Kim Kendall is one of the Delta council candidates running in this month's civic election. Here are her responses to a questionnaire from the Optimist:
1. Bio – Tell readers a bit about yourself and why you are running for office.
I’ve lived in Delta with my family since 2011, I want to help build a community in which my children will be proud to live.
I’m very proud to serve as the President of the North Delta Rotary Club, board member of the Tour de Delta, past board member of Tourism Delta, and Delta Hospital Foundation’s Moonlight Gala Committee.
2. Most pressing issue – What issue are you most passionate about and what action will you take on it?
Parks & Rec facilities are close to my heart and are for the enjoyment of our entire community. We need to improve our sports fields both artificial and grass to make them safe for year-round use by our community. Delta needs to focus our efforts on replacing our tracks rather than pointing fingers and pushing off the responsibility to others.
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?
Housing affordability is at a crisis, young people and seniors have been priced out of our beloved community. Attention and care must be paid to existing neighborhoods and community plans, but they must not be detrimental handcuffs.
To address the issues that we are facing today, council must be open to all ideas. We need to become creative and ready to tackle the problem.
Team Delta has committed that with 100 days of being elected we will sit down with academics, economists, community and housing activists, developers, leading Delta residents and others and hold a housing summit to enact new municipal policies to take effect in the early spring.
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?
Yes. As of October 17th, this is a reality. Although it’s a Federal government decision retail sale of non-medical cannabis needs to be regulated carefully to protect children and others who may be at risk.
I will fight to protect our farmland for food production as I believe cannabis should only be grown in industrial facilities.
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?
I am in support of the bridge option due to safety concerns. As well as getting more improved public transit moving through our community. I believe that the bridge would have less impact on our farmland than any tunnel expansion options.
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?
When elected, Team Delta has committed to use casino revenues to attract more General Practitioners to Delta as well as create scholarships, bursary’s, and grants to be made available to young Delta residents who pursue health related studies in post-secondary.
