Name: Bill Yoachim
Age: 44
Occupation/background: Executive director, Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services; Bachelor of Arts degree, VIU; Bachelor of Social Work degree, UVic.
Why are you running for public office?
In my professional career along with my political background I have developed the skill set that has me ready for this moment. I know what fiscal responsibility is, I live and breathe it every day as the executive director of a child welfare that serves the most vulnerable of society, and I am expected to deliver services with results. Under my leadership we do that, yes I am fortunate to have a great team, but our operational dollars have not increased in years. My experience as a SFN councillor brought fiscal responsibility as well, ensuring deliverable services are in compliance financially and operationally. Therefore I bring extensive knowledge and experience to fiscal responsibility while being accountable to the federal, provincial government, and our FN and non-FN communities.
I have extensive governance experience as a councillor with SFN and six years on the board of governors at VIU. I am very familiar with the way municipal, regional, provincial, and federal governments govern. I have heard concerned citizens speak of lack of consultation or engagement processes by government. Their concerns completely resonates with me, I have witnessed every lacklustre attempt in the book by all levels of government. This is unacceptable and I would not permit this trend of behaviour. Another quality I will bring is my bridge building skills; I have the skill set that will bring us together as one. We cannot continue to work in isolation in our city, nor afford to. From my experience I will build bridges with key stakeholders, citizens in our city and region. Therefore with my solid political experience and fiscal responsibility I am ready, qualified to be your voice.
What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues, if elected?
Build stronger bridges with key stakeholders – bring together key stakeholders and incorporate a culture of working together. Working as one and eliminate working in isolation, our dollars and key initiatives will be better off financially and operationally.
Create a culture of inclusion and accountability at city hall – ensure the public is fully included and engaged through town hall meetings, reducing in camera meetings, creating open democracy through transparency and accountability.
Protect our cherished parks and natural environment while spurring on well managed economic development initiatives, including developing a Nanaimo economic/environmental strategic vision through public, collaborative process.
How do you plan to manage taxes and spending?
Core review focused on top-heavy management structure at city hall. Engaging public in a transparent process to review allocation of city finances, and make recommendations for reallocation
What do you think it takes to lead Nanaimo? Describe your leadership or co-working style.
The values of community service and leadership were instilled in me early in life. Recognizing the importance of growing and strengthening the whole region is key to me. My life has been about striving to bring respect, dignity, unity, and service in everything I do. Giving back and improving community is what I strive to do daily.