We sent our questions to Paul Brown via email, and here are the answers! Also, as usual, the B Channel News and Monday Magazine interviews are at the end.
1. This term is shorter than usual, what can we accomplish over the next year?
To be realistic, greater Accountability for Results, Due Diligence and Transparency on all files and issues.
However one feels about refurbishing or replacing the Blue Bridge, it has been a fiasco and cost us, the taxpayers, dearly. It came out of left field with no warning, there was a lack of due diligence demonstrated exploring all of the viable options and their costs, and as far as transparency, the only thing that was truly transparent was council’s determination pursue their preferred option. If it had been done properly, we would in all likelihood be already on our way to refurbishing or replacing the Blue Bridge and not wasting time and money on a referendum.
Our City’s infrastructure is aging and much of it will soon need to be refurbished or replaced. We cannot afford another Blue Bridge fiasco.
2. What is one thing that everyone should know about you?
For the past 22 years, I have been a partner in a knowledge based company providing advice, counsel and training on accountability, due diligence, governance and transparency to public servants in provincial, territorial and state governments across the Pacific Northwest.
I want to believe members of council have the best of intentions though are struggling with these principles. I will work with council to integrate these principles into all files, issues and decision making processes.
3. Is there any issue you want to talk about, and what are your thoughts about it?
I do feel strongly there is one particular issue that needs to be at the forefront yet is receiving scant attention and is costing us financially – Regionalization.
I recognize the issue has been kicked around for years, the provincial government is not prepared to step in without an invitation from the municipalities and our neighbouring municipalities for the most part are less than enthusiastic.
Regardless, the fact is the City of Victoria has been and continues to struggle to fund many of the Capital Region’s issues such as policing, homelessness, poverty and transportation with a municipal budget. The most recent example is the comment by the Mayor of Esquimalt that they are unwilling to fund the two police officers to be stationed at the new Rock Bay shelter because it is a regional issue – not an Esquimalt issue.
Particularly frustrating is when I see other candidates saying Victoria needs to take the lead championing the regional transportation issue. This is not an issue that is high on the list for most citizens of Victoria. Few of us experience the daily frustration of the Colwood crawl or the congestion on the Pat Bay Highway. Yes, we should be at the table, however only if our neighbouring municipalities are prepared to come to the table on our regional issues such as policing, poverty and homelessness – and perhaps even the Blue Bridge fits into this category.
I also take note that another candidate states one of their priorities will be to develop better working relationships with neighbouring municipalities. I question this. Yes we need to be at the table and collaborative, however we need to insist they no longer take us for granted.
In summary, our City is facing challenging economic times ahead. We need to show financial prudence and stand up for ourselves on regional issues.
Read Paul Brown's interview with Monday Magazine here
Victoria Votes never gets tired of thanking B Channel News for allowing us to use their videos:
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