District of Hope: Council candidate Q&A
Sharlene Hinds
Q1: What experience do you have that makes you suited to be a councillor for the District of Hope?
By attending council regularly for years, I understand the dynamics of government. I volunteer with various organizations, including Healthy Communities, and believe I can be a strong voice for the citizens of Hope.
Q2: What are the two most pressing issues facing the district? How do you plan to address them? (be specific)
Jobs and housing. Minimum wage, seasonal tourism-based jobs will never secure genuine, lasting growth. Hope needs solid economic review and planning that will deliver tangible results. We cannot realistically expect growth without year-round employment and advancement possibilities. This will create affordable housing options and services for families and our senior citizens.
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 to attract long-term employers, new industry and business investors through tax incentives and other financially attractive ideas. Hope must strive to be not just another pretty place — we need to be on the map for potential economic progress and growth. When new jobs are available, more housing starts and genuine growth will follow.
Q4: How do you plan to listen to and communicate with residents of Hope if you are elected? (be specific)
I believe in an open-door policy — to be accessible to the people of Hope in person, by phone, by email. My priority is ensuring that their concerns are shared with council and acknowledged.
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