The following is a Q&A that was distributed to all District of Sechelt candidates.
Candidate name
Jeri Patterson
Age
65
Occupation (s)
Retired medical professional
Which position are you running for?
Mayor
Live in Sechelt? For how long?
Over 30 years
If not incumbent, list related municipal committee / civic group experience.
Personal advocate with governments for potable water supply, healthcare, housing, and pharmacare coverage in B.C.
What are your priorities if elected?
Asset management, such as sewer, roads and water to ensure Sechelt residents, and businesses receive the services, and service they require. Fair taxation for services.
Should Sechelt facilitate creation of more affordable housing? How?
Housing is a complex, multi-governmental responsibility. What is affordable to one, is not affordable to another. I have spoken with, and communicated with all levels of government regarding housing. As mayor, I would speak, and advocate for you.
Should Sechelt prepare for climate change? If so how?
Sechelt, and neighbouring communities need to prepare for climate change. Research, education and communication will produce a new Official Community Plan which will define adherence requirements and direct compliance.
Is Sechelt managing growth appropriately?
Growth has different meanings to different individuals, and businesses. The Sechelt local government has failed to listen to the public, businesses and developers. A regional growth plan is required to understand, and manage growth in Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast.
How would you balance pushback on development with need for housing?
The first step is to address current and future water needs with the SCRD. I will listen to the needs and opinions of the community. Work towards adopting a new OCP to address and balance the needs of the community.
What is the greatest infrastructure challenge facing Sechelt?
Sechelt local government and SCRD have failed to manage their assets leaving the infrastructure in Sechelt crumbling, and Sechelt residents and businesses without the reliable water supply the community requires.
What do you wish we'd asked you?
Do I have the time, experience and commitment to be the mayor of Sechelt and the SCRD board chair. The answer is YES.
Website address
Jeripattersonforsecheltmayor.ca
Who else is running for Sechelt council? See profiles for Warren Allan, Micky Argiropoulos, Donna Bell, Thomas Bramble, Cheryl Chang, Anna Jade Chen, Tim Horner, Darren Inkster Dianne McLauchlan, Christopher Moore, Brenda Rowe, Adam Shepherd and Alton Toth. See mayoral candidate profiles for John Henderson, Allan Holt and Darnelda Siegers.
