Candidates were asked to fill out a profile questionnaire. Here are their responses:
MAYOR
Scott Attrill
51, self-employed barber
Position sought: Mayor
I have been a local businessman in the Esquimalt area for the last 20 years. My vision includes removing antiquated building height restrictions, so we can share the view of our coastlines with future residents from all over Canada and the world. This action alone would increase our tax revenues that will help reduce property taxes and increase funding for community projects and services. Another goal is to make the building permit process more efficient and quick,and to encourage homeowners to build secondary suites. I want a binding referendum on the Admirals Road Corridor Project. Reducing access for both the commuters and emergency response. Also, a binding referendum on the proposed septic treatment plant that Barb Desjardins wants to build next to City Hall, underground, under a twelve story building in a earth quake prone region.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Attrillforesquimalt/
Barb Desjardins**
58, physiotherapist
Position sought: Mayor
Under my leadership the past two terms, Esquimalt has successful met several challenges. We completed a process for policing resulting in an agreement providing Esquimalt with dedicated patrol, reduced cost, and governance equality. Esquimalt also stood united against a sewage treatment plan that, in the opinion of our citizens and across the region, was poorly thought out. The lack of consultation on the CRD's part was a call to action for Esquimalt residents. The resulting engagement, participation, and action of Esquimalt people has been to our benefit. This public participation is a valuable precedent for our community to make things happen in the next term. As Mayor, I bring experience, vision, accessibility, and a strong voice for Esquimalt. Our Village project, implementation of our Economic Development Strategy, creating a better sewage solution, celebrating our culture of events across the spectrum, can and will be done this term. Together, we will build a better Esquimalt!
Facebook: Barb Desjardins For Mayor of Esquimalt
John Ducker
56, retired deputy police chief
Position sought: Mayor
It is time to get our town moving again. My goal is to grow proud and historic Esquimalt into a vibrant family-friendly community by creating new opportunities to live, work and play. My plan for progress includes: Revitalize the community, clean up the downtown, and get the stalled Esquimalt Village Project back on track. Development permits in 30 days or less if a project meets all the requirements as set out by the municipality. New amenities like a water park for children and an Esquimalt Farmers Market. Encourage construction of affordable homes for families and modernize our warehouse district so Esquimalt can benefit from new jobs, new tax revenue and new residents. Action to alleviate the traffic snarl, especially on Admirals and Craigflower. Better bus service between Esquimalt and the West Shore, with peak hours service to and from CFB Esquimalt. Improved walkability and foot and bicycle connections through the community. Let's build a healthy team approach to problem solving and running the municipality. Let's be good neighbours and work with the region to build solutions and achieve our shared goals.
Facebook: teamducker
David Michael Shebib
71, junk hauler
Position sought: Mayor
Government doesn't have the right to put itself in debt. With me as mayor a lot of people are going to be fired and many municipal assets sold off. Time for everyone to meditate on their delusional preconceptions of 'job security'. If the police refuse to tow the line they will be put on leave and a massive deputizing of volunteers will replace them. It is not hard to be mayor when you understand patience as the core of response and recovery.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Shebib-for-Mayor/1428992550689761
COUNCIL (6 seats)
Meagan Brame*
45, business operator and provincial employee
Position sought: Councillor
Two of my successes on council the last two terms were the Youth Engagement Policy, allowing young people to sit as full members on Council Committees, along with the work council has done regarding sewage treatment; residents spoke and we listened. Vote for me because I am approachable and listen; I’m a voice for you. I have a strong community spirit and believe my past council decisions were made in a thoughtful, mature and transparent manner; working with my colleagues, promoting collaboration and team work, both within council and with the residents and businesses. We have some major changes coming and I feel my experience and dedication will serve the community well. One goal if elected is to work with staff to develop a property tax reduction plan for properties that complete work that improves the streetscape of our downtown, while being mindful to support our infrastructure. A zero percent increase each year isn’t feasible to accomplish our goals AND maintain services.
