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Delta candidate Q&As: Jim Cessford

***Please take our quiz before reading this Q&A.*** Jim Cessford 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.
Jim Cessford
Jim Cessford

***Please take our quiz before reading this Q&A.***

Jim Cessford 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?

We will work to develop a strategic Housing Action Plan with particular attention to density along the Scott Road corridor. Make use of Federal and Provincial grant and funding programs. We will negotiate with developers to make 15% of units available for rental, cooperative or subsidized housing. We will work within the Official Community Plans and we will conduct a review of Bylaw 7600 with authentic community consultation, and make necessary changes.

 

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?

Yes I do not believe we have had enough public consultation, leaving many residents anxious around the issue of legalization. Realtors have also raised concerns with regard to the new laws governing growing at home.  We need to develop a plan to manage issues relating to growing and distribution. I believe cannabis should be grown in industrial areas and not on agricultural lands.  Agricultural lands should be utilized for food production and horticulture. The odour needs to be managed. Sales will have to be restricted to certain areas, away from schools or any area where youth frequent. We need to collaborate with our neighbours to ensure that we are handling the issues consistently.

 

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?

Debt management program has worked at the cost of our infrastructure, which has deteriorated. We will need to spend money to upgrade, maintain or replace failing infrastructure. We will require the agreement of the community to undertake some of these projects and it may be necessary to hold a referendum to obtain approval for borrowing.

 

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?

Winskill Recreation Center is in need of upgrading. We have two tracks that need upgrading or replacement and we need to partner with the school district, and other levels of government to complete the work. We require a facility for racquet sports including, tennis, pickleball, handball, squash and others. Several park upgrades are necessary. I would consider using reserve funds, intelligent investment and partnerships to pay for these projects.  We are committed to making Delta a safer, happier and healthier community.

 

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?

This issue should have been discussed in an open forum so the public could have observed the discussion.  I believe that a thorough review and public consultation is necessary to determine what the proper remuneration should be.  Two of the colleagues on our team and current City councillors have put forward a motion to have a fulsome review of the bylaw.

 

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?

Our administration will advocate for a bridge, an extensive Engineering assessment has been conducted.  The results of their assessment need to be verified and the safest and most cost effective approach should be used.

 

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?

Casino revenues should be set aside and utilized for specific purposes i.e. seniors programs, youth programs and recreation facilities.  These monies should not be placed into general revenue.  We will work very closely with BCLC, the Police and other agencies to ensure the casino is being managed in a professional manner and will not cause any negative impact on the community.

 

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?

We should be working to keep our taxes down. Currently our taxes are at mid range in the Metro Vancouver area.  A large portion of our taxes contribute to our emergency services and as a result we have one of the safest communities in the Province. I believe that we should also be utilizing our tax money to pay for parks and other amenities.

 

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?

This is a serious community problem.  I do not believe the air quality permit is going to address the situation, I do not support industrial composting on agricultural lands and every effort should be made to remove this facility from its current location.  We must work with Metro Vancouver and the Province to fully address this problem.

 

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?

I will make every effort to preserve farm lands in Delta. I will also work to ensure the residential communities around the farmland are also protected. This particular piece of farmland must be kept within the A1 land use designation to enable the City to manage the land appropriately.