The North Delta Reporter sent candidates for councillor a list of eight questions to gauge their positions on some of the major issues in the 2018 civic election campaign. We gave candidates a limit of 400 words total to answer. Here’s what Achieving for Delta candidate Dylan Kruger had to say:
(Note, all candidates’ answers have been edited for length, clarity and to conform with Canadian Press style, as required.)
1) Why are you running for council?
I am a lifelong Delta resident with extensive governing experience at both the federal and provincial level. I am passionate about keeping young families in Delta and making sure the next generation of Deltans are set up for success.
2) What in your opinion are the top issues facing the City of Delta and how do you plan to address them?
When you look on a transit map of Metro Vancouver, Delta is where they put the index. For too long, Delta has been under-served when it comes to public transportation. I understand the gaps in service and how to fight for much-needed improvements.
3) What is your plan for addressing the need for affordable and rental housing in Delta, especially as it relates to medium- and high-density developments/highrises in North Delta?
I’m running to fight for young families and seniors who love Delta but are being forced to leave because there are no housing options for them here. We need councillors at the table who understand this housing crisis and will take action to create smart housing options. We also don’t have to choose between keeping families and seniors in Delta and preserving the character of our existing neighbourhoods. We can, and should, do both.
4) What is your stance on cannabis production and retail sales in Delta?
I do not support the Agricultural Land Commission’s decision to allow marijuana growth on ALR land. Marijuana should be grown only in our industrial areas, with proper ventilation, employee parking and security measures in place. I support council’s decision to zone out marijuana for retail use across the City of Delta. This way, council can control the growth of retail stores through variance permits. I would not support retail marijuana locations anywhere close to schools or other locations frequented by children.
5) A number of Delta’s recreation facilities are in need of upgrading or replacement. Which projects do you think are important to tackle first, and where will you find the money to pay for them?
I would like council to partner with our school board in order to upgrade and replace many of Delta’s tracks and fields. There are many needs but a replacement for the track at North Delta Secondary is a top priority. We can achieve this without borrowing and while keeping taxes low.
6) A new Casino will soon be built at the site of the Delta Town & Country Inn, bringing the city an estimated $1.5 million and $3 million in revenue. How do you think that money should best be spent, and how do you plan to mitigate the casino’s impact on the community?
I have met with countless families suffering with substance use and mental health challenges in our community. Though sometimes invisible, these challenges are tragically rampant in our community. I would support reinvesting gaming revenues back into Delta in the form of vital local programs and addiction services.
7) Last year mayor and council voted to give outgoing elected officials a “Council Service Benefit” (commonly referred to as a “golden handshake”) to compensate them for not being eligible to join the city’s pension plan. Do you support this end-of-service benefit and do you agree with the decision to backdate it 12 years?
I do not support the existing council service benefit, and I would fight to repeal it. I am disappointed with the four Delta councillors running for re-election who blame unelected city staff instead of taking accountability for their actions. I will remain accountable to the voters for my decisions.
8) The previous mayor and council advocated for a 10-lane bridge to replace the aging tunnel George Massey Tunnel. That is your preferred replacement option (or do you think it even needs replacing), and why?
The Massey Tunnel is seismically unsafe and provides a major problem for our first responders. I will fight for Delta commuters by pressing the government to get on with the bridge project.
The civic election takes place on Saturday, Oct. 20.
SEE ALSO: 43 candidates running in Delta civic election
editor@northdeltareporter.com
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