Paul Brown Is running for Mayor of Victoria this year. He ran during the by-election and placed 5th with 7% of the total votes.
Brown is a consultant to various levels of government in the Pacific Northwest, and in talking to him it seems like his main concern is with the financial situation of City Hall. Brown's campaign has sent out a number of press releases on the subject of the City's ailing finances, and he appears to have spent quite a bit of time looking into the subject.
You can visit Paul's website here
And here are his answers to our questions three:
Q: Why are you running and why should I vote for you?
We need to ensure our City realizes its greatest potential. This means retaining our sense of community, culture and heritage while embracing opportunities for the future.
I am running because taxes and expenses at City Hall are both rising much faster than the rate of inflation and this poses a serious threat to the social and economic health of our City.
I believe in genuine citizen engagement. I believe in public access to all essential information. I believe in open debate and transparent policy development. Most importantly, I believe in setting honest, realistic financial goals and living within your means.
My experience consists of 23 years providing advice and consultation on financial, governance and risk management to governments throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Q: What issues are the most important to you and why?
We need to preserve the ongoing delivery of essential city services by reforming and strengthening its tax base.
Our City’s financial challenge is the most pressing issue. For the past two years, city services and department budgets have been cut while taxes increased well in excess of the rate of inflation. Our City’s infrastructure is showing the strain of age and neglect. Grants to community organizations are shrinking. Residents are concerned that megaprojects, such as the sewage treatment plant, the proposed LRT will overwhelm our City’s resources.
We need to:
- make better use of our City’s limited tax resources and become more prudent in our financial affairs.
- work closely with our neighbouring communities to establish a broader range of shared municipal services
- work more closely and collaboratively with senior levels of government to ensure their financial support
- accurately and fairly consider everyone’s perspective
- be open and honest with the public when we develop City policies, budgets and tax rates.
Q: What’s something people don’t know about you?
I spent my summers during the 1980’s and 1990’s exploring the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound, the Sunshine Coast and San Juan Islands. The experience demonstrated to me the importance of stepping back to gain perspective and how delicate our environment is. Today, my wife and I treasure our walks throughout our City and do our best to respect the environment we call home.
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