Editor's note: Coast Reporter wraps up our submitted 300-word profiles from all candidates for the Nov. 19 municipal election this week with the 11 candidates for Gibsons council.
Mayor
Barry Janyk
When I moved here 33 years ago I knew this was the most beautiful place to settle.
I have done my utmost in my tenure as mayor to improve the wellbeing of our citizens and it shows!
Let's continue to create a vibrant place that will attract young and old, construct a new economy that draws young people to work and live here and provide them affordable housing.
The statistics prove we are doing well. This year construction in Gibsons is over double that of 2010 with the number of business licences up as well. The commercial tax rate is down for the fifth year! Gibsons is proving it's business friendly and businesses are responding!
But there are big issues coming. Ministers and officials in Victoria listen to me. Now I need the community's vocal support!
That dysfunctional provincial highway in upper Gibsons, the Ministry unilaterally altered, must be fixed. We need new housing types in a new neighbourhood for a younger generation. We must overhaul our local economy through regional cooperation I have worked hard to foster. Finally, let's better understand what zero waste really means and implement recycling improvements.
The Harbour Area Plan has now been approved by council. Gospel Rock is finalized and under provincial consideration. Although a hotel/convention centre for the lower village and building on Gospel Rock could create opportunity, both will have huge and permanent implications. I support methodical, steady progress in these chaotic times - wise decisions and careful actions!
Let's take comfort that Gibsons is not just an exemplary community in B.C., but nationally and internationally! When it comes to attracting the right investment we are perfectly positioned! Let's strive for real excellence and prosperity.
Thank you all for your kind support that has allowed us to do so many great things -and for the future too!
Wayne Rowe
I am standing for election as Mayor of Gibsons in the 2011 civic election.
I have resided on the Sunshine Coast since 1981 when I established a private legal practice based in Gibsons followed by a second office in Sechelt. During this same period my wife Joanne Pearson, worked for the local school board as a school administrator. Together we have raised our two sons, Jesse and Cameron, here on the Coast. My daughter, Michelle, is also a lawyer in private practice with me.
My formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University, a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of British Columbia and a civil law diploma from the University of Sherbrooke.
Prior to my university studies I served six years as an officer in the Canadian Army based in Germany with the NATO forces and as an exchange officer seconded to the French Army.
During my time on the Sunshine Coast I have provided volunteer legal services to many non-profit organizations as well as assisting various boards including Sunshine Coast Community Services Society, Sechelt Community Forest and St. Mary's Hospital Foundation.
I believe that any level of government benefits from change. Democratic institutions that fail to do so risk growing stagnant. Based on my observations from my time as a councillor I believe there are areas that require a renewed focus including long term planning of our infrastructure requirements, re-examination of our approval and decision-making processes, review of our fiscal sustainability and strengthening of public engagement.
The purpose of this renewed focus is to ensure that our town has a solid foundation upon which to base its future opportunities. With your support I will represent our Town as your mayor with honesty, integrity and decisiveness.
Arthur Shaw
No profile received.
Council
Daniel Bouman
I am running for Gibsons council because I want to make a contribution to the sustainability of our community.
I have been a close observer of issues in the Town for many years, and as part of my previous job with the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, also paid close attention to the Town's important role in regional government and provincial affairs.
Having worked and travelled extensively in British Columbia (forest ecology contracting) I appreciate the many unique qualities of the Town.
Over the last 12 years the Town, for the most part, has had open transparent public-friendly government. While some mistakes have occurred, I believe the effort to achieve good governance is a genuine tradition in Gibsons.
The values I will bring to council are those of old fashioned democracy; governments are empowered through the consent of the public, meaningful consultation is the most important part of decision-making and government must serve the public interest first.
The official community plan (OCP) is an important document that establishes the Town's vision and the relationship between the public and their community government. The intent of the OCP should never be amended without thorough consultation with the community. I pledge to honour and apply the OCP.
I am concerned about this election because I see a group of mutually endorsing candidates all using the same meaningless slogans and pat explanations. Our society is diverse and includes people of all ages, backgrounds, occupations and political orientations. It also has a highly diverse range of successful businesses and effective non-profit organizations. I believe that a diverse council of independent thinkers will provide the best possible chance of effective public friendly government.
If you are a public interest voter I ask for your support on Nov. 19. Thank you for your consideration.
Bob Curry
Giibsons is growing and will continue to grow. It is very important for us to plan, manage and shape our growth so that the developments we approve today will ensure that all future residents can have the same quality of life that we, today value so highly.
I support VOICE in that we must find ways to attract, retain and engage young families, while building opportunities for young people to earn a decent living. We need to work with our School District and College to help our youth develop the skills needed to run businesses and take an active role in local government.