Facebook: Meagan Brame for Esquimalt Council
Beth Burton-Krahn
50, therapist
Position sought: Councillor
I have been a grass roots community activist for many many years, I am a founding director of the Sewage Treatment Action Group (STAG) and a founding director of the Esquimalt Residents Association and it's time to take a risk and run for Council. I want to be part of the decision making team as Esquimalt Moves Forward. STAG has been on the front lines and we are now celebrating our victory in moving the entire region towards a decentralized model for wastewater treatment. I am also passionate about making sure Esquimalt is running a tight ship and that some much needed projects get attention; road improvements, the Township bicycle master plan to name just a couple. I am interested in seeing our development process streamlined as to become an attractive community to developers to invest in. We have some of the most valuable real estate in the region, only 5 minutes to down town. And Esquimalt is ready to evolve and grow.
https://www.facebook.com/bethforesquimaltcouncil
Lynda Hundleby*
21+, retired
Position sought: Councillor
In addition to 12 years of knowledge and experience gained in both local and regional issues as an elected Esquimalt Councillor, I have a lifetime commitment to the people of Esquimalt. We raised our family here. They attended local schools, learned to swim, skate, play ball and soccer in our facilities. I served 6 years on the Esquimalt Parks and Recreation Commission. I will continue to advocate for a liveable, inclusive Esquimalt that is healthy, safe, welcoming, and environmentally-conscious. I expect Council to maintain fiscal accountability; encourage public involvement in decisions affecting our neighbourhoods; and to honour our heritage. I participate, am dependable and diligent in my efforts. I am respectful and work collaboratively listening to other points of view including those of the public. In making decisions, I consider all perspectives legal, financial, environmental, and social. I have done an excellent job in my role and I promise to do more of the same.
www.facebook.com/LyndaHundlebyforEsquimaltCouncillor2014
Rod Lavergne
70, retired RCN
Position sought: Councillor
Why should you give me an X on election day? I am running to bring common sense to the Esquimalt Council Chamber and to the approach of senior staff in delivery of services to the citizens. Too many on the current council appear more concerned about their financial compensation than their service on committees and being representatives of the people for how the services are delivered to the community. I may be only one voice but it will be a loud voice on behalf of the people. I will listen to anyone who has a problem dealing with city hall and will be there to assist residents.
Olga Liberchuk
27, constituency assistant at Esquimalt- Juan de Fuca office
Position sought: Councillor
Esquimalt is my home. I plan to raise my family here, so I have a keen interest in keeping our community prosperous, inviting, and safe. I care about our community and I will bring that dedication to Esquimalt Council. I believe that thriving businesses, environmental integrity and economic sustainability are necessary to make our community attractive to new developments and residents. I’m currently on the board of Esquimalt Residents Association, Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society, Esquimalt Environmental Advisory Committee, and I’m the founding president of the Esquimalt Community Gardens Society. I joined these organizations to foster a healthy community and I had the opportunity to work with families from different cultures and backgrounds. I ask for your vote on November 15. Municipal decisions have a huge impact on everyone’s life and this is your chance to elect a council that will make our community the best place to live, work and play.
www.facebook.com/olgaforesquimalt
Susan Low
38, community developer in the non-profit sector
Position sought: Councillor
Esquimalt's future is looking bright: we are launching an Economic Development Strategy, building partnerships with neighbouring municipalities and First Nations, and becoming a hotspot for arts, culture and recreation. I'm running because I want to bring my skills in business, community development and fiscal management to serve the people of Esquimalt. My priorities are community economic development, addressing poverty, and standing up for Esquimalt on regional issues. I'm firmly against sewage treatment at McLoughlin Point.
