Name: Fred Brooks
Age: 73
Occupation/background: Landscape architect, semi-retired. I am a provincially licenced landscape architect (for 40 years).
Why are you running for public office?
We can’t change the past, but there is now an opportunity to create new hope for Nanaimo. As a landscape architect with experience in urban design matters, my role on council will be to work with fellow councillors, senior staff and various city groups to give shape and life to changes that will be good for us all. I will bring my knowledge and daily professional observations to dramatically re-image our city to its greatest advantage for tourism, grow business, attract new residents, and maximize every citizen’s involvement with positive daily experiences in Nanaimo.
What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues, if elected?
Yield maximum social and material benefits for the taxes we pay; transparency on civic and financial matters; responsible subdivision development.
How do you plan to manage taxes and spending?
End questionable or unnecessary studies or projects; hold the line on municipal wages; end signing bonuses and unwarranted severance payments, among others.
What do you think it takes to lead Nanaimo?
Logic, compassion and common sense.
Describe your leadership or co-working style.
In the past have ran a successful business office of eight people. For last 16 years in Nanaimo have worked with multi-discipline offices (engineers, architects, trades) to achieve a common goal of successful projects. Observer, listener, do-er.