Name: Kevin Cantelon
Age: 44
Occupation/background: Lawyer called to the bar in B.C. in 2000. Now operating my own law practice in Nanaimo.
Why are you running for public office?
I am unhappy with the way Nanaimo city council has been operating. There is a growing gap of trust between the people of Nanaimo and their city council. I believe that my skills and experience can help get city council back on track. There are too many important issues facing the city to allow the status quo to continue. Nanaimo deserves better.
What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues, if elected?
Re-establish trust between the council and the community, while promoting a collaborative atmosphere within council.
Promote and encourage development while preserving and maintaining public lands.
Encourage new industry to create jobs in Nanaimo.
How do you plan to manage taxes and spending?
I plan to maintain taxes at their existing levels while growing our tax base by encouraging and facilitating development. My spending priorities are to maintain city services, while continuing, and where possible, expanding programs to help all of Nanaimo’s citizens.
What do you think it takes to lead Nanaimo? Describe your leadership or co-working style.
Nanaimo needs leaders who have a clear vision for the future of the city. Leaders with the skills and experience to realize those dreams and keep Nanaimo on track. My leadership style has always been to lead by example. I lay out my agenda in and clear manner then work to achieve it in an open and respectful atmosphere.