John Horgan, New Democrats
What do you see as the most important issue for residents in your riding, and why?
– Reducing inequality – it not only affects those in need, but society as a whole. BC Liberals brought years of the highest child poverty rates and unprecedented numbers visiting food banks. Our fully funded platform will bring relief to lower income families and supports to seniors, children and those with disabilities.
What would be your top priority as MLA? –
Establishing a Regional Transit Authority.
How would you work to improve the flow of transportation in your riding and the region?
– There has been a serious lack of funding for transportation initiatives in the South Island. The BC NDP are committed to creating a Regional Transportation Authority to find efficient and cost effective ways to move people around the region. We’ll look at implementing a co-ordinated, multi-modal, regional transportation plan.
How do you feel about some form of municipal amalgamation in the region?
– Amalgamation is a complex issue with reasonable arguments for and against. The BC NDP believes the public should have a chance to voice their opinion on the subject and support a referendum in the next municipal election asking the question “Do you support your municipality entering into discussion on amalgamation”.
iPhone or Blackberry? – Blackberry.
Carlos Serra, Green
What do you see as the most important issue for residents in your riding, and why? – Both how the urban areas are going to change in terms of their tremendous projected growth, as well as protecting the ecological habitat of the regions outside the urban areas that face developmental pressures. The protection of our trails and old growth forests maintains tourism and intrinsically benefits us all.
What would be your top priority as MLA? – Representing my constituents regardless of the political tides in the legislature. Focusing on advocating for ecologically sustainable building standards at the provincial level that will result in long-term savings and sustainable development for the riding, as well as being a way to shift economic perspective on climate change.
How would you work to improve the flow of transportation in your riding and the region?
– Start by adding more HOV lanes on the major highway routes for the commute, as well as push for ride share programs in the short term. In the long term we are looking at options such as light rail to downtown.
How do you feel about some form of municipal amalgamation in the region?
– Instead of following the path of amalgamation, the provincial government should provide more funding and resources to the municipal level and a culture of advocating best practices should follow, rather then delegating political agency to fewer and larger municipalities.
iPhone or Blackberry? – Linux based
Kerrie Reay, B.C. Liberals
What do you see as the most important issue for residents in your riding, and why? – Door knocking clearly indicates the issue for individuals is transportation. I reside in Sooke and use BC Transit every day to work in downtown Victoria. I am keenly aware of the issues of Highway 14 as well as the backup of traffic through Colwood and along the TransCanada Highway during rush-hour.
What would be your top priority as MLA? – There will be multiple issues but my first priority will be to identify the issues, research the issues and prioritize the list to ensure that what are the issues for the riding will be where I start. Based on door knocking, transportation and the economy would be there.
How would you work to improve the flow of transportation in your riding and the region? – This will not be a one solution fits all. We will need to engage local governments, work with BC Transit (possibility of creating a third lane for buses) and I would like to see us initiate a conversation with the federal government to look at an overpass at McKenzie.
How do you feel about some form of municipal amalgamation in the region? – I understand that this has been an on-going issue for years. The Local Government Act provides for amalgamation and it is clearly up to local governments in consultation with voters to make the right choice for their community. I would be cautious as communities are unique in their priorities and issues.
iPhone or Blackberry? – iPhone