising is achievable by engaging the public and working with city staff. “Election time is where everybody starts to throw promises they can’t deliver,” he said. “I will not promise anything that is not deliverable.” Issa has not only pledged to maintain ser-
vices, he is proposing increasing it in certain areas. He said he wants to re-instate weekly garbage collection from its current bi-weekly schedule, which the city implemented in 2010 in an effort to reduce waste and save money. There was not enough consultation with the public when council proposed the issue, Issa said, and he will work with the community to bring the service back. The bi-weekly collection service, he added, forces people to hang on to their garbage for
a longer period of time, which can attract bears and other unwanted animals the city has had difficulty dealing with. “People are very upset about it,” he said. “People pay too much taxes for less service.”
CHECK HIM OUT ONLINE
• For more information about William Issa and his mayoral campaign go to votewilliamissa.tripod.com. gmckenna@tricitynews.com
Check out election coverage at www.tricitynews.com, under the Elections tab
NOTE ABOUT A CANDIDATE Q EDITOR’S NOTE: Patrick Alambets is running for mayor of Port Coquitlam, as he did in the previous two civic elections. When contacted at the very beginning of the election period by The Tri-City News, he declined to be interviewed, as he did in the previous two civic elections. Last week, as our three VoteSmart voters’ guides were being put together, Alambets emailed The Tri-City News s and offered to be interviewed only on topics of his choosing. The News declined.
VOTESMART20 11
P6 Friday, November 11, 2011, Tri-City News
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THE TRI-CITY NEWS
PORT COQUITLAM COUNCIL CANDIDATES
JAMIE ARDEN
CHRIS CARR
Age: did not answer Number of years living in PoCo: entire life Occupation: Manager of facilities maintenance, parks, recreation and culture with the city of Abbotsford
Age: 47 Number of years living in PoCo: 22 Occupation: Maintenance mechanic with BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital
What civic committee and community work have you done?
I spent many years on the city United Way committee and volunteer at Canada Day and May Day community events.
Who is funding your campaign?
I have received money from the employee group of CUPE workers whom I worked with for 24 years and my parents.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
My 24 years of service as an employee and employee representative of the city of Port Coquitlam, volunteer service at special events in the community and as a council watcher for the past 20 years are just a few of the reasons I believe I am qualified to continue my service as your city councillor.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes? Explain.
I do believe we get some good value for our tax dollars. Our solid waste system, parks and rec services and financial management systems are something for us all to be proud of.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
I believe we should be looking at innovative ways to be fiscally accountable, such as grant opportunities, proactive bylaw enforcement and working with our employee groups to collaborate on ways to maintain high levels of service while being financially responsible.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
An added service would be for us to operate a street sweeper once again. It is a service that was greatly reduced over the years. It seems like a small thing but as someone who grew up here, I remember when our neighbourhood streets were cleaned regularly and it helped with keeping storm drains clear, roads free of debris and gave a sense of pride. A reduced service would be to eliminate as many areas where we utilize unnecessary paper to our citizens.
What civic committee and community work have you done?
I have been a leader with Scouting for 30 years (22 in Port Coquitlam), chairman of the board of directors for the Tri-City Family Place for 13 years and head co-ordinator of EPCOM (Emergency Preparedness Communications) for the city of PoCo for six years.
Who is funding your campaign?
So far, I have received donations from the Hospital Employees’ Union, friends and family.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
As my leadership experience with Scouting, EPCOM and Tri-City Family Place shows, I am not hesitant — in fact I am eager — to get involved with the planning and decisions that affect Port Coquitlam.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
We are doing OK but I believe things could be better. I think the residents of PoCo are getting tired of getting a tax hike whenever the city needs more money. I would like to see the city operate more efficiently with the money they’ve got.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low? Yes.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated? I would like to see our recycling program increased and perhaps bringing in more money for the city.
SHERRY CARROLL• Age: did not answer Number of years on council: three Occupation: registered professional geoscientist
Who is funding your campaign?
As in the last campaign, I am funding this campaign myself. I have not sought any sponsorship from any particular interest group because I believe that I must bring a balanced view to all the citizens of Port Coquitlam.
Why do you believe you deserve to be rehired by taxpayers?
I am asking to be re-elected so that I may continue to work as a member of our corporate team. I truly believe that this is the best way to do the very important work of helping our system work for you, our residents and businesses.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
The top concern of our residents is definitely obtaining value for the tax dollar. We do this a number of ways, which can be summarized as fiscal restraint at the local level combined with firm representation of Port Coquitlam’s financial interests to other jurisdictions.
What is council’s greatest accomplishment in the last three years?
We were able to deliver the Coast Meridian Overpass and Broadway Connector to our citizens under trying financial circumstances.
What must council do better in the next three years?
While we have already made much progress, for the next three years, we should be looking to strike a better alliance with our neighbours in the Tri-Cities, including our First Nation, Kwikwetlem. Similarly, homelessness and affordable housing alternatives are ongoing issues that need to be addressed.
