The Merritt Herald sent a short questionnaire to each of the candidates in the upcoming general election and will be publishing their answers on this website in the days leading up to the general vote on Nov. 15.

What would you do to stimulate Merritt’s economy? 

I would continue to sell Merritt and the benefits that we have for business to start up, grow or relocate here. From the success to date, it proves that my unsurpassed knowledge of the community has benefited Merritt, along with my continued encouragement and support for these new projects. Also, I would continue to work on the city being more open for business, reviewing policy and bylaws to ensure they are meeting today’s business needs. The projects that have already come into play, the Diacarbon Pellet Plant, Merritt Green Energy Project, and the doubling of our hydro capacity, will set into motion an increase in growth for Merritt. Each of the Green Energy projects will have spin-offs: for example, trucking, mechanic shops, tire sales, plumbers, electricians, welders etc., just to keep them running. Hydro capacity will draw small manufacturing, technology, logistics and several other types of business. Merritt is seen as a place with great opportunity by investors, but they need to have assurance that their investment will be secure. The good governance that I and a council working together can provide will ensure that security. But it will take focus, building relationships and people working for the citizens of Merritt.

What changes to health-care service in Merritt would you lobby the provincial government for?

The provincial government’s Ministry of Health provides funding to the five regional health authorities that were created back in 2001 to provide health-care services to communities in their specific region. So, it is the Interior Health Authority that we should continue to lobby, not the ministry. The ministry should only become involved if communications with Interior Health break down. Having the Community Panel in place, which I formed in early 2014, will be the conduit between the community and Interior Health. Forums will be held to obtain residents’ feedback on what is needed and what gaps are present. Everyone will have the opportunity to be involved if they choose. Providing factual information on our needs will enable Interior Health to plan and budget for additional services. We have already seen an expansion of services for Merritt, which include additional mental health workers, more specialists working in Merritt, three new doctors, funding approved for a nurse practitioner and the announcement of the emergency ward upgrade. But we need more if we wish to retain and attract residents and business. I will continue to be focused on the needs of Merritt. I will work for better health care in Merritt by understanding what is already here, what our residents require, where the gaps are and gaining a better understanding of IHA’s strategies on rural health care, healthy communities and their capital strategy. Effective lobbyists know and understand their cause; they do not just demand without evidence of need.

What other priorities would you take into public office that you’d like Merritt voters to know about?

The work of a mayor doesn’t end with terms. If things are unfinished, there is chance that those things are either lost or take many years to be identified as important again. The evidence of this happening is well known. These are a few of the items I deem to be important to Merritt’s success.
• An Agricultural Plan – In partnership with TNRD directors of areas I, M and N. This plan would identify what crops could be grown in our valley, taking into account weather temperatures, availability of water, hours of sunshine etc.
• Move forward the Cultural Plan, the final step needed to ensure that culture, heritage and arts continue to be an important component of our identity.
• Public engagement policy that lays out the roles of elected officials and citizens in various decision making processes. This will provide a better understanding by all.
• Continue to work with Merritt Integration Project’s goals that will strengthen the work being done to help citizens acquire the support, the skills, the literacy and the guidance to achieve success in healthy productive living.
• Ensure that the Economic Development and Tourism Strategies have the community committees created that were identified and that council continues to support both these plans.
• Continue the work needed to ensure that Merritt is the best it can be.