Todd Jones is a candidate for city council because he would like to see increased transparency and lower property taxes.
He wants to identify over-expenditures and capitalize on the current economic upturn in order to create jobs and increase revenue. Jones believes that in order to understand the needs of Campbell River residents, council members should live locally. As such, he swore an affidavit in June when he decided to campaign for city council that if elected, he will refuse to accept any monies from the taxpayers of Campbell River should he decide to move away.
Jones, 38, is a third generation resident of Campbell River. He moved back to the area in 2010 to start his own family and lay down roots for the fourth generation. Jones married his wife, Lisa, here in Campbell River and together they have a young son.
Over the years, Jones has worked predominantly as a mechanic in both aviation and commercial transport industries.
There, he held leadership roles that required collaboration, delegation and time management skills. Jones recently began contract work with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE Local #115).
He states that professional insights into mega projects underway in other parts of B.C. have stimulated ideas for our own local growth. Jones asserts that while construction of the John Hart Dam and the new hospital represent four to five years of economic stability and employment for local workers, Campbell River needs a municipal government with the foresight to capitalize on this period of growth and establish long term industry that can continue to sustain us.
He maintains that current government relies heavily on annual property tax increases to manage the fiscal budget and would like to see this change.
He says, “It is time that Campbell River residents saw a break in property tax increases” and vows that if elected to city council, he will propose a two year property tax freeze.
During this time, Jones believes local government should be mandated to review expenditures and identify areas for improved efficiency.