VOTESMART20 11 www.tricitynews.com
Tri-City News Friday, November 11, 2011, P7
THE TRI-CITY NEWS
Council pay still a contentious issue
NOTES ABOUT THIS SECTION
it, they don’t quite understand it so [the communication effort] was a failure on our side.” There was also the issue of council pay, which drew criticism following a council vote in July 2010 to give itself a 42% pay increase. But even that issue, which Moore admits puts councillors in an awkward position, is often more palatable to the electorate once it has been properly explained. “The percentage was high but when people got past the percentage and looked at the amount [approximately $85,000 per year salary for the mayor and $31,000 for councillors], most thought it was reasonable,” he said. “Our challenge was it just hadn’t been
Richard Dal Monte Q Articles on the two mayoral candidates are based on interviews with them Q City council and school trustee candidate briefs are based on emailed forms Q Incumbents are shown with a bullet [•] after their names
continued from page P4
Moore stands by the decision, however, and said the initial outrage has subsided as the public has learned more about the initiative. When the subject comes up on the doorsteps, Moore points out that the new schedule is both environmentally and financially prudent, saving $200,000 in trucking costs and about 1,200 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions. “When I phone people or they phone me and I talk about why we made the decision... most of the people are on board,” he said. “When they only read or hear about part of
done for so long that once it was done the percentage was high.” By going door-to-door and meeting with voters, Moore said he plans to trumpet the city’s accomplishments and explain council’s more controversial decisions. But despite all his efforts on the campaign trail, more sleepless nights are likely in store for the mayor in advance of the Nov. 19 civic election.
CHECK HIM OUT ONLINE
• For more information about Greg Moore and his re-election campaign go to www.gregmoore.ca. gmckenna@tricitynews.com
Q Text by Gary McKenna Q Editing and design by
On November 19
Re-Elect
B RAD WEST for Port Coquitlam City Council
Advanced voting: Nov. 16 at Elks Hall in Leigh Square “Serving as your City Councillor for the past 3 years has been a tremendous privilege. I have worked hard to listen to the concerns of our community and bring forward positive solutions that make Port Coquitlam an even better place. We have much to be proud of in our city, but there’s more work to do. As your City Councillor, I will never stop fighting for local residents. I will always put our community first and will be guided by you- the residents of Port Coquitlam. With your support, I would be honoured to continue to be your strong voice on City Council.” • A life-long resident of Port Coquitlam and dedicated community volunteer. • An experienced advocate for local residents, served 3 years on City Council. • A record of standing up for your issues and bringing forward positive solutions.
Why people are voting for Brad West “I’m proud to support Brad West for re-election to City Council. Brad is a strong and effective representative for our community, who works hard on behalf of local residents. He listens closely to the people of Port Coquitlam and is a strong voice for our issues. Please join me in voting for Brad West.” - Mike Farnworth, MLA for Port Coquitlam “Brad’s intelligence, common sense and experience make him a strong representative on City Council. He stands up for local residents and always puts Port Coquitlam first.” - Debra Burton, former School Trustee for Port Coquitlam “Brad West is a life-long resident of PoCo who knows our community and has a thorough understanding of the issues. He brings forward positive solutions and listens to local residents.” - Brian Leavold, long-time resident, Fire Fighter and local hockey coach
Website: www.bradwest.ca Email: brad@bradwest.ca Phone: 604-313-9185
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P8 Friday, November 11, 2011, Tri-City News
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THE TRI-CITY NEWS
PORT COQUITLAM COUNCIL CANDIDATES
TODD DELAURIER Age: 40 Number of years living in PoCo: 38 Occupation: electrician maintaining industrial automated equipment
What civic committee and community work have you done?
PoCo May Day parade plus seven years attendance at Port Coquitlam council meetings.
Who is funding your campaign?
Todd Delaurier. I do not have any highrise developers trying to get me in office as a councillor.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
Third time running for council, active with my family in Remembrance Day, May Day, PoCo Pitch-in the Terry Fox Run, Canada Day, public skating and swimming. I am opposed to any more highrise buildings in Port Coquitlam.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
Poor value due to the $9.9 million for fish habitat at Dominion Triangle and the $11.4 million widening of Broadway that was too much cost to all the residents and businesses.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
Administration staff has grown and grown, zero work has been done on traffic calming in residential neighbourhoods. With the majority of the residents young families and seniors, we are all taxed to the max. There is little left for a coffee a day due to the Port Coquitlam city finance budgeting adding more costs to the residents and businesses
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
Added: Children’s activities like swimming in the summer and skating; have the lessons available to children who sign up and continue their learning, not stop mid-season due to not enough lifeguards or skating instructors. With too many management positions and directors for parks and recreation, the payroll is extremely high for a small hometown charm. All services to the residents wouldn’t be affected as the working staff who operate our facilities are excellent.
MIKE FORREST•
ERIC HIRVONEN
Age: 63 Number of years on council: 11 Occupation: mariner, co-owner operator of Forrest Marine Ltd. in PoCo
Age: did not answer Number of years living in PoCo: 42 Occupation: entrepreneur
Who is funding your campaign? My wife Karen and I.
Why do you believe you deserve to be rehired by taxpayers?
I have experience both on council (11 years) and in community (lifelong); a passion for building our sense of community; an independent, small business, common-sense approach to problem solving; and I’m a team player.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
Yes. Residents receive water, sewer, garbage pickup, recreation facilities, roads, police and fire/rescue services all for less annually than many folks pay for their cellphones, television and coffee.
What is council’s greatest accomplishment in the last three years? Completion of the Coast Meridian Overpass.
What must council do better in next three years?
Find new revenue sources and reduce costs to reduce tax burden.
What civic committee and community work have you done?
I have done and continue doing volunteer activities in the community. As an example, providing transportation for children’s groups, being involved with youth and adult sports groups, mentoring youth to guide their principles, volunteering services to local churches.
Who is funding your campaign?
