ALISON SAYERS
Why are you running for CCRD Director?
I believe strongly in government representing the will of its people, and in the importance of the CCRD directors acting as one unified group for the good of our entire region. I want to contribute my strengths to the CCRD because I believe that healthy communities are built on local people working hard to solve their own challenges and capitalize on opportunities of their region. I have extensive experience with community and marine planning in our area and outside of it, so I have a very good understanding of our many interests and needs. I love working in a diverse group for collaborative solutions to complex problems. Listening to and addressing concerns with an open mind is one of my main strengths and is a very important part of a director's job. It's inevitable that conflicts occur around the table of any local government and I bring the skills needed to help resolve them in a respectful and collaborative way. I'm a facilitator, mediator, and planner by profession, and I value and embody honest leadership, thoughtfulness, and commitment. I'm also a mother and farmer, so I know what it means to get things done even when the going gets tough.
What is your vision of an economic future for the Bella Coola Valley and what steps would you take to move us towards that future?
A diversified economy is a sustainable economy. My vision for our future is an economy that values the unique contributions each of us makes to our region, and has a solid foundation in our profoundly beautiful land. This means building on what we already do so well: sustainable forestry practices, wise use of marine resources, capitalizing on our amazing farmland including agritourism, responsible and respectful ecotourism, a thriving arts economy, meeting our own food and resource needs, and jobs that our sons and daughters can come home to. I represent the CCRD alongside Brian Lande in marine planning between the Province of BC, all First Nations in our region, and the many users of our marine environment. I will help the CCRD implement and manage this marine plan, and obtain more local control of our ocean resources. I will help improve our Official Community Plan, help create a comprehensive economic development plan, and address flooding issues. All these plans will provide many positive economic steps for the valley and the Outer Coast. There is money available privately, provincially, and federally to help our community meet many of our economic goals. I'll help the CCRD work hard to get it.
What do you feel CCRD should be doing to help address some of our social issues?
First, the CCRD should ask as many people and groups in our community as possible about the social issues that are most important to them. Progress is being made in the area of CCRD and First Nations government relations, and this should continue with development of more agreements and protocols. Transportation, particularly marine transportation, needs continued attention. Flood mitigation needs in our valley are huge and need to be addressed in as many ways as possible, within the CCRD and at the provincial level. Our farm and family were hit very hard by the 2010 flood, and again in 2011, so I know firsthand the importance of addressing flooding issues here. Too many people in our community struggle financially, so economic development planning needs to include ways to share economic benefits more evenly across our community. Many individuals and organizations are actively involved in improving the overall physical and mental health of our community, and the CCRD needs to be more supportive of this hard and very important work. My husband and I, like so many who live here, value the clean air, clean water, and safety that this community provides a family. All this needs to be protected.
BRIAN LANDE
Why are you running for CCRD Director?
My reason for running for re-election to the CCRD is to continue my work on seeking stability in local Goverance. The last three years have been trying to say the least even though in the last eighteen months things have been improving, and we are moving in the right direction.There are governance issues that need addressing and some structural changes that need to be addressed in our Regional District especialy around electoral reform.
What is your vision of an economic future for the Bella Coola Valley and what steps would you take to move us towards that future?
On economic issues, I believe the Regional District's job is to create the atmosphere for business to succeed and prosper. Over the last 18 months, I have been involved in the Marine Planning Partnership (MaPP) initiative for the Central Coast along with Allison Sayers. The initiative is a joint partnership between the Province and four First Nations groups from the Central Coast. My role was to provide advice on marine use plans for our region. There will be economic opportunities coming out of this process.
What do you feel CCRD should be doing to help address some of our social issues?
Although, I recognize the importance of addressing social issues within our region, our capacity as local government is limited due to financial constraints and expertise. However, I do know that projects related to fitness such as a walking trail and a fitness facility with a new pool would contribute greatly to the health and well-being of our community. Community involvement and fundraising will be key to moving these projects forward.
JAN PRINS
Why are you running for CCRD Director?
