Name: Paul Roland Gogo
Age: 49
Occupation/background: Musician/singer (keyboard player for Trooper), local small business owner (housing), fourth-generation Nanaimoite.
Why are you running for public office ?
It is an exciting time for Nanaimo. I have the energy to work hard and show my love for my hometown. I have great respect for locals, mayor and council presently and historically, and would be honoured to contribute.
What three priorities are important to you and how do you plan to tackle these issues if elected?
Open up communications. Base all decisions on how the outcome affects people who actually live here. Create online referendums or questionnaires for issues that concern people. No more cynicism. Let's have ideas, suggestions and answers. Any successful venture requires people, communications, skills and leadership.
Finalize a solution to the dam. Get the information. Our park is a gem and a serious tourist attraction. Your great grandkids will love it too.
Promote a vibrant economy. Encourage investment, growth and job creation without sacrificing our priceless environment. Local high-tech people have big visions. Let’s create a promotional plan for young industries. Tourism is our gold mine. I am from a logging family, and I know what our city is built on. We need to reach out and help to develop and promote tourism markets such as biking and kayaking; markets that can grow forever. Every little bit is very important. Housing is hugely important. Good planning helps our young (and elderly) afford to live here. We have the resources to ensure a great quality of life for a happy, proud and productive population.
How do you plan to manage taxes and spending?
Very carefully, and with consultation of the taxpayers. And by being a part of a team of people who care. This is our money that is being spent.
Cities grow. Total replacement costs for our assets has reached $2.2 billion. Anything else is secondary to keeping our infrastructure up to date. The City exists to service the people. I want people to feel good value for their tax dollar.
I am excited about the Wellcox land and potential new opportunities and I love our parks and facilities, but let us not be in a hurry. Legacies are worth doing right the first time. Nobody needs a legacy of debt.
With new projects, we should look at sponsorship as well as partnership with other groups such as VIU, RDN, Port Authority, and Snuneymuxw First Nation. The collective power when a group seeks grants together is undeniable. We local taxpayers would notice a difference in increased civic pride in not having to shoulder the entire burden of costs. You would not want the city to go solo into another big deal alone, would you?
What to you think it takes to lead Nanaimo? Describe your leadership and co-working style.
It takes the ability to listen and act on a long-term vision and approach that benefits us loyal Nanaimoites. I like to let people know what is going on. I do not like to make hasty decisions. Nanaimo can be a glowing example of a friendly and respectful lifestyle. Council will set an example. We are entering a new era of optimism for Nanaimo. It's going to be great.