District of Hope: Council candidate Q&A
Paul Stock
Q1: What experience do you have that makes you suited to be a councillor for the District of Hope?
Being a financial analyst with an accounting background can provide value to council. At McGill, I discussed supply-side economics at Harvard and I’ve also completed professional development at Oxford.
Q2: What are the two most pressing issues facing the district? How do you plan to address them? (be specific)
There are actually six pressing issues, not two: financial responsibility, senior care, affordable housing, infrastructure, economic stimulus and inclusion. I’ll highlight senior care – attract alternative private care, attract education programs in Hope to encourage this as a career choice, create accessibility, develop affordable housing and work with existing partners.
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?
We need jobs that can provide a living wage, not minimum wage. Unemployment has risen in Hope to 11 per cent in 2016. We need industry and must transition people into higher paying healthcare jobs. We need to develop affordable housing with existing partners to meet basic needs and curb homelessness.
Q4: How do you plan to listen to and communicate with residents of Hope if you are elected? (be specific)
I will listen through social media, hold monthly meetings at local coffee shops and create a free online “radio” platform where people can Skype or call in questions to me.
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