Candidates were asked to list their name, age, occupation, previous publicly elected political experience, and what their commitment to the residents of the municipality is if they were to be voted in.
* indicates incumbent
Lilja Chong, 22, post-secondary student/manager, no previous experience
“No more residential tax increases, more affordable housing, an elevated crossing where the Galloping Goose crosses the highway, more say by citizens on the issue of amalgamation, greater cooperation with neighbouring municipalities, no to the CRD’s billion dollar sewage boondoggle.”
*Cynthia Day, 53, homemaker/administrative assistant, on council since 2002
“My commitment is to an affordable, liveable community where healthy families and seniors can enjoy parks and greenspace, local history and arts and culture with a vibrant business centre with needed services. I welcome citizen involvement and am committed to affordable, expandable, environmentally superior sewers for those that need them.”
Paul “Buddy” Devito, 62, retired, on council 1996-1999
“If elected, I will always use my head and go with my Colwood heart to ensure your concerns are addressed. I look forward to these next four exciting years. Colwood is moving forward and I would like to be part of this positive momentum.”
Stephen Huneck, 60, scuba instructor, no previous experience
“I believe that democracy only works when citizens get involved. As a member of the electorate, I demand that my representatives be fiscally responsible, treat everyone equally and fairly in an unbiased manner and focus only on things that will make my community a better place to live. I will absolutely hold myself to the same standard.”
Natalia Lebedynsky, 48, IBM planner, no previous experience
“If elected, I will be the constiuents’ advocate, not a politician. I will be their voice and leader. I will keep lines of communication open and maintain an open book policy to all residents. I will listen to their concerns ensuring they are always expressed in council meetings. I will make certain due diligence and ethical behaviour is always observed.”
*Gordie Logan, 43, Supervisor with Island Health, on council since 1999
“The same commitment that I made 15 years ago: to serve Colwood to the best of my ability, to be thoughtful in my decision making and to leave the city better than when I found it. I commit to being the voice on issues that matter to residents, no matter how big or how small. They are all important!”
Duane MacNeill, 61, warehouse/purchasing, no previous experience
“I am committed to building on the success of the last three years in the areas of transportation, planning and economic diversity, and to enhance the living experience we have now. I will work with developers that want to define Colwood as a better place to work, live and play. Budget to rate of inflation. Open government.”
*Rob Martin, 47, CEO of Precise Surgical, on council since 2011
“I am proud of the work that I accomplished in my first term. For example, reducing Colwood’s debt-to-revenue ratio from 92% to 25%, and doubling our reserves from $3 million to over $6 million. My next term priorities will be a strong balance sheet, resolution to Colwood sewer needs and strengthening our arts, sports and community opportunities.”
Jason Nault, 60, retired forestry research scientist, on council 2000-2008
“I will encourage and support sustainable development and growth, maintain regular attendance at meetings, encourage public participation, support a local sewage treatment initiative, support a study on the benefits and drawbacks of amalgamation, and use my time and experience to ensure that Colwood continues moving forward in a positive direction over the next four years.”
Terry Trace, 59, retired, no previous experience
“As councillor for Colwood, I will commit to the time required to do a good job, to listening to the public and representing them fairly, doing my best to ensure Colwood is operating as economically as possible, using common sense at all times, maintaining good working relations with everyone, keeping an open mind on all issues, and ensuring I clearly understand issues prior to making a responsible decision.”
Councillor candidate Robb Marty did not respond to repeated requests from the Gazette for his information.