Saanich voters go to the polls on Saturday, Sept. 23, to elect a new member of council. Below, the 10 candidates tell readers why they believe they are the best choice to fill that seat.
The election is to replace longtime councillor Vic Derman, who died on March 17.
Where to vote, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, 3220 Cedar Hill Rd.
• Gordon Head Recreation Centre, 4100 Lambrick Park Way
• G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd.
• Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Rd.
For more information, go to saanich.ca/elections
Nathalie Chambers
Age: 47
Lived in Saanich: 37 years
Occupation: Farmer
Why I believe I’m the best choice for Saanich:
I think I’m the best choice for voters who are looking for something different. I’m not a career politician — I’m a mother, farmer, author and activist. I’ve spend my whole life here in Saanich, building a sustainable, affordable farming community.
I decided to run for council because I feel that we have a real window of opportunity right now to create positive change. We’ve just elected a progressive provincial government, and with an equally progressive council we can put Saanich on the cutting edge of green communities.
I’m running to represent ordinary voters who are ready for bold, pragmatic and progressive leadership on the issues that shape our lives, such as affordable housing, child and senior care, farmland protection, road safety, cycling infrastructure and EPDA reform
Rebecca Mersereau
Age: 33
Lived in Saanich: Five years
Occupation: Water resource consultant (utility management and water policy)
Why I believe I’m the best choice for Saanich:
My nature is co-operative, thoughtful, and hard-working. At this juncture, Saanich council urgently needs these qualities to more efficiently and proactively address our biggest challenges, such as affordability and traffic congestion. I focus on issues rather than personalities, and I have a good rapport and common ground with all current members of council. I will also contribute much-needed energy and a younger, longer-term perspective.
I am well qualified for a seat on council: I work with municipal staff and elected officials every day to help them manage the finances and operation of water services. Over the past two years, I have also worked (part-time) toward a master’s degree in public administration, which has provided me with a strong understanding of local government operations and good public policy.
Keith Davidoff
Lived in Saanich: 20 years
Occupation: Senior project manager with B.C. Emergency Health Services
Why I believe I’m the best choice for Saanich:
I have been married 28 years to my wife, a business owner for 30 years in Saanich. Together, we have spent 20 years as Saanich residents, raising six children. I am a senior project manager with B.C. Emergency Health Services and sit on the Saanich advisory design panel. I have served on the Gordon Head Baseball Association board for 20 years, eight years as president.
An “outside the box” thinker complemented by a voice of reason, I will bring a rational mindset to Saanich council. I will work to understand stakeholders’ issues; determine objectives; outline strategies; receive necessary input; and ultimately implement a plan for immediate results. Concerns of Saanich residents will be addressed and provided with a win/win solution to all.
Shawn Newby
Age: 38
Lived in Saanich: Born and raised
Occupation: Construction industry
Why I believe I’m the best choice for Saanich:
I was born and raised in Saanich and have worked in the private sector all my life.
I’m running for Saanich council so I can bring a fresh perspective to address the concerns of young families needing affordable housing, pensioners on fixed incomes, homebuilders and businesses working in our community.
My experience in the retail industry, the music industry and as owner of a renovation company allows me to approach decision-making through the lens of a business owner as well as a homeowner.
As vice-president of the Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association and as co-founder of the Saanich Sunday Farmers’ Market, I know how to work with the community to achieve our goals and make Saanich even better.
Michael Geoghegan
Age: 51
Lived in Saanich: Since 1985
Occupation: Government relations consultant
Why I believe I’m the best choice for Saanich:
More housing, lower taxes and greater accountability are three of the key reasons I am the best choice for Saanich residents to elect to council on Sept. 23. I moved to Saanich in 1985 to attend UVic where I got my BA in economics.
I was very pleased to receive the endorsement of Langford Mayor Stew Young with whom I served six years on their planning and zoning committee.
I worked for seven years at the B.C. legislature, including five years as chief of staff to a cabinet minister. I am a former CEO of the B.C. Construction Association and AOE Canada.
