As we approach the civic election, every edition of the Optimist includes lots of ads with smiling faces of candidates and now lawn signs are dotting the roadways. I know nothing about most of the candidates so what I would prefer to see is their resume that qualifies them for the job and their position on local issues so I can make an informed decision.
Their gender, age or appearance are of no consequence to me as I prefer to vote for those who are experienced, qualified, have an honest track record and who feel much like me about our community.
As a result, the following is a checklist of what I assume are the major issues for South Delta that I believe most people would like answers to before they vote. There are no questions that relate to North Delta because I’m not aware of the issues that concern North Delta.
So make some copes and do what you can to elect the best candidates. Questions to ask those candidates running for mayor and council include:
A/ Will you continue the policy of no new borrowing that has allowed Delta to become debt free?
B/ Will you do whatever can be done to stop the construction of a casino in South Delta?
C/ Will you make the upgrade of Ladner Harbour a top priority?
D/ Will you consider the limitations of South Delta’s drinking water and sanitary sewer infrastructure when reviewing new developments and require developers to pay for the entire cost of upgrading to accommodate their projects?
E/ Will you work diligently to relocate or eliminate the stench coming from the East Ladner composting site, and if not successful after one year, start legal action on behalf of the residents of East Ladner?
F/ Do you pledge to work with the provincial government to get the best river crossing for South Delta? On behalf of South Delta, will you promote a new bridge or a tunnel?
G/ Will you immediately start an update of the official city plan with community input, and when complete, abide by it? The purpose of a new city plan would be to:
- Restrict operations like the East Ladner composting facility and the proposed greenhouse near Forest by the Bay from even being considered.
- Restrict speculators from coming into neighbourhoods and building two or three houses on an existing lot which completely contrasts with the existing neighbourhood and raises municipal taxes for the entire neighbourhood.
- Make it very difficult for speculators to obtain variances from the new city plan as has been done with the proposed casino which has been considered even though the current Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw 7600 prohibits “any game of chance” and Part 6 Item 6.1.3 “uses prohibited in all zones” includes Sections (b) gaming activity and (e) off track betting.
- To reduce the amount of time residents have to spend to review and oppose changes to their neighbourhood or community.
H/ Will you explore the possibility and feasibility of South Delta separating from North Delta as the two communities have almost no common conditions or interests?
Greg Hoover is a project manager in industrial and commercial construction who has lived with Christina in Tsawwassen for over 25 years.
