Name: Gordon Wiebe
Age: 65
Occupation/background: Retired regional manager, B.C Ferries Corporation, construction manager and safety consultant.
Why are you running for public office?
It is the next step in my community involvement. When my wife and I moved to Nanoose Bay in 1980 I joined the Nanoose Bay Volunteer Fire Department. After 12 years as a firefighter, I became a member and chair of the Nanoose Fire Protection Society. I am a commissionaire on the Parks and Recreation Commission for Area E as well as a member of the Parks and Open Spaces Committee and a member of the Grants in Aid Committee. I attend the RDN meetings on a regular basis. I believe I have a good understanding of the issues and concerns of Nanoose residents. I told director George Holme that I would be running for the regional director's position 15 years ago. I just didn't tell him when. Now is the time.
What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues, if elected?
Listening to and working with the residents of Nanoose Bay is always a priority.
Water is the No. 1 issue – whether on the Nanoose water system, a community well or a private well. We need to protect and preserve our water. We need a good plan.
Second is to respond to the petition that is signed by 76 residents near and around a well that was drilled on Parker Road. We need to find a solution to this situation.
The third priority is to keep our taxes down, reviewing the budget to see where we can save. No to funding the Island Rail for starters. Those that are on the water system will however see an increase if the referendum to borrow $2.6 million to support a five-year capital plan to upgrade parts of the current water system passes.
How do you plan to manage taxes and spending?
Reviewing the budget on a regular basis. Our biggest expenditure will be our water system. We must insure that there is a good maintenance plan in place for our infrastructure. Control any unnecessary spending.
What do you think it takes to lead the Regional District of Nanaimo? Describe your leadership or co-working style.
Listening to the voters, good communication and making tough decisions for the benefit of the whole. We are one electoral area with a number of communities within. I will work to bring everyone together. It is all about teamwork. Working with the RDN,working with our neighbours and most importantly, working with and for the Nanoose Bay residents. As a manager I have always had an open door policy and worked as part of a team.