My campaign is self-funded and some services are donated.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A non-egotistical approach to ensure council represents resident taxpayers and all activities at city hall are according to the B.C. Community Charter. I represent municipal spending thrift and finding new sources of revenue that are not the resident taxpayer to keep taxes lower.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
PoCo residents can get good value for tax dollars by keeping costs of operations at city hall to a minimum and not at a cost of loss of services to the residents of the community. A cutting of services is not good value for the taxes paid. Also, taxpayer funds used to transport goods to private corporations is wasteful and terrible value for tax dollars.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
I would not support cutting services to the residents. We pay the city’s bills. I support cutting wasteful expenditures and trimming departments of city hall that are unnecessary expenditures. In this way, taxes are kept lower.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated? Services to add are free personal uses of recreational centres for Port Coquitlam residents, similar to the free personal usage of the public library. Free use of the recreational facilities is not adding cost to operations as it is offset by the private groups that pay for the majority of usage time. I do not like to see any loss of services. There is no need to cut services.
Its Important
✔ Vote 2011 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
SAT., NOVEMBER 19 8am-8pm
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Tri-City News Friday, November 11, 2011, P9
THE TRI-CITY NEWS
PORT COQUITLAM COUNCIL CANDIDATES
DEREK KOOTTE
RON McKINNON
Age: 22 Number of years living in PoCo: 22 Occupation: business owner, landscaper and student.
Age: 60 Number of years living in PoCo: 20 years in the “broader� PoCo community. Occupation: computer systems/analyst, enterprise content/document management consulting and development services to major firms,
What civic committee and community work have you done?
Extensive volunteer work with the Relay for Life, homeless activism and support, social justice outreach and on the executive committee of Trinity United Church.
Who is funding your campaign?
Small donations from concerned individual residents in the community.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
My willingness to raise the difficult but necessary issues, such as strain on the infrastructure around the Shaughnessy Street underpass as the area grows in density, rather than the easy political points
Age: 56 Number of years living in PoCo: 15 Occupation: construction
What civic committee and community work have you done?
Worked on a number of political campaigns, executive member of the local federal Liberal riding since 2006, president since 2009; federal Liberal candidate in the October 2008 election and member of Amnesty International chapter.
Who is funding your campaign?
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
The roads are good, the city is clean and well kept, and the community is welcoming and safe. It’s a good place to be, it’s a good place to live. While we can still further leverage our potential and some new eyes on old problems will be a great asset here, a healthy balance has so far been struck.
The need for council to consistently raise property taxes beyond the provincial rate of inflation suggests unsustainable spending levels while a lack of transparency enables inefficient spending practices to persist.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
Budgeting should be pursued with an emphasis on sustainability, with consistent review of services and pursuit of innovation to ensure the tax rate, if at all possible, does not exceed the provincial rate of inflation.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
A green initiative in collaboration with residents and business owners to provide trees to interested residents at a significantly reduced rate, contributing to the beautification of the community while reducing the burden of maintenance costs for the city.
PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE
What civic committee and community work have you done? None
Who is funding your campaign? Self
What makes you stand out from other candidates? Listening.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
Self-funded but open to contributions.
Broad experience in analysis and problem-solving complex issues for a wide variety of industries and businesses and working with stakeholders to achieve results.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
LEIGH MORRISON
Keeping taxes under control is important but we cannot focus on taxes alone. We must consider them in the light of our overall goals, the needs of our residents and the quality of life we want to build here. We must evaluate services in terms of their effectiveness and efficiency toward fulfilling these objectives and in the context of our budget as a whole.
Currently, no. For one, property taxes seem to continually go up and up with no accountability and no one is listening to concerns voiced or doing anything about it.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
There are lots of options that no one is looking at, which is what I would explore first and look at all the variables in play first.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
I’m not fluent on every service that is offered or its cost, so until I did a cost analysis of what was available, I couldn’t just give an answer. I would like to see seniors helped out a little more. This could be done in a variety of different ways.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
Guide downtown development so the area becomes a vital, bustling, people-friendly and small business-friendly, street-level business and shopping venue. Give broader support and encouragement to increase inventory of affordable housing options and lobby senior governments to again offer investment incentives that will assist in this.
Vote for a REAL VOICE in Port Coquitlam
William ISSA
FOR MAYOR
Be the change you want to see, give me the opportunity to serve you.
On November 19, make the change and vote ISSA for a new beginning. If you think you are paying too much in taxes for your business and/or your home, then vote ISSA as your mayor.
WILLIAM ISSA WILL:
Working for You. Proven Leadership.
• Stand up for you. • Put a cap on taxes and reduce wasted taxpayers money. • Reinstate weekly garbage collection. • Support municipal auditor general recommendations. • Build complete communities, affordable housing, bike lanes, senior and sport facilities. • Community engagement and public consultations. • Private and public partnership. • Transportation, ďŹ re, policing, heritage and social improvements. • Provide ďŹ scally responsible, sound decision-making. • Accountable, honest, transparent leadership. On November 19, Vote WILLIAM ISSA, MAYOR FOR PORT COQUITLAM
Web: http://votewilliamissa.tripod.com Email: williamissa@telus.net Phone: 604-831-6515
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THE TRI-CITY NEWS
PORT COQUITLAM COUNCIL CANDIDATES
DARRIN NIELSEN Age: 46 Number of years living in PoCo: 23 Occupation: realtor
What civic committee and community work have you done? Did not answer
DARRELL PENNER•
GLENN POLLOCK•
Age: did not answer Number of years on council: 12 Occupation: did not answer
Age: 53 Number of years on council: 3 Occupation: constituency assistant to Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth
Who is funding your campaign?
