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.
Name: Susan Scott
Running for: City councillor
Age: 61
Number of years lived in Prince George: 26
Current neighbourhood: Downtown
Occupation: Celebrant — funerals and memorials
Reason community would recognize your name: Current member of city council; funerals and memorials; active community volunteer
What is the most important issue facing Prince George, and how do you propose to deal with it?
I believe that there are two: adequate and adaptive housing for seniors; and preparing for the shift in our economy. For seniors, help to attract new development and advocate federal and provincial governments. Much has been accomplished and there’s more to do.
For the economy, in the short-term, we must help firms to find the skills they need so we can benefit as much as possible from the opportunity around us. In the medium-term, we must have as much training as possible delivered locally so that our residents can retool and prepare for the opportunities of the future — opportunities requiring skills quite different from those of today.
How should Prince George address the issue of crime in the city?
Engaging all residents and stakeholders, regardless of sector or neighbourhood, valuing the input of all and making it clear that certain behaviour is not tolerated in our city and neighbourhoods. Back up the police and bylaw services.
What is your specific reason for running?
I remain committed to the present and future of Prince George and am prepared to use my time and energy to help make it happen.
Where can the city spend less?
Buying land.
Where should the city be investing more?
Housing and services for seniors and the homeless.
What new business or feature would you like to see in Prince George?
More entertainment options for young adults.
Next time you’re walking in the woods and you come face-to-face with a Sasquatch, what do you do?
Try to communicate and learn about Sasquatch life.
If the next city council does something film-worthy, who would play you in the film? Julianna Margulies
Complete the sentence...
When I’m not at home or at work, you can find me:...reading or volunteering.
The most random, yet interesting fact about me is: I met the Queen.
My favourite beverage is: Water
For Christmas/Hanukkah/the gift-giving season, I would like:...time to enjoy our granddaughters.
The best park in/near to Prince George is: Connaught Hill
If Prince George didn’t exist, I’d be living in: A mid-sized centre where I could connect with the community and volunteer.
When I need some pump-up music, I listen to: Classic rock music and to make me smile — the Beach Boys
