Platform
A common-sense plan for Salmon Arm
What I'll focus on — and how I'll go about it.
How I'll work
First and foremost, I will listen. There's a lot to learn about the issues — there's a history and a reason we are where we are. I'll learn quickly.
- When something doesn't make sense, I'll work with fellow councillors to create the change that serves the residents of Salmon Arm.
- I will not accept "we've always done it that way" or "that's just how it works." I'll challenge outdated policy.
- I'll spend time outside city hall working on fresh approaches, and consult businesspeople and residents so the ideas brought to council actually serve you.
- It's your money council spends. I'll treat it as my own.
- I won't just bring common sense to City Hall — I'll respectfully ask it of others as well.
Addressing issues and creating change through mutual respect and inclusion — but the reason I'm here is to get things done.
01
Recreation
There are more opportunities we can bring residents of Salmon Arm — and instead of costing the city money, recreation can increase revenue and reduce taxpayer support.
- Work with the clients who rent our facilities to brainstorm fresh ideas that serve them better and bring in more revenue for the city.
- Determine an acceptable level of support for the Recreation Society, and hold them accountable for it.
- The studies have been done. Decide what we want the Recreation Facility to be, how we're going to finance it, and move forward with a plan for residents — this term.
02
Vitality downtown
A downtown where residents feel safe, businesses can thrive and people want to spend time.
- Build meaningful, transparent and measurable objectives around safety, security and comfort — and work with the community, including the RCMP, to make sure residents are getting what they deserve.
- Evaluate existing bylaws, or create new ones, that make our city safer and more comfortable.
- Listen to businesses and shoppers about parking and infrastructure problems — more than we believe our spreadsheets and parking-lot utilization rates.
- Make it easier to do business. Evaluate which regulations, laws and permits the city has discretion over, and make the best decisions for Salmon Arm's growth and sustainability. Sit down with business owners about their irritants and resolve them together.
- Protect the green spaces and trails around town, and increase the walkability and vibrancy of our beautiful city.
03
Major infrastructure
Salmon Arm is about to take on the two largest projects in its history: a new wastewater facility and a decision on the recreation facility.
- Bring a sound business approach to what gets built, how it gets built and how it gets paid for.
- Recognize the needs of our community, listen to stakeholders, and make the decisions necessary to bring these projects forward this term. If not a shovel in the ground, then a concrete call to action on our decision.
- Work heavily on the financing so we don't burden today's residents, but pay for assets sustainably over time — and work extensively with individuals and private business where it makes sense.
04
Budget
It's your money council spends. I'll treat it as my own.
- Rigorously review current spending and capital allocation, and make the difficult decisions to ensure capital allocation and common sense align. Spend money on what this city needs to grow as a beautiful place to raise a family, do business, recreate and attract tourism.
- Work tirelessly to make Salmon Arm one of the most economical cities in the Okanagan to live, do business and recreate in.
- Understand — and get creative about — how we construct and finance two of the largest infrastructure projects this city has ever undertaken.
Questions?
If something here needs more detail — or you see it differently — I want to hear it.