On Oct. 20, Prince George residents will pick one mayor, eight councillors and five school trustees. The ballot will have two mayoral candidates, 13 councillor candidates and 11 school trustee candidates. There are also 15 candidates running in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.
PrinceGeorgeMatters has sent out a list of questions to those vying for a seat in public office.
A fantastic day at Prince George City Hall when we welcomed International students from all over the world who are attending CNC and UNBC. #cityofpg #CNC #UNBC pic.twitter.com/ty0090dL1W
— Mayor Lyn Hall (@Lynhallpg) September 25, 2018
Name: Lyn Hall
Running for: Mayor
Age: 63
Number of years lived in Prince George: 33
Current neighbourhood: College Heights
Occupation: Auditor
Reason community would recognize your name: My involvement in municipal politics and volunteering with many organizations in Prince George
What is the most important issue facing Prince George, and how do you propose to deal with it?
Infrastructure and housing are two of the most important issues. We have aging infrastructure, and as a result, we embarked on a review of our infrastructure needs and have increased our infrastructure upgrading over the past four years and need to continue with those upgrades. Housing at all levels is also one of my primary focuses. Availability of housing draws people to our community and is a strong factor in retaining people as well. In the past four years, construction of new housing has included: River Bend senior’s community (20th Avenue), Park House condo development (George Street), low-barrier housing (Third Avenue), Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George housing (Spruce Street), PG Native Friendship Centre-Ketso Yoh (Quebec Street) and Apartment development (O’Grady Street). As well there has been a number of residential developments in the city.
How should Prince George address the issue of crime in the city?
We have increased our number of RCMP members and they have put in place a strategic plan to make our city safer and we have seen some very positive results. There has also been an increase in bylaw officers.
What is your specific reason for running?
The reason I’m running for re-election as mayor is to continue working on upgrading our infrastructure, which includes roads, buildings and below-ground infrastructure. I am focused on attracting development to our city, from commercial to business development, which will increase job opportunities and strengthen our economy and tax base. We have seen unprecedented increases in building development in the past four years and I’ll continue to build on that. This development is from both the public and private sectors with the majority coming from the private sector, which shows strong confidence in our economy. I’m extremely interested in future development of parks and greater utilization of our riverfront as a recreation area. It is also important that we play a key role in our region and work with other communities in developing a stronger regional approach to common issues. For me, it’s about re-investing in our future and making sure that we have a vibrant and prosperous city for future generations.
Where can the city spend less?
We have reduced our debt by $41 million, and have taken steps to reduce expenditures throughout our operation while maintaining services that our residents expect and have been accustomed to.
Where should the city be investing more?
I believe we have balanced investment throughout our operation; the addition I would add is to invest more in our aging infrastructure.
What new business or feature would you like to see in Prince George?
There are a number of businesses I’d like to see in Prince George. One of my focuses is attracting a data centre to our city; this will diversify our economy and employment opportunities.
Next time you’re walking in the woods and you come face-to-face with a Sasquatch, what do you do?
I’d ask if we can go fishing.
If the next city council does something film-worthy, who would play you in the film?
Richard Gere
Complete the sentence...
When I’m not at home or at work, you can find me:...with my family or riding my motorcycle.
The most random, yet interesting fact about me is: I ride a motorcycle
My favourite beverage is: Iced tea
For Christmas/Hanukkah/the gift-giving season, I would like:...a signed Bobby Orr jersey.
The best park in/near to Prince George is: All our parks are fantastic and have their own special features .
If Prince George didn’t exist, I’d be living in: Dawson Creek
When I need some pump-up music, I listen to: Maroon Five, ZZ Top, Rod Stewart