The "job for life" days are over. More than 98 per cent of B.C. companies are small businesses, and they employ over one million people. That is why I supported tax cuts for Giibsons businesses, and why I will work with the newly formed Community Futures Ventures Connect to develop strategies for strengthening small business, and also to improve Internet access so we can attract technology-dependent businesses.
Supporting growth and new businesses also means helping young families find homes where rents or mortgages cost no more than 30 per cent of their income - and offering activities that keep young people interested in living here.
I worked very hard to ensure that our new community centre would serve people of all ages, and I supported holding the line on property taxes.
In view of the demographic shifts we are now experiencing, I believe there is an urgency for us to 'pull together' to build an age balanced all inclusive community that supports and guides planning for development while attracting new business.
I will not compromise my beliefs or my dedication to doing what is right for our community so I pledge to work with council and staff on these issues.
Brian Hubenig
I want to represent the town I've known and loved my entire life and play an active role in building Gibsons' future. I've spent 30 of my 33 years on the Sunshine Coast - the last 13 here in Gibsons - and my wife Shelly and I fully plan to be living here 50 years from now.
Having worked on a number of federal political campaigns and served as a webmaster for a member of Parliament, I'm no stranger to politics.
For more than a decade I've worked in design and communications and as a consultant to a variety of businesses. During this time I've acquired many skills that transfer well into government and believe I can use these skills to help Gibsons do a much better job communicating with residents and businesses.
My grandfather, Wilfred Hubenig, retired on the Coast. He lived in a basement suite my father built in our family home in Halfmoon Bay and I saw the challenges he faced as a senior living on the Coast.
My father, Danny Hubenig, has been a fixture on Coast since 1979 and in the business community in Gibsons since the early 90's. Through his experiences as well as my own I have developed an intimate understanding of the challenges of local business people and their families.
As a member of the under-35 crowd, I understand the younger generation. Give us a seat at the table and see what we can do - we have energy and enthusiasm.
My approach in representing the residents of Gibsons will be bold but sensible. I favour caution over fear and discernment over excitement. I'm a great listener and curious by nature. I like to figure out better, more efficient ways to do what we're already doing.
Let's build Gibson's future together.
Lee Ann Johnson
I bring six years' experience to council and my clear record of commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community.
Thank you for giving me the most votes last time, and I promise to continue working hard to earn your trust.
We need to go forward with the current council's positive work that considers the economic, social and environmental consequences of all of our decisions. We do not need the inappropriate influence of developers and private interest groups on the new council.
As an independent councillor, I will keep placing the long?term public interest ahead of any private interests. And be assured I will keep an eagle eye on the budget.
I consistently support local business, agriculture and arts initiatives. I enthusiastically champion efforts that diversify our local economy, strengthen our community relationships and increase of enjoyment of life here. I have heard your voices, and I will continue to bring forward?looking positions that should result in the completion of a Harbour Area Plan and a Gospel Rock neighbourhood plan in the next term.
I have worked co?operatively to increase the visibility of Gibsons at provincial and international levels, thus giving us better access to grant funding, and enhancing our ability to complete projects that benefit us all -such as water conservation projects and the geo?exchange heating utility in upper Gibsons.
As your representative, I will continue contributing to the regional district, in forming the regional housing committee, enacting the Zero Waste management plan, and implementing the We Envision-One Coast, One Climate initiative towards becoming a genuinely sustainable region.
I prioritize decent jobs, affordable housing, quality child care, better accessibility for seniors and families, and water and energy conservation.
I pledge to continue to represent you with a cooperative, responsible and effective voice.
Hammy McClymont
Since coming to Gibsons in January 2006 to work for Gibsons Community Initiatives Association, I have served on the board of Community Futures, led the Spirit of BC Committee in co-presenting "The Journey of the Spirit Pole" with the Sechelt Indian Band (2008), and worked with the District of Sechelt on the Sechelt Torch Relay event (2010).
I am a member of the Sechelt Airport advisory committee, the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club and the Sechelt Rusty Cranks hockey club.
My work with GCIA sparked an interest in civic affairs, and in late 2008, I began attending meetings of Gibsons council.
For three years now, I have been providing reports on Gibsons council meetings (archived at gibsonsgold.ca). The exposure to the business of the Town together with Wayne Rowe's decision to offer his candidacy for mayor prompted me to stand for Gibsons council.
I spent 40 years managing performing arts organizations and both international and agricultural fairs. These include Neptune Theatre in Halifax, Canadian Stage in Toronto, Vancouver Opera, Expo 86 Entertainment and the PNE and Wisconsin State Fairs.
Working as a consultant in Canada and the U.S.A. for the past 25-years, I have developed a knack for understanding distinctive communities and finding solutions tailored for them.
I believe a councillor's job is to represent the well-being and interests of the whole community in accomplishing the Town's job.
