The following is a Q&A that was distributed to all Gibsons candidates.
Candidate name
Leslie Thomson
Age
54
Occupation (s)
Entrepreneur Pilot Safety Auditor Trainer business owner artist communicator listener
Which position are you running for?
Mayor
If not incumbent, list related municipal committee / civic group experience.
President of Gibsons Art Gallery/ IATA Auditor
Live in Gibsons? For how long?
13 years
What are your priorities if elected?
Keeping property taxes low; Enhancing Infrastructure within TOG; Keeping our seniors safe and protected; Keeping the assets of TOG protected; Making sure we find a solution for our water restrictions.
Should Gibsons facilitate creation of more affordable housing? How?
Yes! It’s prudent to open up a communication link between the higher governments and stakeholders within in order to allow for a balanced approach to affordable housing that will not only accommodate seniors but also our ER service staff.
What should council be doing to protect the Town’s water supply?
Protecting the assets of TOG is of utmost importance. Aquifer is our precious asset should under any circumstances be protected. Improve infrastructure to accommodate new pipes, building larger water sheds.
Should Gibsons prepare for climate change? If so how?
Gibsons can play a big role in the preparation of climate change by protection of trees being cut down, incentives to buy electric cars, incentives to build green construction and enhancing the use of solar panels and farm lands.
How can council mitigate the many upward pressures on property taxes?
Looking at the overall budget and decreasing area where we need to in order to lower taxes. Adding incentives to B&B owners to increase housing capacity and a travel tax.
How would you balance pushback on development with need for housing?
A mix quota of affordable housing for both seniors and working staff along with a profitable section for the developer. Building green spaces that would require minimal water and allow minimal transportation means within walking distance.
What do you wish we'd asked you?
How are we going to care for both our seniors who are our maximum majority population and maintain steady growth of housing that would allow for development, our ER services.
Website
www.lesliethomsonformayor.com/
Who else is running for Gibsons council? See profiles for David Croal, Annemarie De Andrade, Desmond Delaney, Stafford Lumley, Blake MacLeod, Bob Morris, Greig Soohen, Christi Thompson, Silas White and Phil Yeung.