Who is funding your campaign? Myself.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
An ability to genuinely listen to the concerns of the residents, and to ensure that I will make my decisions based on the will of the majority of residents. I want to establish a citizens-engagement council that will be open to all residents to interact directly with me to discuss major issues affecting PoCo. As a councillor, I must be confident that my decisions represent the majority of the residents and I can only do that by talking with them and listening to them.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
If there is no performance-based budgeting required to justify all expenditures of taxpayers’ money, then there is the likelihood that money is not efficiently being spent. I doubt PoCo city hall has perfected the efficient spending.
I fund most of my campaign myself. I received some funds from PCF Local 1941.
Who is funding your campaign?
I have 12 years of experience. Since I have been elected, we have built an artificial sports field, upgraded the ice arena, expanded our trail system, built the Coast Meridian Overpass, implemented the environmentally sustainable garbage system and have brought in some of the best sustainable building requirements in North America.
Why do you believe you deserve to be rehired by taxpayers?
Why do you believe you deserve to be rehired by taxpayers?
My campaign is being funded by a number of sources. Some friends, businessmen, developers and some unions.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
I believe I deserve to be rehired because I’ve done a great job. I’ve fulfilled all of my council obligations, researched every decision that I’ve made, tried to get back to residents on every occasion and done a ton of charity work for among others, Share, Crossroads Hospice, the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Yes, because if you compare us in the region, our taxes are about in the middle of the Metro Vancouver average but the city maintains a high level of service. However, we must always be looking at better and/or new ways of delivering those services.
What is council’s greatest accomplishment in the last three years?
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
The Coast Meridian Overpass and our new garbage system.
Enough is enough with increases in taxes. However, no one has suggested cutting services. Therefore, the issue must be accountability. The council has to be willing to overhaul the budgeting process by implementing zerobased budgeting to examine every three years every existing program and expenses to review and re-approve them.
What must council do better in the next three years?
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added? What services would you like to see reduced or eliminated?
My vision is to have the area surrounding the PoCo recreation centre redeveloped to allow for densification, enhanced recreation and business opportunities. A couple of highrises could be built along Mary Hill Road. An updated library would be incorporated on the main floor of one tower, a two-level seniors centre could be built in another tower that could be built for the 50-plus age group.
We need to always look at better ways of doing business. Explore new revenue sources to offset property taxes. There are many different user groups that want their voice heard and acted on, and it is a delicate balance to help all the groups achieve their goals. I would continue to achieve that balance.
Elect Chris
CARR Port Coquitlam City Council Ready to listen and work for you.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
Yes, I do think taxpayers are getting good value. Our whole council works hard, works well together and makes decisions for the right reasons. During our term, we did a core service review and ended up saving taxpayers a great deal of money.
What is council’s greatest accomplishment in the last three years?
I believe we’ve had many accomplishments but I think the most significant was the OCP amendment for the Dominion Triangle. This will open up an area of the Dominion Triangle that has sat undeveloped for 25 years. This amendment will allow for a 17-acre light industrial park that will bring good, high-paying jobs to PoCo but, because it also has a residential component, the developer is building the main access road, saving taxpayers over $8 million.
What must council do better in the next three years?
In the next three years, council must do a better job of finding other sources of revenue. At the end of the day, everything comes down to dollars and I don’t think we can continue to raise property taxes. If I’m re-elected, I plan on finding other sources of revenue in order to keep a cap on property taxes while still maintaining service levels and undertaking capital projects.
Re-elect Sherry CARROLL Port Coquitlam City Council needs to have a balance.
Sherry brings that balance to the table. professional Registered member of BC’s Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists Past Business Manager, Canadian Association of Petroleum Geologists
community service
President of Coquitlam River Watershed Society & ArtsConnect Regional Arts Council Co-Chair of PoCo’s BC Spirit Committee Committed Arts, Culture, Heritage credible & Environment Advocate at local & provincial government levels 19 years experience dealing with matters of municipal importance at the committee & council level Served on Aggregate Task Force, Business & Economic Development, Transportation understands & Environmental Protection
business concerns 15 years ‘hands-on’ Retail Experience
Sherry CARROLL Port Coquitlam Council Environment, Transportation, Young People, Emergency Preparedness
www.chriscarr.ca chriscarr@shaw.ca
Calm, collected & collaborative electsherrycarroll@gmail.com
VOTE November 19th
VOTESMART20 11 www.tricitynews.com
Tri-City News Friday, November 11, 2011, P11
THE TRI-CITY NEWS
Are you ready to vote Nov. 19? Make sure Port Coquitlam residents hoping to cast a ballot in the upcoming civic election may want to make sure they qualify to vote before heading to the polls on Nov. 19. An eligible resident elector must be a Canadian citizen, 18 years of age and have lived in B.C. for at least six months and in PoCo for 30 days prior to the election. Those who are not on the voters list will need to register and can do so by bringing two pieces of identification or proof of residency documents to their polling station
on voting day. Those documents include: • B.C. driver’s licence; • B.C. identification card issued by the motor vehicles branch; • owner’s certificate of insurance and vehicle licence issued by ICBC; • CareCard; • Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security request for continued assistance form; • social insurance card; • Canadian citizenship card;
• valid Canadian passport; • current property tax notice; • credit card; • utility bill. A person who was registered to vote in a provincial election as of June 1 has automatically been added to the city’s voters list. Advance polling will take place in Port Coquitlam at the Elks Hall (2272 Leigh Sq.) on Nov. 16 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Polling stations in Port Coquitlam will be located at:
• Blakeburn elementary (1040 Riverside Dr.); • Castle Park elementary (1144 Confederation Dr.); • Cedar Drive elementary (3150 Cedar Dr.); • Elks Hall (2272 Leigh Square); • Irvine elementary (3862 Wellington St.); • Kilmer elementary (1575 Knappen St.); • Kwayhquitlum middle (3280 Flint S.); • and Westwood elementary (3610 Hastings St.).