The Town's job is to provide quality municipal services at reasonable cost, to plan and support a liveable community.
My approach is to look for balanced solutions giving equal weight to environmental, economic and social factors. I will strive for real discipline in setting the Town's strategic priorities. Our financial planning horizon should extend to 20 years.
Search Facebook: Hammy McClymont for Gibsons Councillor
Brian Sadler
Prior to arriving in Gibsons, Brian served 35 years in the Canadian Forces both as RCAF aircrew and a member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment.
While serving, he finished his degree at RMC Kingston, graduating with a BA in Political Science in 1975.
Having been seconded to Foreign Affairs and serving with the European Community as a diplomat, Brian later served two years with the United Nations after retirement from the military, as a senior Political Officer in Bosnia-Hercegovina.
Relocating to Gibsons in 1998, to look after his parents, Brian has conducted or participated in various studies for Town council, including being vice-chair of the restructure committee from 2003 to 05.
Additionally, he has served as a citizen on council's infrastructure committee from 2002 to 08, expressing his determination to establish the Green Waste Facility, to protect our water supply, to manage traffic, and to preserve our infrastructure.
Regarding the future, Brian wants to enable a more cooperative and collegial council, with an improved, rational approach that incorporates less secrecy in its deliberations and decision-making.
He would also strive to improve our relationship with the regional district by reestablishing the provincially-granted autonomy that muncipalities enjoy within a regional organization.
Anything, and everything, brought to council or generated by council needs to be considered in terms of a 'costs/benefits ratio' before approval.
A classic example combining these last three points is the need to sort out the current
recycling 'issue', both for the benefit of the South Coast and to "raise the bar" for all of B.C.
The days of the 'demagogue' who appeals to the emotions and prejudices of certain sectors must come to an end, for the sake of the Town.
Rational, respectful, and responsible government must return to Gibsons.
Charlene SanJenko
Since 2004, my partner Ben and I have made Gibsons our home.
We operated a fitness-wellness studio on North Road for five years, and initiated several community events including the Play Golf Give charity golf tournament for Together Against Violence, the Celebration of Excellence for Sunshine Coast volunteers in collaboration with The Volunteer Centre, INfusion networking and professional development events, and the Exceptional Women's Network supporting Sunshine Coast female entrepreneurs and business owners.
I am an active board member of Sunshine Coast Tourism and Best Coast Initiatives Economic Development. I am running for Gibsons council to demonstrate my commitment to this community.
My goals are to enhance the balance and diversity of our council, to bring a 'fresh' approach to council (macro versus micro; solutions versus problems), to find 'opportunity' for the Coast's talented residents (i.e. smart, vibrant sustainability).
The sustainability of our local economy is my biggest concern. As I watch businesses where I have enjoyed shopping close their doors, I worry about dollars and jobs going elsewhere. It will take forward-thinking collaboration, innovative solutions and an action oriented approach to strengthen our community without changing what makes it so special.
Visitors to Gibsons remark on how lucky we are to live in this peaceful paradise, but the current approach to local leadership is fragmented, disjointed and often far from peaceful. Our new mantra should be it's not about 'me' it's about 'us.'
I value both the wisdom that can come with long experience, and the energy and fresh ideas new members can bring to a team. I believe younger working individuals should participate in community leadership at a government level. I hope to become a member of a council that demonstrates efficient process and decisive leadership, and undertakes clear, forward-thinking actions.
See more about me at www.csj4achange.com.
Gerry Tretick
I look forward to being re-elected to my third term as councillor in Gibsons.
I am seeking re-election because I feel Wayne Rowe will appreciate the support of an experienced councillor when he is elected mayor of Gibsons.
I believe that all citizens need to be represented at the council table. I have too often seen a small vocal group with a narrow agenda seemingly direct the mayor and some councillors. Input from those who are not seen at town hall needs consideration.
I want to work with council as a team. In the last two elections, the environment on council was less than welcoming. That attitude does not encourage team building.
I am concerned about our Town's financial capacity to meet all the demands placed on our limited budget. To deal with this situation, a focused and balanced approach to dealing with basic services needs to take priority and then the nice-to-have amenities be given consideration.
I am seriously concerned about the economic conditions in our Town. To date, council has not created a strategic plan that deals with the long-term financial future of Gibsons. This needs attention right now.
I want to improve conditions that keep and attract young people and business in Gibsons. Taken together as a goal, jobs will be created and young adults will benefit. This is the basis for creating a sustainable community.
My wife and I have lived in Gibsons for 19 years. We both have been involved in many ways in helping Gibsons to become a better place. I want to continue contributing to make positive things happen for the benefit of the entire community.
I will focus on action.
Search Facebook: Gerry Tretick for Gibsons councillor.
