Prince George goes to the polls Nov. 19 to determine who will be their municipal leaders for the next three years.
In an effort to better inform the community on the 24 candidates running for a seat on Prince George municipal council, The Citizen sent out a form to all hopefuls with a series of questions that we hope will reveal their histories, priorities, qualifications and personalities.
Here are what they had to say.
The following is a redacted version of council candidate Scot Affleck's response to The Citizen questionnaire.
I am running as an independent. I am in no ones back pocket, therefore I can say whatever I want. (To a point.)
My name is Scot Affleck. I will be your $12 candidate during this election. I ran for a seat on city council in the 2002 election. I have been retired for four years this month after being a mailman for 31 years, one month and four days. But I wasn't counting. I am back. With a vengeance. During this election campaign, I will not climb on the back of the proverbial campaign truck, like my opponents, and proceed to shovel off copious amounts of well worn slogans, agendas, witty phrases, and of course all those cliched campaign promises that are never ever fulfilled. Just "re-promised" again in another three years. As is my nature, and this not being a campaign promise from me, I will give everyone's tax dollars more respect than needed. My principles trump phony insincere campaign promises. My belief on this matter won't be compromised, mislaid, forgotten or shuffled out of mind if I am elected to a seat on city council.
In order to pay your water, sewer and garbage taxes twice a year of more than $600, you have to earn at least a thousand dollars or more before you get to even keep those $600. And that is if you have a job. If you are a pensioner or unfortunately being unemployed, it hurts even worse. I realize this. Remember, you heard it here first.
The overtaxed and underprovided for taxpayers of this town deserve better. Much better. Both residential and commercial. (I like em both.)
I am running because I am not happy with the way our city is governed and because I believe that a majority of voters are not happy campers either with the present council and their decisions on most matters. May I presume all but one councillor? Over taxation and real estate purchases and the PAC notwithstanding? Popular issues during this election campaign, if I'm not mistaken.
My campaign strategy has not changed at all from my previous campaign years ago. Back then I ran as an independent. My campaign was self financed. That is to say, not funded by any one or any party that I would be obligated to, if elected. Then, as now, I still do not have a cause, nor do I belong to any special interest group. First off, I am not in favour of the Haldi Road School rezoning issue, and definitely not in favour of erecting nor financing the proposed Performing Arts Centre.
What I am mostly concerned about at this present time is the fact that our city of PG has debt of approximately $111 million dollars.
In closing, vote wisely. Much more wisely this time.