WORKING HARD FOR BETTER SCHOOLS Arts ic s u M y g o l o n h c e T Literature Q
Q
Q Q
Caring for a y t i n u m m o C
Science Math
Trades
d e d n u o r l l e w A
m e t s y S n o i Educat “Bob was instrumental in procuring the beautiful playground equipment at James Park School. Bob is honest, hard working, caring and community minded: all the qualities needed to help run our schools.” Kelli Bigiolli, Teacher, James Park Elementary
www.bob-lee.ca
FOR SCHOOL TRUSTEE PORT COQUITLAM
BOB LEE
VOTESMART20 11 P12 Friday, November 11, 2011, Tri-City News
www.tricitynews.com
THE TRI-CITY NEWS
PORT COQUITLAM COUNCIL CANDIDATES
LES ROBSON
LIH-MING TAM
MICHAEL THOMAS
Age: 84 Number of years living in PoCo: 13 Occupation: retired
Age: 44 Number of years living in PoCo: 15 Occupation: self-employed accountant and business development consultant
Age: 31 Number of years living in PoCo: 7 Occupation: IT manager and computer consultant
What civic committee and community work have you done?
What civic committee and community work have you done?
What civic committee and community work have you done?
Chair of the Winslow Centre Advisory Board and volunteer at Kilmer elementary school (12 years).
President and director for the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association for five years; advisor to smart growth committee for four years.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
My lifestyle through Depression, recessions, wars, up and down lifestyles and ending up with a great life. I have the time and the energy.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
No. Too many high-priced positions at the top. Just like a fruit tree: You take care of the roots and keep the top pruned and trimmed.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low? Yes.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
I would like to inspect the services before making a common sense judgment.
Who is funding your campaign? Myself.
Council candidate 2008; regular council attendee; smart growth committee member; transportation solutions and operations committee; director or PoCo Heritage; May Day, Centennial and Spirit Week Task Forces; PoCo soccer coach; emergency preparedness member.
Who is funding your campaign?
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
I will bring a fresh voice to city council that better reflects the kitchen-table concerns of families in our community. Fiscal prudence needs to come bare on expense decisions in our municipality.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
While residents have received good value in the past, current challenges need new solutions.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
You cannot have services without staff and you must have staff if you are to have services, so this question is not a simple yes or no issue. What it really comes down to is what services are essential and what are extras that will enhance our community that we are willing to extra taxes for. I would prefer to hold taxes at the current level while we re-evaluate our current commitments.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
I do not believe that any services need to be eliminated or added. But I do believe that every effort, within our existing budget, needs to be made to enhance services directed towards our youth programs and athletics.
Primarily self-funded, also by friends and family; some corporate contributions.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
I recognize the necessity of balancing services and revenue. I am a family man with deep roots in our community. Once elected, I’ll take charge with ensuring development proceeds sustainably and responsibly in Port Coquitlam, creating jobs and opportunities in our community.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
As in any system, there is room for improvement. In 2010, council gave themselves an unprecedented 42% pay increase — this at a time when residents were facing dwindling retirement funds, higher unemployment rates and large tax increases. This sort of wasteful spending cannot be tolerated.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
We need to focus on service efficiencies and building revenue through smart, sustainable growth to fund services, facilities and transportation improvements our community needs.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
I would like to see the street sweeping program reinstated. I would also like to see parks and recreation programs increased through peak seasons that are often completely booked months in advance. By fully utilizing our facilities, we ensure maximum value for our taxpayers. As an IT manager and consultant, I have performed several corporate audits that have netted significant cost savings.
DEREK
for
t Establish better communication of municipal activity and spending t Smart growth practices that protect our sense of community PORT COQUITLAM CITY COUNCIL
t Expanded ongoing commitment to improving efficiency to ensure t Establish better communication of municipal activity and spending services are sustainable
Vote for what matters to you!
t Partner with residents andcommitment local businesses on greenefficiency initiatives t Expanded ongoing to improving to ensure
Take Advantage of Advance Voting Opportunities
t Smart growth practices that protect our sense of community
are and sustainable t Pursue services innovative practical solutions to issues of social t Partner with residents and local businesses on green initiatives development t Pursue innovative and practical solutions to issues of social development
The last advance poll will be held at the Elks Hall, located at 2272 Leigh Square on: t November 16, 2011, 8 am to 8 pm
dkootte@gmail.com
604-345-0656 RON McKINNON FOR COUNCIL Port Coquitlam is a great place to live, a greeat place to be. But we can make it better. To do this we need to balance the pressuress of growth, development and jobs against the need for parks, recreation and green space. We need to enssure that people of all walks of life can continue to afford to live and thrive here. It is not a small thing, to find this balance. I am keen to take on this challenge to work with Councill to achieve it.
On November 19, I ask you to lend me your support.
Please Vote RON McKINNON FOR COUNCIL
November 19, 2011 I know my vote will help make a difference in my community. The next Local Government Election will be Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 8 am to 8 pm.
www.portcoquitlam.ca/election
VOTESMART20 11 www.tricitynews.com
Tri-City News Friday, November 11, 2011, P13
THE TRI-CITY NEWS
PORT COQUITLAM COUNCIL CANDIDATES
DEAN WASHINGTON
BRAD WEST•
MICHAEL WRIGHT•
Age: 26 Number of years on council: 3 Occupation: communications professional.