http://Facebook.com/SusanLowBC
Robert (Bob) McKie*
65, retired
Position sought: Councillor
There are a number of issues that still need to be dealt with . The biggest of course is our sewage problem . the Esquimalt residents have made it very clear that one sewage treatment plant for Greater Victoria located in Esquimalt is not an option. The fight with the CRD is not over and we have to be vigilant in our concerns. Taxes is another concern I hear from our citizens ,we must do diligent to make sure we stay at 0% like the last 3 years or as low as we can hold them. Esquimalt Village Project is a large undertaking ,we have a prime piece of real estate and we must ensure we move in the right direction , in planning of our Village , with vibrant shops, businesses, restaurants and office space. I am committed to making our community in Esquimalt a healthy friendly and a vibrant community for families and businesses . Please vote for me (Bob) Mckie on Nov. 15
Tim Morrison*
43, senior communications adviser, B.C. Assessment Authority
Position sought: Councillor
Much has been achieved during my first term on Council including a three-year freeze on property tax increases with no reduction in our municipal services or infrastructure maintenance; a resolution to the decade-long dispute over policing costs that has resulted in better policing services for Esquimalt at a lower overall cost; and unprecedented public engagement as we succeeded in stopping the CRD from dumping all the region’s sewage treatment upon Esquimalt. Continuing in our success, we now need to focus on the economic revitalization of Esquimalt and a better future for our community. Specifically, we need to focus on Esquimalt Road as a better image for our community. We need to celebrate with more community events, enhanced parks & recreation and support for our burgeoning arts & culture. We need new investment, quality businesses and a vibrant lifestyle for residents and visitors to Esquimalt. Over the next term of Council, we want to make Esquimalt the place to be.
https://www.facebook.com/TimMorrison.Esquimalt
Brenda O'Connor
42, financial consultant
Position sought: Councillor
I believe my financial and business background combined with my genuine interest in people will make me a valuable addition to Esquimalt Council. As a former business owner I understand how to encourage growth while continuing to maintain or unique community feel. My main goal if elected is to engage the Esquimalt community. I will continue to live, work, and play in Esquimalt, attending events and remaining open and accessible to the public. I will promote open forums to gather public input and look forward to growing with this wonderful community.
brendaoconnorforesquimaltcouncil.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/BrendaOC250
Mark F. Salter
56, convention services manager of Songhees Wellness Centre
Position sought: Councillor
I believe the residents of Esquimalt need a Councillor that has proven their leadership in Esquimalt and the CRD. I have been an adviser to 3 different councils since 2008 and lead a task force on behalf of Mayor and Council and recognized by the CRD for my 'environmental leadership. To much time has been wasted discussing an economic development plan 4 in the past 14 years. I want to inspire our town and council to develop a thriving village core and affordable services and amenities in Esquimalt. My main goal once elected is to work in implementing the recently completed Economic Development plan and work with the Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce members to create an Esquimalt Rd. that reflects the true beauty of Esquimalt. Our parks and beaches are the destination of all the residents of the CRD however we are not providing these visitors with an appealing reason to stop and shop or dine in our town.
David Schinbein*
61, security worker
Position sought: Councillor
I believe that a councillor's role is to represent the wishes of the community with an open mind and a careful consideration of the facts being presented for council's decision. I will continue to provide that mindset at Esquimalt's council table. I take pride in the work done over the last 3 years: - Standing up for the citizens of the township and region in the water treatment issue and to give the opportunity for other water treatment options to be examined - Completing the police agreement with Victoria - 0% local property tax increases during my term - Decrease in our business tax I will continue to work for the betterment of Esquimalt and to ensure that any future projects are viewed with a close eye on the costs to the taxpayers, as I have done during this term. I solicit your support to return to Esquimalt council and continue to represent the best interests of all of us who live in the great community of Esquimalt
Josh Steffler
35, baker at Country Grocer
Position sought: Councillor
I am running because taxes are too high. I discovered that municipal staff in some positions make more than the top advisor in the White House! We need a wage cap to stop middle and upper management salaries from growing unsustainably. Esquimalt council in the past has discouraged local business to come and set up by enacting unconstitutional and discriminatory by-laws. I come to rectify this. I am running to tell the business community "we are open for business, we will not charge you $2000 a year for a business license, and welcome the jobs and prosperity that small business brings into communities" I believe we need average people on council, too often councils are filled with lawyers, lobbyists and board members. Where are the average people? Where are the Bakers?(thats me) the barbers? the clerks? I tire of people that dont represent me, sitting in council saying they represent me. I am the underdog, an average guy, and I believe we need more people like that on municipal council.
Facebook: Josh Steffler for Esquimalt Council
* indicates incumbent councillor
** indicates incumbent mayor
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