In advance of the All Candidates meeting at Matsqui Centenniel Auditorium Wednesday night, sponsored by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber has published its questions and the candidate’s answers on their website.
2014 Municipal Election
All Candidates were asked 8 questions which were submitted by our membership. To view their answers, please click each question link.
Question #1
Summarize your position on maintaining a sustainable balance between the fiscal, economic, environmental and social needs of Abbotsford.
Click here for answers to question #1
Question #2
What is your position on contracting out public services?
Click here for answers to question #2
Question #3
What are the biggest fiscal challenges or opportunities facing our municipality and how do you propose to address them?
Click here for answers to question #3
Question #4
What is your position on slate politics and if you were elected, how would you work with a slate council?
Click here for answers to question #4
Question #5
Do you support funding transportation needs through user-pay models (such as gas tax, tolling, road pricing and /or fare increases) OR by increasing property taxes?
Click here for answers to question #5
Question #6
Over a quarter of the city’s property tax revenue comes from the business sector, yet this group does not have power proportionate to its level of taxation when it comes to electing our civic leaders. This truly is taxation without representation. If you support the return of the business vote in municipal elections how would you advocate for it, and if you do not support it, why not?
Click here for answers to question #6
Question #7
Realtors are concerned about inadequate parking and restricted access for emergency vehicles in new high density developments. The homes often have multiple vehicles or suites but do not have enough outside parking, resulting in congested roads, no street parking and reduced roadway accessibility. How would you best address this issue?
Click here for answers to question #7
Question #8
Various areas of Canada have recently experienced flooding; resulting in massive clean-ups and repairs to infrastructure. A recent report by 13 Lower Mainland Chambers on the Economic Importance of the Lower Fraser River indicated that over 50% of BC’s population and $50 billion dollars worth of development is in the river’s floodplain. Realtors indicate that floodplain mapping is one of the tools available to provide proper planning but often is not complete or up to date. What are you prepared to do to ensure that this community is prepared for a potential flood or other natural disaster?
Click here for answers to question #8