The mayoral and city council candidates were asked to reply to four questions that we hope will give voters a better idea on where they stand on some of the most challenging issues of the day.
1. The current city council voted 5-4 to keep Pine Valley. If this matter were to come before council again, how would you vote and why?
1. I support retaining Pine Valley golf course, it's a gem in the middle of our city. Many individuals as well as the Special Olympics, seniors and young golfers use the golf course. I'm not in favour of putting tax dollars into the course - that is why we have an RFP process - to attract an operator to successfully run and provide the required upgrades. There is potential for other ideas like housing in and around the course. We need to value our green-space, allow new ideas, and strengthening abilities for creativity in solutions instead of simply selling the course.
2. City council voted 8-1 in favour of the Northern Recovery Centre for Women in the former Haldi Road elementary school. How would you have voted and why? (Incumbents: how did you vote and why?)
2. I voted in favour of the Northern Recovery Centre for Women. Understanding the desperate need for a recovery centre in the north designed for women who want to get better (instead of having to send them away from any - and all - support within our community). This was a tough decision between competing community needs. Genuine questions of concern about safety, operation and effects of the recovery centre within the neighbourhood. Early in the process consultation, concerns between the neighbourhood and proponents should have been addressed. Public meetings and a community member on the board would have been helpful.
3. The current city council gave its bargaining committee a target of a net-zero increase to negotiate a new collective agreement with city workers, leading to the first-ever labour disruption by municipal staff. What will be your recommendation when the current collective agreements for city workers expire in 2016 and why?
3. As the Mayor of our city I expect to have fair, and respectful negotiations, at the bargaining table. Any comment made prior to bargaining is not in anyone's best interest as it is irresponsible. Comments or mandates made outside of the bargaining table undermine the ability to have a fair and respectful bargaining process.
4. Why should residents vote in the Nov. 15 municipal election?
4. We have an opportunity to effect real change within our community and to move from what has been done - into new opportunities and possibilities. I believe your vote on November 15 could make an incredible difference. We're at the start of a golden decade for Prince George. I believe I have an effective plan for a structure that will help us utilize the knowledge, experience and abilities from within our own city. We need to encourage a diverse economy to meet the demand from Northern BC development. Help us achieve this by voting for me, Lyn Hall for Mayor.
