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Delta mayor candidate Q&A: Moneca Kolvyn

The North Delta Reporter sent mayoral candidates a list of eight questions to answer
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The North Delta Reporter sent mayor candidates 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 independent candidate Moneca Kolvyn 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 mayor?

I am running for mayor as I am simply disappointed with the style and quality of governorship. The whole system needs an overhaul. We need to start with an accountability panel which will keep elected officials accountable. We need to cultivate an environment of respect-for each other and every single resident for the entire four year term. We need to encourage residents to bring their concerns and suggestions to city hall knowing that it will be a positive experience

2) What in your opinion are the top issues facing the City of Delta and how do you plan to address them?

Accountability: Right now we have a panel of elected officials who felt dipping into taxpayers ‘money is fine. Bridge: I am in favour of a tunnel expansion until there is any sound evidence to the contrary. Housing: so many options, tiny houses, live above warehouses, lowering property taxes for secondary suites. Let’s get a panel together who will get creative and bring new ideas. Burns Bog: One of the largest in the world and we have yet another pending approval to develop in the bog and take more land out of ALR.

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?

We are developing backward.We have no viable transportation plan, we have no economic plan in place and we have not even considered affordable housing concerns. We need to get back to basics and get a plan in place that will support further infrastructure.

4) What is your stance on cannabis production and retail sales in Delta?

Delta has set the tone. They have allowed cannabis production in Delta on ALR land which is crazy, so I think it is hypocritical to not sell it. If we produce alcohol we should sell it. I have never touched cannabis, but it is now legal by popular demand. So let’s listen to the residents on this. If they don’t buy in Delta they will buy elsewhere.

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 think everything needs a holistic approach. There always seems to be money. I would spend my first six months doing an entire analysis of the budget, look at every cost and start prioritizing; much like a business. The current regime has governed so long that I believe there is lots of waste and a lack of fiscal management.

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?

The casino is not a go yet. Delta’s approval of this casino was a cop out. Candidates are busy spending this revenue yet haven’t stopped to consider the initial $750,000 tax break. No costs associated with infrastructure, policing, traffic congestion have been offered. Candidates have promised Little House Society the revenues for addiction solutions. Isn’t that ironic — getting revenues from an addiction to support addicts in recovery? And therein lies the problem with city hall thinking.

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?

Absolutely not.

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 bridge project began at $2.6 billion, went to $3.5 billion and now sits at $12 billion. The bridge was always about LNG moving up river; now that LNG prices have fallen we miraculously see a bridge on hold. We are being lied to.

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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