Cal Traversy is one of the Delta council candidates running in this month's civic election. Here are his responses to a questionnaire from the Optimist:
1. Bio – Tell readers a bit about yourself and why you are running for office.
I am running because we live in a great city and community that has been wonderful to me and my family. I want to do my part to keep Delta great and make it even better. I see significant challenges ahead for Delta and I am seeking a seat on Delta council because I want to roll up my sleeves and help Delta continue to thrive. I have the knowledge and experience needed to do a great job. My record and experience as a Sergeant with Delta Police Department and through my volunteer work here in Delta show that I am a hard worker. I have chaired the Tour De Delta, coached both boys and girls soccer, participated in Cops for Cancer, Ride to Survive and Ride to Conquer Cancer. I have ethics, integrity and trust you can see that in my build up to election day on October 20th, watching council meetings, knocking on several 1000 doors and through my social media accounts I have spread the Achieving for Delta message.
2. Most pressing issue – What issue are you most passionate about and what action will you take on it?
Low taxes and a debt free Delta. Keeping young families and seniors in Delta. Investing in our community. Keeping Delta Safe. Fighting for a Bridge to replace the George Massey Tunnel. A brighter Future for our Children. Hold every other council meeting in North Delta.
3. 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?
Look to provide more housing options for youth and seniors. Protect our agricultural lands and character of our neighbourhoods. Consult with the community, folks who live here, developers to see what viable options are for families to be able to make it affordable for young people and seniors to continue to live a thrive in Delta.
4. 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?
It is important to continue to educate our youth and families regarding the effects of marijuana in our society. simply speaking keep cannabis out of the hands of youth, keep profits out of the hands of criminals, protect public health and safety by allowing adults access to safe, legal cannabis. Create a public Safety Committee to provide feedback on City Initiatives to keeping Delta Safe.
5. 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?
Build a bridge. I have firsthand knowledge and experience regarding the George Massey. The George Massey Tunnel concrete is failing. It's a real risk to our first responders and I am a former first responder that has been to fatalities in the tunnel. A bridge is his first option and something that requires both provincial and federal support. With thoughts of expanding Deltaport, which there is, I would say that we need to sort out the infrastructure to support the existing volumes from the Deltaport and how it feeds into our business and supply chain.
6. 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?
The casino tax money for revenues from a casino could go towards the growing issue of mental health and domestic violence. I would also support a cashless casino model as they have in New Zealand.
