The four mayoralty candidates for Sechelt had another chance to prove they are worthy of the electorate's vote on Nov. 10 at an all candidates meeting at Chatelech Secondary School.
Candidates Ed Steeves, John Henderson, Douglas Smith and incumbent Darren Inkster gave some time to discussing economic development and teamwork at the council table.
When asked how they would help create economic development and what resources they would provide, Steeves said he would support a Coast-wide economic development officer.
"Something good for the Coast regardless of location is good for the whole Coast. If there is no appetite for a Coast-wide function, then Sechelt needs to have their own development officer," Steeves said.
Henderson said he would be focused on business development.
"I look forward and will create centres of excellence to encourage companies in smart, clean industries such as education, electric vehicles and Internet to set up here," Henderson said.
Inkster said he would continue with downtown revitalization, focus on Coast-wide co-operation and use funds set aside wisely for economic development projects.
"We have an economic development fund and we can work with gas tax [from] Fortis to put into community projects," Inkster said, adding hiring a local or regional economic officer is also important.
Smith said the District must be transparent to encourage investors.
"It must be consistent and far-sighted in its planning decisions so that investors, commercial and residential, know where they stand now and in the future," he said.
When asked what mayoralty candidates would do to ensure council works as a team, Inkster said he would facilitate teamwork seminars.
"To bring everyone together immediately after the election in December or January 2011/12 into a three-year strategic plan and budget preparation in order to create timely decision-making processes to project to the community predictability, credibility and immediate accountability," Inkster said.
Smith said the answer comes down to leadership.
"For a team to work effectively it needs an effective leader," he said, adding he would be that leader.
Steeves said he could ensure council and staff work as a team because he has proven he has the ability while chairing the Sunshine Coast Regional District board.
"I have already proven the ability during my five years as chair of the regional board. My leadership was reviewed annually by the board, and I was re-elected each year and the last three years by acclamation," he said.
Henderson said the staff at the District of Sechelt need to be supported.
"Currently many of the staff are demoralized. They feel unappreciated and unmotivated and that's because we need a new tone at the top. The new mayor and council will need to demonstrate their confidence in our staff and allow them to do their jobs without the routine interference that has become commonplace over the last three years," Henderson said.
You can find out more about all of the mayoralty candidates on their websites at www.edsteeves.ca, www.darreninkster.ca, www.johnhendersonformayor.ca, and www.smithformayor.ca.
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