Age: 46 Number of years living in PoCo: 42 Occupation: publisher and owner of RPM Media Inc.
Age: 74 Number of years on council: 29 Occupation: retired engineer
Who is funding your campaign?
What civic committee and community work have you done?
I am lead volunteer for the Downtown PoCo Car Show, have served on the Downtown Business Improvement Association for the past seven years, been involved in coaching lacrosse for over 30 years and have been a member of the PoCo Minor Lacrosse executive since 2009.
Who is funding your campaign?
I have had a few donations from friends and family but I will be funding the majority of the costs myself.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
I am a good listener, have a lot of ideas, can ask the tough questions and am not afraid to speak my mind. I have spent the past 20 years running my own business and prior to that I spent nine years in an organized labour environment working at a sawmill, where I was involved with the plant, fire and safety committees. I am also a past board member of ICBC, where I served a three-year term.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
If you look over the five-year forecast (2011-2015), you see there are major tax increases coming without major increases in services or capital projects for the taxpayer. So the short answer would be no.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low? I don’t believe there is a need to cut services. I believe we need to trim the fat in order to deliver the services efficiently or we will continue to see our taxes rise.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added or eliminated?
I would like to see more money spent on repairing roads, improving rec centres and playing fields, and expanding the crime watch/citizen patrol programs. I don’t necessarily want to see anything reduced or eliminated.
I have received support from family members, friends, local residents, unions and businesses.
Why do you believe you deserve to be rehired by taxpayers?
In my three years on council, I’ve worked hard to be a strong advocate and effective representative for Port Coquitlam residents. I listen closely to the people of our community and stand up for their issues. As a lifelong resident of PoCo, I love our city and want to ensure that what makes it such a great place to live is maintained for future generations.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?.
Yes. After being elected, council conducted a core review of city services that found $770,000 in savings for taxpayers through efficiencies. We must continue to be vigilant to ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely and on the priorities of our community. It’s important to maintain funding for the key city services that residents count on.
What is council’s greatest accomplishment in the last three years?
The final completion of the Coast Meridian Overpass and a number of other transportation upgrades are very significant to our community. They have been longtime projects that many have contributed to and it is rewarding to bring them to completion.
What must council do better in the next three years?
Council has worked hard on behalf of our community. We must continue to listen closely to the residents of Port Coquitlam and govern in away that reflects their values and priorities. With more people struggling to get by, prudent and responsible financial decision-making that supports local residents need to be at the centre of our thinking.
VOTE FOR LES ROBSON
“
I am running for City Council, to try and bring some common sense back into our City Hall. We have a great city and I would not only like to maintain this, but to improve it. The secret is to listen to our tax-payers and make common sense decisions on their issues.
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Who is funding your campaign? My wife and I.
Why do you believe you deserve to be rehired by taxpayers?
I have a strong desire to serve all those who live, work and play in the city of Port Coquitlam. I am retired and am willing to make the necessary time commitment to be an effective councillor. I have many years of experience and my record shows that I have served with integrity and honesty.
Do you believe PoCo residents get good value for their taxes?
The simple answer is yes. I am very conscious of the fact that it is a prime responsibility of a city councillor to determine how best to spend the taxpayers’ money and to ensure the city gets the best value for money. The demand for services will always exceed the ability to pay and the function of an effective council is to determine that balance and ensure that we create a complete community. I strongly endorse the position taken by council to involve the public during the annual budget preparation process.
What is council’s greatest accomplishment in the last three years?
Apart from the Coast Meridian Overpass, which I am sure everyone will agree was the most significant project over the past three years, I would suggest that one of council’s greatest accomplishments was the development of Vision 2020, Port Coquitlam’s strategic plan. This document will guide the city’s policy, operational and financial decisions through to 2020.
What must council do better in the next three years?
Although council has had significant success in attracting greater public participation in the development of our community, there is still room for improvement. We also need to continue to look for alternative sources of revenue, other than property taxes.
T C E L E RE
Past Positions, Chairman of: • Zone Three Seniors’ Games • Pinetree Seniors’ Centre (P.A.R.C.A.) • Wilson Centre Advisory Board • Dogwood Centre Advisory Board • Tri-City Greyhound Track and Field Club
IF YOU WANT MORE, VOTE FOR LES! ELECT
Todd DELAURIER
For Port Coquitlam Council
“This is our community. I am here to listen and serve Port Coquitlam�
• Zero Tax Increases • Zero Building of High Rises • Law Enforcement per Resident Ratio • Enhance Public Transit • More Dog Parks • Improve Youth Sports in Port Coquitlam
604.945.4691 • toddel@shaw.ca • www.todddelaurier.ca
A Voice for Your
Children
Judy Shirra is seeking re-election as School Trustee for Port Coquitlam and wants your support! As Vice Chair this past year, she has worked hard to defend public education and to ensure that your tax dollars are spent wisely. District 43 is the largest employer in the Tri-Cities with a staff of over 2,800 serving more than 30,000 students and their parents. Our teachers and staff work hard to ensure that our children receive the best education possible. Please take the time to vote for Judy Shirra as School Trustee on November 19th!
Remembering Our Veterans!
