***Please take our quiz before reading this Q&A.***
Alex Megalos is one of the candidates running for mayor in this month's civic election. Here are his responses to a questionnaire from the Optimist:
1. Housing – Delta’s housing stock, developed largely in the 1960s and 1970s, is under pressure. What are your plans to ensure there are affordable housing options and what will you do to protect the integrity of existing neighbourhoods?
Each neighbourhood has the same concern and worries, they do not want to look over their shoulder. I understand that, so let’s not make the same mistakes as Surrey, Vancouver. Without working together in finding something both city and neighbourhoods can agree on. It is easy making a chose and saying that is how it is going to be. Or we can make and understand the change together so everything can be heard and seen.
2. Marijuana – The legalization of marijuana in Canada has created a number of issues for local government. Do you have concerns over where cannabis could be grown and where it could be sold in Delta?
I have to say I do like some ideas of Mayor Lois Jackson has suggested, like they should be more in Industrial buildings. I have concerns on where it will be sold. I would like to see them more close together in an area more for themselves so there options as a business. It is easier protecting and serving the public better. Having them spread out throughout the town is unsafe and it is forcing to smoke and drive. Closer the better.
3. Municipal debt – A no new borrowing policy instituted almost two decades ago has eliminated Delta’s debt. Will you continue this policy or do you see the need to borrow to undertake certain capital projects?
If we are debt free then why do we have homelessness in Delta? If we are debt free then why is property taxes still going up. If it is the way that you say then of course. Let’s look at the books closer. In my own life I say if I cannot afford it do not get it. We will stay within our means and if we are debt free. That is something to be happy about.
4. Recreation facilities – Delta has an ever-growing wish list of parks and recreation projects that is well in excess of $100 million. Do you have any projects you see as priorities and how do you intend to pay for them?
The last question said that Delta is debt free, so we must have money within local government to support projects to better our parks for the children and adults. The income of Delta is quite clear, the old council has allocated money to specific areas. And understand what they have done and seeing what is left over so we can put it to good use.
5. End of service benefit – Early last year Delta council unanimously approved an end of service benefit for civic politicians. Do you agree with the idea of a golden handshake and do you believe it should be backdated for 12 years?
It is hard sometimes hard to hear peoples reason why they agreed to an end of service benefit. I do not agree with it. When I run for Mayor you get what you get and you’re on your own for the rest. I know what I am getting myself into and do not expect anything extra form the community. If everyone got a golden handshake like that sure but otherwise not a chance. Then I ask you this, if the last council could do this for themselves seeing that there extra money floating around why can they not lower property taxes.
6. Lobby for bridge/crossing – The City of Delta has been an outspoken advocate for a new Fraser River crossing, specifically the 10-lane bridge approved by the former Liberal government. Would your administration continue to advocate for the bridge or do you support a different approach?
When there is two sides of the river, it does not matter on just what we want. Ten lanes going where back into three. We are trying to solve one problem by sending the bottleneck to another location. I will do what the community wants, I am for a tunnel not a bridge. In the end we choose as a community.
7. Casino – Delta council’s approval of Gateway’s casino proposal was not without controversy. With construction poised to begin soon, what do you plan to do with casino revenues and what measures do you plan to take to ensure a casino isn’t a negative impact on the community?
Well I already think it is a negative part of our community. We are bring problems of money laundering to Delta. Or am I the only one that sees that. The old council needed to leave their mark on DELTA. At least the chief of police sees the problem that is coming to our community. I am quite shocked that the Premier and the Attorney General of BC are letting it still go through when they do not even understand who is to blame. That makes me feel so much better. I do not want to see it at this time to go through. The last council made a big mistake. I will if I could put it on hold. I have too many questions which I believe have not been addressed.
8. Property taxes – Two recent studies have Delta near the top of Lower Mainland municipalities in terms of local government spending on a per capita basis. Do you believe Delta property owners are overtaxed or do you think they get good value for their tax dollars?
I do believe very strongly that the people in Delta that own are over taxed. As a renter living in Delta I do not see the value for your buck. A few question back said that Delta is debt. So why is the property taxes so high. I believe we need to lower property taxes just enough to feel the relief because the other levels of government milking us dry.
9. Enviro-Smart -- The stench from the composting facility in East Ladner continues to infuriate neighbours. Do you feel the air quality permit issued by Metro Vancouver will sufficiently address the situation and do you believe such an operation should be located on farmland?
The permit is not good enough, and it will not address the problem. It only shows one side is being heard more then the others. This problem is not a new one it has been present for many years. Yes I do think it should be located on farm lands in an open area.
10. Farmland speculation -- More than 1,200 citizens have signed a petition stating their opposition to the possibility that a piece of farmland in central Tsawwassen could become home to a greenhouse or even residential development. What steps can be taken to ensure land speculation doesn’t negatively impact residents?
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