Art Pollard
Age: 58
Lived in Saanich: 25 years
Occupation: Senior gift shop cashier on the Spirit of Vancouver Island
Why I believe I’m the best choice for Saanich:
My history in Saanich illustrates compassion, caring and leadership. I care deeply about the future of the district of Saanich. Affordability of housing has become the major issue to be dealt with. We need innovative ways to house people, particularly our youth. We have extraordinary people who cannot afford to live in Saanich, and unless something is done soon, people will move elsewhere. The brain drain is scary, and we must take measures to stop it.
Public safety and an expanded BlockWatch program is another key plank. Saanich can save costs by investing in a stronger support of the Block Watch program.
Part of the affordability dilemma is making Saanich more attractive for business with a cohesive business district near Uptown combined with affordable housing and accessible transportation.
Karen Harper
Age: 67
Lived in Saanich: Moved here in 1967, then moved away and returned in 2000
Occupation: Retired, former chief knowledge officer, B.C. Pension Corp.
Why I believe I’m the best choice for Saanich:
While vice-president and chief knowledge officer at the B.C. Pension Corp., our executive team transformed a former government agency into a cost-effective, efficient, customer-responsive organization. My motivation in running for Saanich council is to help Saanich do the same. Since 2015, people attend council for the EDPA and local area planning/zoning issues. There is also dissatisfaction with property tax increases that have tripled the cost of living since 2002. As the only candidate who has actually worked through a successful transformation of a large organization, I know what needs to be done, and will work with community and council to change the culture of Saanich to one that is respectful, responsive, effective and efficient. Residents deserve no less.
Ned Taylor
Age: 18
Lived in Saanich: All my life
Occupation: Server at the Glenshiel, independent seniors home
Why I believe I’m the best choice for Saanich:
I’m ready to give Saanich council a new perspective and voice for our underrepresented youth. I have a full plan that’s built off consultation with community associations. My priorities are to address our housing crisis by examining the tiny-house movement, and other unique affordable options. Second, to fight climate change and reduce waste. Finally, creating better access to council by scheduling occasional weekend council meetings, among other initiatives. As councillor, I’ll listen to your ideas and concerns first, then bring them to council. I’ll answer my phone when you call and I’ll respond to your emails within 24 hours. I want to give you a councillor who is passionate, forward-thinking and, most importantly, listening to what you have to say.
Marsha Henderson
Age: 57
Lived in Saanich: Grew up in Saanich and moved back 16 years ago
Occupation: Self-employed, but semi-retired
Why I believe I’m the best choice for Saanich:
The experience and qualifications which most suit me to the role of Saanich councillor didn’t come from serving on boards (though I do) or from textbooks (though I’ve studied), they’ve been gained as an engaged community member, working with others to address issues, build relationships and solve problems. Board: Healthy Saanich Advisory Committee. Action: I buy local and support farmers and micro-business by co-founding a farmers market. Board: Community Association executive, Land Use committee and Saanich Community Association Network. Action: interacting with Saanich planning staff and council, and encouraging beneficial co-operation between residents and developers, both in my neighbourhood and across Saanich, to get a range of housing built. Proven ability to work together with others for results means I can help move Saanich forward.
Rob Wickson
Age: 65
Lived in Saanich: since 1988
Occupation: Economist and business owner
Why I believe I’m the best choice for Saanich:
Experience and community focus.
For more than 20 years, I have been building community based on our shared values and vision. As an economist and business owner, I am solutions-oriented, fiscally responsible and committed to addressing budget and tax management, infrastructure and resources.
I believe that affordable, accessible housing and transportation planning are a priority.
With proven leadership skills, I have worked with our community to create lasting partnerships and vibrant neighbourhoods with a focus on collaboration and engagement. We must preserve what is unique and irreplaceable in Saanich.
Accountability and transparency are critical to our governance, and if elected to council, my commitment would be to empower our neighbourhoods and deliver the best services to Saanich residents and businesses.
- - -
Where to vote, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017
• Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, 3220 Cedar Hill Rd.
• Gordon Head Recreation Centre, 4100 Lambrick Park Way
• G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd.
• Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Rd.
Saanich website: Where to vote, who can vote