P14 Friday, November 11, 2011, Tri-City News
www.tricitynews.com
NOTICE OF ELECTION BY VOTING PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY given to the electors of the City of Port Coquitlam that an election by voting is necessary to elect a Mayor, six Councillors and two School Trustees for a three-year term commencing December, 2011. The persons nominated as candidates, and for whom votes will be received are:
MAYOR – One (1) to be elected Name ALAMBETS, Patrick ISSA, William Canada Fire Safety Corporation MOORE, Greg
Address 2276 Prairie Avenue, Port Coquitlam V3B 1V9 2520 Coast Meridian Road, Port Coquitlam V3B 3M3
Phone # 604.472.1495 604.831.6515
1175 Amazon Drive, Port Coquitlam V3B 8G6
604.944.4555
COUNCILLOR – Six (6) to be elected Name ARDEN, Jamie CARR, Chris CARROLL, Sherry DELAURIER, Todd FORREST, Mike HIRVONEN, Eric
Address #113 – 2558 Parkview Lane, Port Coquitlam V3C 6L8 1851 Dorset Avenue, Port Coquitlam V3B 2A3 1571 Elinor Crescent, Port Coquitlam V3C 2Y3 2021 Pooley Avenue, Port Coquitlam V3C 1E7 1620 Knappen Street, Port Coquitlam V3C 3Z1 3709 Cedar Drive, Port Coquitlam V3B 3E1
Phone # 778.549.3760 604.836.7151 604.942.3260 604.945.4691 604.942.6289 604.942.5188
Canada Fire Safety Corporation
KOOTTE, Derek Bradley McKINNON, Ron
1675 Greenmount Avenue, Port Coquitlam V3B 2B5 970 Mansfield Crescent, Port Coquitlam V3B 6H7
604.345.0656 778.885.3562
MORRISON, Leigh NIELSEN, Darin PENNER, Darrell POLLOCK, Glenn ROBSON, Les TAM, Lih-Ming THOMAS, Michael WASHINGTON, Dean WEST, Brad WRIGHT, Michael
309 – 1955 Western Drive, Port Coquitlam V3C 2X5 1234 Barberry Drive, Port Coquitlam V3B 1G3 984 Mansfield Crescent, Port Coquitlam V3B 6H7 #48 – 2450 Hawthorne Ave., Port Coquitlam V3C 6B3 1375 Prairie Avenue, Port Coquitlam V3C 1S9 1134 Prairie Avenue, Port Coquitlam V3B 1S6 4058 Liverpool Street, Port Coquitlam V3B 3W7 1121 Blue Heron Crescent, Port Coquitlam V3B 1W9 1256 Douglas Terrace, Port Coquitlam V3C 5X2 #80 – 758 Riverside Drive, Port Coquitlam V5B 7V8
604.506.4533 604.671.4580 604.941.9823 604.771.4415 604.945.1923 604.552.1854 778.373.2444 604.317.7045 604.313.9185 604.942.8897
SCHOOL TRUSTEE – Two (2) to be elected Name KERYLUK, John LEE, Bob SHIRRA, Judy
Address #3-2440 Wilson Avenue, Port Coquitlam V3C 1Z6 2958 Cumberland Street, Port Coquitlam V3B 3V4 983 Mansfield Crescent, Port Coquitlam V3B 6H3
GENERAL VOTING DAY will be open to qualified electors of the City of Port Coquitlam on Saturday, November 19, 2011 between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm at the following locations: Blakeburn Elementary School 1040 Riverside Drive Castle Park Elementary School 1144 Confederation Drive Cedar Drive Elementary School 3150 Cedar Drive Elks Hall 2272 Leigh Square Irvine Elementary School 3862 Wellington Street Kilmer Elementary School 1575 Knappen Street Kwayhquitlum Middle School 3280 Flint Street Westwood Elementary School 3610 Hastings Street Advance Voting Opportunity – Elks Hall, 2272 Leigh Square ¾ Wednesday, November 16, 2011 - 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (additional opportunity)
Phone # 604.942.6832 604.942.2216 604.944.6155
Mail In Voting Mail Ballot Voting will be permitted when electors meet one of the following criteria: • Have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects the ability to vote at another voting opportunity; and/or: • Expect to be absent from the City of Port Coquitlam at the times of all advance voting opportunities (November 9 and 16) and on General Voting Day (November 19). Applications to obtain a Mail Ballot Voting package are available at Port Coquitlam City Hall during regular business hours. Applications filled out correctly will receive a mail ballot package, once ballots are ready. You are responsible for ensuring that your completed mail ballot is received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8:00 pm on General Voting Day, Saturday, November 19, 2011. The Corporate Office staff will check the mail drop box at the front of City Hall, 2580 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam at 8:00 pm on Saturday, November 19, 2011. Special Voting Opportunity A Special Voting Opportunity will be open at Hawthorne Care Centre from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Only those qualified electors who are patients or staff of Hawthorne Care Centre at the time of voting may vote at this Special Voting Opportunity.
Elector Registration (for voting day registration only) To register as a resident elector on Voting Day, you must have two pieces of ID, (one with a signature) and you will be required to make a declaration that you meet the following requirements: • You are 18 years of age; • You are a Canadian citizen; • You have been a resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately preceding the day of registration; • You have been a resident of the City of Port Coquitlam for at least 30 days immediately preceding the day of registration; and • You are not otherwise disqualified by law from voting. NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS: • age 18 or older; and • a Canadian citizen; and • a resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration; and • a registered owner of real property in the City of Port Coquitlam for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration; and • not entitled to register as a resident elector; and • not disqualified by any enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law; and • if there is more than one registered owner of the property, only one of those individuals may, with the written consent of the majority of the owners, register as a non-resident property elector; and • by producing proof of entitlement to register such as a recent Certificate of Title.
