Three candidates have emerged in Area A, aiming to take the place of Frank Mauro, outgoing Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) director. Leonard Lee and Sandy Hegyi filed papers before deadline last week, in addition to Mike Price, who publicly declared in his candidacy in August.
Raised in Pender Harbour, Lee, 69, has been involved with several not-for-profits, is the current president of the Pender Harbour Chamber of Commerce, and is widely known as one of the central public critics of the Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan, jointly authored by shíshálh Nation and the provincial government.
“The people in the community feel like I could really help them by serving on the SCRD Board,” said Lee of his decision to run.
While the SCRD has no authority over the plan, he said he would use his position if elected to encourage “government officials to consider what’s good for everyone … and see if they can help in some way, make it a little more user-friendly.” He told Coast Reporter, “My biggest problem is lack of engagement with those who are affected by it the most.”
Lee was also critical of the Pender Harbour Official Community Plan, which is headed towards third reading. Lee said it, too, lacked proper community engagement.
Addressing relations between Pender Harbour residents and shíshálh Nation is another key priority for Lee. “We need a plan to have friendly discussions and understanding,” he said, “That’s the only way it’s ever going to be resolved and that’s best for our community and I think we can help with that.”
And while Pender Harbour is not dependent on the Chapman water system, it does have a vote on water issues. Lee would like to see the board focus on supply. He also wants to see roadway improvements in Pender Harbour to make it safer for pedestrians.
Finally, Lee said he would also push for a study about incorporating Pender Harbour as its own municipality. “The public is asking for it,” he said.
Hegyi, 64, also filed papers last week, and is finalizing his platform. He said he is running because he wants to use his skills as a facilitator. “I’ve worked on SloCat harbour tour boat, I’ve given my insight to the community to hundreds of tourists and local people, I know the history, just about every nook and cranny as well as the people,” he said.
Hegyi works at the Harbour Authority of Pender Harbour and has experience as a project manager during the 2010 Winter Olympics, worked for 35 years as a chief lighting technician in the film industry and worked for The Beachcombers. “I’ve learned when to be conciliatory and when to stand your ground. I see a parallel at the SCRD in that, as directors, we are committed to a common goal of running a district in an economical and responsible manner. At the same time, we must also be looking out for our own individual areas,” he said.
In Pender Harbour, that means addressing the OCP process, which Hegyi called a “contentious issue.” “I don’t think the SCRD has treated Area A very well in that regard, I think we have to sort of take a time out and get the community and the SCRD together on this whole thing,” he said.
Price, who is also running, will now be doing so from Davis Bay. Following his declaration, he said he was forced to move into a rental property in Davis Bay after his landlady decided against renewing the lease. “I’m one of those who’s suffering from a lack of long-term rental accommodation,” he told Coast Reporter. He said once the two-year lease is up, he hopes to find another place in Garden Bay. Until then, “I’m going to be back and forth like a yo-yo,” he said.
Nominees have until Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. to withdraw and their nominations can be challenged until Sept. 18. Voting day is Oct. 20 and campaigns begin Sept. 22.
