From the Cfax1070 candidates survey: ✪ Stephen Andrew - Victoria mayor candidate Question: Would you commit to holding municipal property tax increases to no greater than the prevailing rate of inflation? Answer: No. I will limit increases over four years - while still dealing with infrastructure needs, develop new revenue streams that will not negatively impact city taxpayers. Since 2009 taxes have increased 27%. I will give clear direction to staff to implement changes that reduce costs. MORE: cfax1070/Pages/CFAX-Candidate-Guide-2014/Victoria#StephenAndrew Question: Would you vote to limit union and exempt staff pay increases to no greater than the prevailing rate of inflation? Answer: Yes. And no. It should be a goal as overall staffing costs need to be reduced – for example they are higher than Saanich, the Island’s largest municipality. Contracts already negotiated must be honored. But we must not consider that inflation should be the sole determinate in when budgeting payroll. Question: Would you vote to keep infrastructure projects down to the most basic (cheapest) designs? Answer: No. That’s too general. Sometimes we have an opportunity to complete an infrastructure project that will bring us benefits far into the future. You don’t always want to choose the most basic design, when higher quality can give us long term benefits. Question: Do you think the Trans-Canada Highway-McKenzie intersection is the most important transportation issue facing the Capital region? Answer: One of the most important. Many people in Victoria, who live and work in the city, hardly ever experience the McKenzie/TCH intersection. There are other transportation issues that affect the City of Victoria more directly that I will put my attention towards. Question: Do you favour a formal study of municipal amalgamation options in the Capital Region? Answer: Yes. While I am not convinced it would lead to great savings, it would bring about better governance. Question: Should your municipality pursue a small scale, go-it-alone approach to sewage treatment Answer: Yes. I believe a regional solution can be found through inclusive and cooperative negotiation. There is no empirical evidence that we should treat our sewage now. We should lobby the province and Ottawa for a slight extension to develop a superior plan and avoid multi-million dollar fines scheduled for 2020. Question: Would you vote to for a sewage plant in your municipality? Answer: Yes. Question: Will you vote for policies and spending that would resurrect rail service on the E&N line? Answer: Yes, but, only after careful consideration and it is determined the project is realistic and a priority for Victoria. There must be evidence taxpayers will see a realistic triple bottom line return on their investment. Question: Is it necessary to increase the size of sidewalks in your municipality? Answer:No Question: Does your municipality need separated bike lanes? Answer: Yes but, if we are going to make the city more bike friendly, we need to develop “bike roads” as opposed to squeezing “bike lanes” into roads that put them in conflict with motorists. Question: Should the default speed limit be lowered in your municipality on some streets? Answer: No. City staff found there is no evidence speed should be reduced in Victoria and advised Council against the project. The majority of respondents to the plan were against the move. If we haven’t spent the money, we should stop the project except where there is a proven safety issue. Question: Should personal mobility scooters be regulated? Answer: No. If there are instances where citizens are irresponsible when operating their scooter, they should be handled on a case by case basis. Question: Is a deer cull necessary in your municipality? Answer: No. I believe no animal should be unnecessarily killed. However, we need to deal with the exploding population of deer on a regional basis, not municipality by municipality. A non-cull solution should be found. Question: Should secondary suites be legal in your municipality? Answer: Yes. As long as the suites confirm to code and meet zoning requirements. Question: Does your municipality need more stringent noise regulations? Answer: No. We have reasonable noise bylaws and when complaints occur, we must have the resources to evaluate and address the issues. Citizens must feel a responsibility to maintain noise levels that are socially acceptable, including quieter mufflers on motorcycles. Question: Do you believe the Capital Region’s mandatory summer time water use restrictions are necessary? Answer: Yes. The raising of the dam at the regional reservoir has served us well. We need to continue to be leaders in water conservation. Question: Should mayors be required to be a delegate to, and serve on committees of, the Capital Regional District Board? Answer: Yes.
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 13:26:19 +0000
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