IF YOU QUALIFY AS A NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTOR YOU MAY REGISTER IN ADVANCE OR AT THE TIME OF VOTING. Susan Rauh, CMC Chief Election Officer 604-927-5421
or
Carolyn Deakin, Deputy Chief Election Officer 604-927-5212
www.portcoquitlam.ca/election
VOTESMART20 11 www.tricitynews.com
PORT COQUITLAM SCHOOL TRUSTEE CANDIDATES
JUDY SHIRRA•
the disadvantaged and disenfranchised of our community.
Age: 50+ Occupation: administrator with RGS Consulting International Inc. Number of years lived in PoCo: 19 No. of terms as trustee: 3
What qualifications do you have that would make you a good school trustee?
Why are you running?
I want to see a replacement school for Minnekhada middle school built as soon as possible. I am working to have ACE, our district’s partnered courses with industry, expanded into Port Coquitlam. I want to see more services for students at risk implemented in our Port Coquitlam schools. Public education is rapidly changing and at the Coquitlam board of education, we have initiated a process with partner groups to gather input regarding our Learning Without Boundaries initiative. I want to see this change through to a successful conclusion. I want to ensure that the Community Link funding formula is restructured so that the money is directed to programs and support for our vulnerable students. As your school trustee, I am constantly in our schools and working with administration and staff to secure extra funding to help
I have been involved with public education as a parent advocate and community resource since 1992. I was involved in the For Our Children district roundtable discussion and through its implementation. This initiative saw a change to smaller elementary schools (K-5), the addition of middle schools (6-8) and expanding our secondary schools (9-12) so that students would spend four years together in high school. This change was very successful. During my three terms on the board, we have been successful in keeping the money in the classrooms to support student needs. The parents of our community know that they can count on me to support them in resolving issues and advocating for their children’s needs. The Neighbourhoods of Learning program that we are expanding into the new replacement schools of James Park elementary and Pitt River middle will be a showcase for all of B.C.
Why are you running?
BOB LEE Age: 52 Occupation: paramedic, emergency medical dispatcher Community involvement: Present activities include being a member of the May Day Task Force, a member of the Canada Day Take Force, a Dancing With Our Stars participant, a registration co-ordinator with the Terry Fox Foundation, chair for the TriCity Gymnastics Society, fundraiser for the Cops for Cancer Canadian Cancer Society event, parent advisory council member with Kwayhquitlum middle school and co-ordinator for McHappy Day. Number of years lived in city: 23
I want to ensure funding, develop and enhance school programs which will allow students to reach their full potential to become our future leaders and become inspiring and creative geniuses of the future.
What qualifications do you have that would make you a good school trustee? I have leadership skills: Led the building of a $90,000 playground. Involved in the parent advisory council in various roles at the elementary and middle school. I have a passion for schools and I have the ability to look at problems from all aspects and be a creative problem solver, which has allowed me to complete projects and find solutions.
JOHN KERYLUK•
Education Minister George Abbott is a reasonable man and hopefully I will be able to assist in convincing him to direct more funding into the schools in the Coquitlam district.
Age: did not answer Occupation: retired Number of years lived in city: 30+ Number of terms as trustee: 4
Why are you running? With my experience, I am committed to work to solve our children’s problems as well as those of the teachers. The teachers’ strike must be settled quickly before it impacts the classrooms. Coquitlam school district has the lowest perstudent grant in the province.
What qualifications do you have that would make you a good school trustee? As a retired educator, I have an understanding of the needs of the children. Having served as city councillor helps me to understand and work with parents and support groups.
Consider your bike for local trips.
vacc.bc.ca
Tri-City News Friday, November 11, 2011, P15
P16 Friday, November 11, 2011, Tri-City News
www.tricitynews.com
on November 19th
Re-Elect with Confidence Darrell
PENNER Darrell’s Promise to You
I will continue to give Port Coquitlam strong leadership and representation and base all decisions on what is in our community’s best interest for now and for the future.
Working for the Community As a dynamic member of Council, Darrell has brought talk to reality. Since being elected, Port Coquitlam has experienced:
Environment
The strain on our natural environment requires the need to ensure that it is healthy and protected. “Darrell is a strong voice for the environment and our streams.”
Our Wildlife
Dr. Elaine Golds, Environmentalist
“Darrell has a keen interest in all aspects of nature and has been working to keep bears wild and out of our neighbourhoods. He has a strong knowledge of bear issues and is the type of team player needed to deal with this continuing issue .” Drake Stephens, Bear Aware Coordinator
Infrastructure
Darrell is an essential member of the Council that fought for and received $60 million of funding from Translink for the Coast Meridian Overpass. After decades of just talk, your team delivered and built it.
“I believe that it takes strong leadership to navigate through not only the issues facing our community now but new and emerging issues, and to be able to identify and address them.” “You can depend on me for Port Coquitlam.”
Where to Vote Blakeburn Elementary School 1040 Riverside Drive
Castle Park Elementary School 1144 Confederation Drive
Cedar Drive Elementary School Kilmer Elementary School Elks Hall 3150 Cedar Drive 1575 Knappen Street 2272 Leigh Square Kwayhquitlum Middle School 3280 Flint Street
penner4poco@gmail.com
604.941.9823
Irvine Elementary School 3862 Wellington Street Westwood Elementary School 3610 Hastings Street