Name: Gordon Fuller
Age: 56
Occupation/background:
Employed in the social service sector with adults and youth for almost 20 years. I also have considerable experience working with boards and committees on issues ranging from homelessness and affordable housing, food security and poverty, to neighbourhood and community planning and downtown revitalization.
Why are you running for public office?
Many see sitting on council as a position of power; I see it as a position of trust, trust that I would work towards the betterment of the entire community. I have proven through community involvement that I do not just ‘talk the talk’ but ‘walk the walk’ as well.
A regular attendee at council meetings, for over a decade, I have appeared as a delegation to advocate on a wide range of issues. Asked if I think I can accomplish as much as a city councillor as in my current advocacy role; I see this as a higher level to work towards building a better community for all.
What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues, if elected?
I want to ensure participatory democracy remains a priority, and in fact increase avenues for such through regularly scheduled town hall meetings throughout the community inclusive of Protection Island. I want all committee meetings videotaped and place on the city website. In the next election rather than eliminating polling stations I want to see more so as to increase voter participation.
Your council needs to recognize that social, environmental, cultural and economic aspects are intertwined; linking the community together. A focus on one without the others detracts from the whole; a focus on all builds better community.
A longtime social and community advocate I know it is critical to recognize the importance of a healthy diverse economy in providing meaningful employment and the necessary tax base from which to run our fair city. We need a strong advocate on council who understands the issues in all areas of the city.
How do you plan to manage taxes and spending?
Curb spending, no more grandiose schemes that require ongoing city funding; if we cannot already afford it do we really need it?
Offer density bonusing to increase the tax base, in areas that make sense, for greater community contributions. Infrastructure costs less if the focus is on densifying existing neighbourhoods and is balanced by the taxes generated by the densification of the area. This has the effect of keeping taxes low and, with the increased tax base, not being a burden on existing taxpayers.
What do you think it takes to lead Nanaimo? Describe your leadership or co-working style.
When elected I will bring a new level of trust, openness, inclusiveness, common sense and experience to the position, all qualities needed as a sitting councillor.