Name: Brian Anderson
Age: 66
Occupation: Banking, commercial lending.
Why are you running for public office?
I have been a volunteer committee member for the City of Nanaimo and RDN, so have knowledge of issues facing the city. I support the Growth Management Plan as we need to mitigate the impact of growth. Density should be directed towards transportation corridors to maximize ridership and reduce the impact of traffic. I have also been on several not-for-profit boards including the chamber of commerce so I have good understanding of social and arts and culture issues facing our community. My job requires a good understanding of financial information along with the ability to ask good question and to listen, so together with my volunteering experiences has given me the opportunity to continue my involvement in the community in this new venue, and make a positive contribution. We can be the hub of Vancouver Island, not just at the hub.
What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues, if elected?
Teamwork is a key issue and council should have a strategic planning session to agree on priorities and an action plan for the coming term, so that we can all work together and accomplish the priority items.
A business-friendly attitude is important to foster a vibrant economy as this will create jobs along with supporting business growth, as environmental concerns, social issues and arts and culture funding lands on the doorstep of the business community.
A core review is important. The core review will tell us what we do well and what we need to improve upon. Where this has been done in other cities, it has been cost effective.
How do you plan to manage taxes and spending?
Taxes rate increases should be set by council and held at a minimum, with consideration of the residents and tax fatigue. We have had surpluses each year that can reduce the impact of taxes, without having to make any cuts. Having a strategic plan is important as we then know what fits in and what fits out. We also need to ask good questions and look at all options.
What do you think it takes to lead Nanaimo?
My style is one of co-operation and teamwork. It has always worked for me at the job, in sports and on community boards. It also takes connection, being out and about in the community and being approachable lets you feel the pulse of the community and its priorities becomes quite apparent.