Wilfried Vicktor:
Why are you running for mayor?
Many new issues have been identified and must be dealt with and I would like to lead the charge to deal with them. Over the past 26 years I have had the honor of serving three separate elected terms as Mayor (10 years). My focus has always been respect, fiscal responsibility and infrastructure investment.
What do you believe are the main issues that Hope is currently facing?
By speaking with many fellow residents, 5 main issues have quickly been revealed.
1.The necessity for an efficient and easily reviewable(available) to the public Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. Recent disasters involving railway derailments, slides, floods and fires have highlighted the need for efficient emergency response to keep us all safe. Involvement of our First Nations friends and neighbors and the Regional District Area B is imperative!
2.Homelessness Reduction must be a priority! All housing for the vulnerable must have a primary focus of healing and dealing with mental health and addiction issues. We have to practise compassion but also accountability for the vulnerable - I believe everyone has inherent value and perpetuating addictions is not acceptable. I believe addictions for the most part are individuals self medicating with drugs or alcohol to deal with previous trauma. I do not believe it is a ‘sickness’ it is a series of poor personal choices on their part. Let’s empower these people to make healthy choices!
3.Crime is on the Rise….must be reduced!
4.Flood Prevention
5.Affordable Housing
How do you think Hope has been handling emergency situations?
Unlike my opponent, I believe the responses and communication to the public over the afore mentioned disasters were dismal
How do you plan to collaborate with and strengthen communication with First Nation communities of the area?
Involving the First Nations in Emergency Management, Crime Reduction, Flood Prevention and Affordable Housing discussions is imperative and the right thing to do! It’s all about respect!
Victor Smith:
Why are you running for council?
I have served on numerous volunteer committees, such as the reboot of the Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures and Communities in Bloom. On each of these committees I worked to ensure fiscal responsibility and maintenance plans for sustainability. I have served one term as council.
What do you believe are the main issues that Hope is currently facing?
The cost of living: Food, fuel and housing top the list. We need to everything we can do at all levels to help. Families are in survival mode which is creating a lot of pressure. If we don’t there will be more people homeless. We need to work on this major issue quickly as everyone is looking for employees. Everything from health care workers, teachers, trades people and food industry workers. We have to help immigrants to be a part of the solution if we hope to have these services. At the end August this year over 300,000 Canadians retired.
How do you think Hope has been handling emergency situations?
Communication to the public needs a major review. Also there needs to be multiple avenues of communication as not everyone has the same access to information. We can do better.
How do you plan to collaborate with and strengthen communication with First Nation communities of the area?
Connecting with Indigenous is a long process with learning about each other and opening a door on trust. To take the time for face to face meetings on a new relationship. More learning of the past to move forward.
READ MORE: Housing issues front and centre as council candidates square off
@KemoneMoodley
kemone.moodley@hopestandard.com
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