Current job/career: I have been living in Revelstoke for many years operating Brandon Bowers Funeral Home.
Why do you live in Revelstoke?
I live here because this place offers me the lifestyle I enjoy. There is a sense of safe community here, a place where one can be involved, share hopes and dreams and make a positive impact of the whole.
Why are you running for council?/Why do you think you are qualified for the job?
For that reason, I am running for Mayor. My involvement in the community over the last 34 years, through the RCMP Auxiliary Program, Emergency Social Services and through funeral service has honed my leadership skills and my management style of empowering others will help build the teamwork required to fulfill my obligation as Mayor.
What do you think the city should do to fund current and future infrastructure needs?
The City is currently funding infrastructure needs with development cost charges, ratepayer fees and taxation. When applicable and available the City staff apply for grant funding to supplement these costs. This is the only way the City receives its income. I believe future infrastructure needs will be funded this way as well.
What do you think the city should do to address affordability for the average citizen?
Affordability is not just a City Hall issue, but a community issue. The City is working with the Community Housing Group by providing land for low income housing. The Poverty Reduction Working Group is a ‘think tank’ of community members who encourage collaboration so that we as a community can work together to address this issue. Safe, affordable housing for everyone is key to community stability and we may only achieve this through community engagement and ‘outside the box’ ideas.
What other issues would you want addressed if you were elected?
Updating outdated bylaws and plans will be a key to putting Revelstoke on a planned direction forward. Updating the Official Community Plan, the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, Zoning Bylaws and Development Cost Charges will be achieved through collaboration with the community and city staff.