West Van gets first look at candidates

For those who weren't able to attend the Gleneagles All Candidates Meeting, hosted by the Western Residents' Association - this is what I said in my opening remarks:

What do you want from a councillor?

You need a record of public service. Community work that doesn't start when you file your nomination papers.

I've served on a number of local boards and committees - supporting our fantastic Library, our Community Centre, our school district parent council, amongst others.

You need to be an advocate. With the local group Positive Voices I've helped inform conversations and pushed for: the Kiwanis workforce housing building, the new Inglewood seniors village and long-term care facility; better protections for renters in the apartment zone, and many other issues.

You need to be a problem-solver. My record of civic advocacy led directly to working for your MLA Jeremy Valeriote (now a candidate, due to the provincial election) on local and provincial issues. For the last two years we've been all about finding solutions for residents, and advocating for essential services like regional transit for the Sea to Sky - which is likely to reduce traffic through West Van and on the Upper Levels.

Finally I've asked tough questions on every committee I've served on – did I mention that I was a BBC journalist for 21 years?

If you have questions about the campaign, reach me at info@votejay.ca or through the Support page.