I am running for the office of Director of Area C because I see a need for the betterment of the economic situation in the valley and that the “status quo” is not working. We are in the 21st century and we need to realize that if we do not move ahead then we decline. Through visiting with a great deal of the electorate, I have come to the realization that there is an atmosphere of apathy in the valley, as people seem to think that nothing changes because the CCRD does nothing to improve the economics of the region. I would like to change that attitude, given the chance, working to enhance the economic development of the region while keeping the focus on the environment. We have a beautiful area here and first priority would be to focus on “selling” ourselves and the valley as a destination, and to foster economic opportunities.
What is your vision of an economic future for the Bella Coola Valley and what steps would you take to move us towards that future?
My vision for the economic future of the valley is that we need to focus on specialty industries and to promote the tourism sector to a greater degree. This valley can also be a retirement centre with more services and also be a “getaway” for people from the city. Point in hand, it is only one hour and five minutes from Vancouver, about the same commute as Victoria or Chilliwack. If given the mandate, I would promote these features to peoples from the major centres. I would also take steps to improve the recreational amenities for the young people in the valley. It seems that there is nothing for children in their teens to do and we all know the consequences of “Idle Time”. We have some good venues for children in the valley, but I would like to see these expanded to include field trips and the like.
What do you feel CCRD should be doing to help address some of our social issues?
As I currently sit as the alternate for Brian Lande, I have been privy to comments made in the board meetings. There is an atmosphere of genuine concern for the residents of the valley and their well being but I would promote more activities for the young and old and possibly the expansion of services to various groups. I know that our resources are limited and that with the capital projects that are ongoing, the finances are stretched but with a little creativity we can offer more to the populace especially those at risk. We need to come together as a community to address all these issues. I also realize that there exists an attitude of “them and us”and promise to work to break down that barrier as it impedes any progress that we can make to improve the valley as a whole.
MARK NELSON
Why are you running for CCRD Director?
I have lived in Bella Coola for the past forty plus years, and believe I have skills and experience that will serve me well as a director of the CCRD. I look forward to the challenge of helping our community move forward.
What is your vision of an economic future for the Bella Coola Valley and what steps would you take to move us towards that future?
I served on the Economic Development Commission (recommending and reporting to the CCRD) for a number of years. That together with my years of working as a self-employed contractor in this region gives me insight into opportunities and possibilities for the future.
What do you feel CCRD should be doing to help address some of our social issues?
The biggest social issue we must address is our young people having to leaving our communities to find work. Creating economic opportunities at home is the first step.
RICHARD HALL
Why are you running for CCRD Director?
We need to develop a balanced team to serve the communities and gracefully move forward into the future. Work together and create equal opportunities for all.
What is your vision of an economic future for the Bella Coola Valley and what steps would you take to move us towards that future?
I am not a visionary or can foretell the future, however, I would like to create the opportunity for some economic stability, create jobs and look at our options to minimize the usage fossil fuels in the valley. I say we, as people of the valley, work together with communities to develop “the run of the river project.” Utilize the river as power or all in the valley.
What do you feel CCRD should be doing to help address some of our social issues?
Well, we are adults and we should be responsible and accountable for our own actions and as community leaders, we should be engaging the outside world to create and seek the opportunities for recreation centers for our children. Create a balanced world of technology and sports. Get them off the streets.
SAMUEL SCHOONER
Why are you running for CCRD Director?
I am committed to been a part of an effective leadership team (CCRD Board) that provides fair representation to the whole valley, all of the communities. That means showing up and getting the job done!
What is your vision of an economic future for the Bella Coola Valley and what steps would you take to move us towards that future?
The Bella Coola Valley, including the ocean communities are all faced with some daunting economic challenges that can only overcome by working together, using community input and participation as part of the formula to creating new, dependable economic opportunities; real jobs creating a real future. This means getting through the visioning, planning process and finding realistic ways to bring these opportunities to the people.
What do you feel CCRD should be doing to help address some of our social issues?
First, identify the issues through community input and carefully, research the data, keeping in mind unemployment is a major contributor to social illness. Unemployment does not mean just jobs, it also means getting off the couch and contributing to the solution which is employment with purpose. Second, identify what resources are available to use to work on the problems. Third, develop a plan of action and measure its effectiveness on an established timeline; does it work?