Campbell River voters will have a choice in the next municipal election: on whether you like “slate” politics or not.
For the first time, a group of candidates have come forward to run for city council under the same banner.
“We all get along. We agree on a positive vision for Campbell River, and we have a strategy for resolving the main issues we see facing our city,” according to a press release announcing the slate of five candidates running under the name of CHOICE.
Bob Bray, former BC Conservative candidate for the 2013 provincial election, David Christian, Josh Krynen, Marcia McKay and Jim Parnell make up the CHOICE slate.
“We offer a common sense approach that intends to be practical and careful,” Marcia McKay, speaking on behalf of CHOICE, told the Mirror. “We believe in living within our means and that transparency is the key.”
McKay said that none of the five knew each other in May but over the summer have learned that they agree on several issues and the approach that should be taken to address those issues.
On the current city council, McKay said, “We suspect that the last three years could have been much more productive.”
McKay said that slate politics is an effective way of moving forward. It works in other municipalities.
CHOICE sees five issues as the main ones facing the city:
- Drive economic development.
- Enhance social programs for seniors, youth, and the homeless.
- Streamline bureaucratic processes.
- Plan thoroughly; reduce taxes while improving services.
- Tackle parking, traffic flow, and City appearance.
The candidates biographies were included in their announced candidacy:
“Bob Bray, MBA, has an extensive management history. He was a senior manager with a large motorcycle retailer in Vancouver, and has worked as Director of Finance for an Immigrant Services Society, as well as Assistant Administrator for the Arthritis Society. He was a senior manager of UBC’s physical plant, responsible for buildings, grounds, and utilities. Bray was later Director of Administration at the UBC Faculty of Medicine.
“Bray will approach the deliberations of council with a non-partisan spirit and with a consensus-seeking attitude. He will work patiently and respectfully to ensure that good management practices benefit Campbell River residents, tourists, and visitors. He wants city council to strongly support community agencies.
“David Christian moved to Campbell River at the age of three, and operates a commercial fishing business as well as a boat repair facility. He also serves as President of the Campbell River Harbour Authority. Christian is involved with Small Craft Harbours nationally. While the Harbour Authority is non-profit, he finds that the organization has the same issues as the city, only on a smaller scale.
“He is familiar with budgets, capital spending, human resources, legal issues, working with other levels of government, and managing revenues through spending within one’s means. Christian has lived through the restructuring of a resource-based economy and understands the importance of diversity, recognizing strengths and opportunities, and the importance of sound financial planning.
“Jos Krynen (pronounced Yosh) left a thriving business as a denturist in the Netherlands and moved to Campbell River. He and his wife run Eagle Eye Adventures. Krynen is president of Krynen Holdings Ltd, and he serves on the board of St. John Ambulance. Krynen has a diploma in Marine Biology.
“Krynen listens to people and believes that getting some good common sense into city council decisions would help the city grow the right way now and in the future. Krynen wants more openness, clear goals that make sense, and an open and transparent city hall. He believes in investing in infrastructure, not something that looks good and costs lots of money. Krynen is forward looking, and wants Campbell River to be a place that you never want to leave.
“Marcia McKay has lived and worked across Canada, and chose Campbell River for her retirement. Since arriving she has served on the boards of the Tidemark, ElderCollege, and Newcomers. She is a Willow Point Lion, is on the board of Shoreline Arts, and volunteers with the RCMP’s Restorative Justice Program. When she retired from the federal government, she was Regional Director for Industry Canada for BC/Yukon.
“Adept at administrative law, finance, purchasing, and contracting, McKay knows we can be more efficient, more effective, and more economical in our decisions at city hall. She believes in cost-benefit analysis, return on investment, and getting it right the first time.
“Jim Parnell and his family are currently fostering four children. He is an underground miner at Quinsam Coal and also serves as the President of USW Local 9347.
“As a councillor and taxpayer, Parnell wants to see Campbell River return to being a destination, the way he remembers it. He sees this election as a new beginning – an opportunity for Campbell River voters to choose a council and a mayor who are eager for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and approaching each issue with practicality.”