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District of Hope councillor candidate Q&A: Dusty Smith

District of Hope: Council candidate Q&A
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District of Hope: Council candidate Q&A

(Dusty) Dustin Smith

Q1: What experience do you have that makes you suited to be a councillor for the District of Hope?

I manage a successful business within the District of Hope and feel that bringing that knowledge to the table helps at budget time when we are trying to stretch the tax dollars as far as we can. I also am a voice for the younger generation and the past four years of experience will allow me to have my voice become louder at the table to fight to make this community the best it can be.

Q2: What are the two most pressing issues facing the district? How do you plan to address them? (be specific)

Jobs is a big key to success. I have supported every project for the past four years that have come forward that provides a job. mid-levelevel to high paying jobs is needed but take what you can get is my motto.

Infrastructure is our biggest and most expensive issue. Without applying tax money towards reserves to be able to fund and/or get grant money is wrong. We have done a great job of keeping taxes at a max increase of two per cent every year. Manageable tax increases will continue to help aid our problems of fixing infrastructure. Not investing in our community is not a good approach. We have to have a council that is willing to look at all angles of saving money and making it go the furthest for the most return and this has to be the top priority.

Q3: Many residents of Hope struggle with availability and affordability of housing and basic necessities. This is compounded by a job market with many low-paying jobs and many residents living on fixed incomes. If elected, what will you do to make Hope a place where people can live, work and play comfortably?

I feel myself and my fellow councillors are on this already with support towards low-income housing projects and with support towards new businesses that come to Hope.

Hope has to be on the market as arms wide open to new business and developers. I believe we are that way within our community. We have supported different development variances and rezoning applications to make sure these projects are a go ahead from a district level. We cant make developers build but we can support along the way, which I feel has been done.

I have also worked alongside great groups that have provided a great community to play in: bike park, trails, local events, music, etcetera.

Q4: How do you plan to listen to and communicate with residents of Hope if you are elected? (be specific)

I am a completely open door councillor. Anyone is able to call or come see me at my place of work. I am also in the community at different events and can be talked to anytime.

I do think social media can be a strong tool but also a destructive tool as well, if people are wanting answers they need to get them from the sources.

My cell is always on. I will always take the time to listen to residents.


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