As part of the News Bulletin’s coverage of the city council byelection, we asked all candidates to answer questions about their background, candidacy and priorities. Responses have been edited for grammar, style and clarity.
KEVIN STORRIE, 67
Occupation/background:
Currently semi retired. 35 years in construction as carpenter, foreman, superintendent and contractor (Red Seal TQ); seven years in retail sales; four years, elected Campbell River city council (1980-84); two years, director for Comox Strathcona Regional District.
Why are you running for city council?
Our council is having tremendous difficulties when it comes to dealing in a respectful manner with each other and at times with members of the public. It was my honour to serve for four years on a functioning and respectful city council and would like to bring those two words to our council chambers. In my four previous years on council, I was the head of the finance committee. Current council’s spending habits can best be described as erratic and exorbitant. Along with my experience as finance committee head, I have two years of CGA training, which will help. My history as a builder, dealing with construction contracts and bidding will be of tremendous benefit to our council. The use of sole sourced or cost plus contracts that has been the norm lately must come to an end. Each project over $500,000 must go to public tender and those under must be bid from the city’s select list. With so much work on the books for the next year and a half, it is imperative that the voters choose someone with the experience necessary to get the job done starting on day one.
What will be your priorities if you are elected and what do you want to accomplish in the 15 months before the 2018 civic election?
Affordable housing.
Responsible, people-oriented planning for our waterfront (1 Port Drive)
Lay the ground work for licensing cannabis stores
Make sure the building codes are met in areas of access and mobility (key for our seniors and those with mobility problems)
I accomplish these things by getting down to work immediately upon election.