Name: Bob Rogers
Age: 68
Occupation/background:
Resident of Nanoose Bay with wife Susan for 20 years and Vancouver Island for 37 years. Retired professional forester, woodlands manager, forest industry consultant and small business owner/operator. Elected to three terms as a Cowichan School District trustee.Current member of RDN Grants-in-Aid Committee and past member of Area E Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee.
Why are you running for public office?
Also a candidate in the 2011 election for Area E director, I am committed to community building and providing accountable, balanced and energetic representation for Nanoose. I want to work proactively on behalf of all Nanoose residents to enhance and strengthen the rural and urban living and working opportunities in Area E
What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues, if elected?
Addressing Area E’s water needs. Support the cost effective implementation of the Englishman River Water Service efforts to proceed with sustainable bulk water delivery enhancement through the planned new intake, treatment plant and distribution project. Work diligently within the RDN in conjunction with Parksville to obtain funding from the province and Ottawa to develop a timely and equal three way cost sharing agreement. Work to ensure that residents of Area E have long-term sustainable access to sufficient high quality surface and groundwater.
Controlling spending in line with residents’ service level demands and their ability and willingness to fund through controlled taxes.
Proactively ensure the implementation by both the developer and the RDN of the Fairwinds Schooner Cove and Lakes District community plans within the terms of the approved phased development agreements consistent with approved plans and standards.
How do you plan to manage taxes and spending?
Pay full attention to my responsibility as director to control spending and prudently manage Area E tax bills. Service level review matching residents’ services demands within reasonable tax requirements. When elected will hold an immediate open community information feedback meeting with electorate to review and address their services received priorities with respect to both the 2015 draft budget and long-term financial plans and tax impacts.
What do you think it takes to lead the Regional District of Nanaimo?
Accountable and proactive representation that fosters and facilitates regular and open constructive dialogue and consultation between the director and the Area E electorate. To be effective the director must earn and maintain the respect of the area residents as well as the respect of his/her fellow RDN directors developed through a sound working relationship and demonstrated leadership that enhances the RDN and its ability to provide services in a cost-effective manner and at a cost controlled level.
Describe your leadership or co-working style.
Hard work, accountability, responsive, consensus building.