JOHN DOOLEY
Experienced.... Proven leadership.... Hard-working.... A name you can trust

John Dooley on….

Community and Community Development

No matter where I go in my travels, the people I talk with have either been to Nelson or want to visit our City. Most people reflect on its sheer beauty, its history and architecture, the cultural diversity and the fact that it is a great place to live. Some people think that this community is destined to become, or even should pattern itself, after towns like Aspen, Colorado or transform itself into another Whistler. Recent attempts to re-brand the City should raise questions regarding intent.

Personally, I believe that there is another model that builds on the City we know as Nelson, a community that developed over many years, reflects the legacy of a diverse group of people and was never meant to be an exclusive place for a limited group of people.

It is a community that respects its history. It is a model community where people feel safe and it’s a great place to raise a family. It has good infrastructure and a municipal council that reaches out to all citizens no matter how diverse their interests and careers might be. It is a city that focuses on its seniors. It listens to their concerns and then attempts to meet their needs. It reaches out to its youth, it takes care of its environment and preserves its past. We don’t need to transform ourselves into something we’re not; we already live in the best community in the Province and we have an opportunity to make it even better.

Fiscal Responsibility for Core Services

During the past term, the aging civic arena has been replaced: The vision that previous councils and hard working volunteers developed, and which the citizens endorsed, has finally been realized. I have worked, either as a volunteer or politician, for all three referendums. The City has also committed to a new museum and art gallery. While Nelson has experienced offloading from other levels of government that has added to operating costs, the City has also benefited from new revenues in the amount of over
$1,169, 000.00.

Nelson taxpayers have significant financial commitments and my focus will be not only on what we should be paying for but as well, on our actual ability to pay.

A complete review of our reserve funds is needed. For example, a building replacement and maintenance reserve does not exist. We know there is a requirement for a maintenance schedule for repair and replacement to the basic infrastructure — water and sewer, the most pressing roads, parks, and snow removal. The City also faces previously unforeseen liabilities driven by rising energy costs for gas, oil and electricity. Nelson Hydro is operating efficiently; however it only delivers 60% of the City’s power consumption requirements and the remaining power must be purchased.

In Nelson, residential taxpayers represent about two-thirds of the tax base and this imposes considerable constraints on our budget. (Trail is the opposite @ 80% commercial and 20% residential). It is very clear that over the next term and beyond, Nelson requires a more pragmatic approach to its spending priorities if the citizens want to realize the best from our infrastructure and facilities.

My focus will therefore be on ensuring fiscal responsibility for core priorities, including:

1. Replenishing our reserve funds.

2. Focusing our spending on the basic core public service priorities-replacement and maintenance of our aging water, sewer and road infrastructure; parks and recreation, snow removal, water quality, hydro, and a “back to the basics” approach to operating our City.

3. Ensuring that all City services operate as cost efficiently as possible.

4. Working with our Regional District partners in the new Community Complex. Also with the Museum Art Gallery committee (MAAG) to ensure that both facilities have sustainable and cost effective operating plans.

5. Ensuring that the new city hall is meeting projected budget targets and identify efficiencies that could be implemented to reduce operating overhead.

6. Identifying opportunities to mitigate rising energy costs through Nelson Hydro with senior levels of government.

7. Exploring additional opportunities for shared services.

Economic Development

Our focus must be on retaining and expanding local business. We have not been proactive enough over the years in keeping business in our community. Some examples of lost employers would be Glacier Honda, Finning, and Martech Electric. The loss of those businesses alone represented the loss of over 100 high paying jobs. It has been said that 80% of local economic development comes from within the community itself and that is why I will ensure that the local government operates in a business friendly but thoughtful manner. This means being able to provide certainty when it comes to local planning, having an orderly zoning and land use process and a stable taxation/licensing structure.

Of equal significance is quality of life factors such as good schools, shopping, health care services, infrastructure, public safety, being a City that is attractive, affordable and overall, being a community that is a good place to raise a family.

While it is true there is lack of developable land being made available, all other factors can be directly influenced by City Council. As Mayor, I will make certain that the City is well positioned to respond proactively to economic development requests. I will work with the RDCK, senior government, and all business service providers to address any gaps in this area. I commit to becoming more proactive in looking for a site to develop a light industrial park in or around the City.

I am committed to working with the structure that is currently in place for economic development (the new Nelson Economic Development Partnership) and the RDCK. With a good support structure and decision making results-based processes in place, Nelson and area will be well positioned to respond effectively to business enquiries and to ensure:

1. That there is economic growth that represents the will of the community.

2. That Nelson and area has a comprehensive economic strategy that transcends the terms of Council and is not a politically–driven direction.

3. That both strengths and impediments are considered together to develop recommendations to mitigate the barriers that exist for economic growth.

4. That this plan is developed with direct input from the local business community who represent these economic sectors because their involvement is essential to the credibility and practicality of a local economic plan.

5. That the planning reflects that Nelson and area has a diversified economy and that plans to ensure the promotion of one sector do not undermine the viability of another.

The Mayor must continually promote economic development in Nelson and I commit to doing this better than it has ever been done before. The Mayor needs to be a business facilitator who fosters a welcoming business climate for both existing business and potential investors. It is a vital role if Nelson is to take advantage of the many economic growth opportunities that lie ahead.

Environmental Stewardship

Waste Reduction and Garbage -I am committed to reducing the waste stream, however I believe it is essential that the environmental outcomes, the cost and the social impacts of the waste reduction initiatives that were implemented in the previous two years, be evaluated to determine if they meet the desired outcomes. This post -implementation review and recommendations would form the basis for Council’s next steps in partnership with the RDCK. During this election campaign, I have heard many concerns expressed about the impacts of the move to bi-weekly garbage pickup. I am committed to re-examining this issue, if elected.

Protection of Nelson’s Watershed- It’s a fact that significant beetle kill is occurring within Nelson’s watershed, raising the risk of wild fires: This has the potential to damage our drinking water supply. I believe Council will need to focus on this issue in order to ensure a sustainable quality domestic drinking water supply for the City, and I will lead this process.

Interface Fire Protection- The natural beauty of Nelson also means that several areas are quite vulnerable to interface forest fires. I commit to working with the Provincial Government and the RDCK to develop a fuel management strategy so that these areas are better able to withstand the threat of fire.

Site Remediation of the CPR and former Kootenay Forest Product lands- By working with the various levels of government, the applicable business proponents and others, I commit to doing everything possible to ensure that these areas are remediated to an acceptable and legal environmental standard as soon as possible.

Development Planning-In a recent study, 81% of homebuyers said they would pay more for shelter that met high environmental standards. I believe the City needs to actively promote “green building concepts” including alternative methods for heating and energy requirements and I will take action to implement and support these viable initiatives. The City should consistently consider ways to reduce pressure on the City’s infrastructure, including methods to conserve water.

Land Use Planning

I like to work from a good plan and follow the steps in place for development permit application through the Planning department APC and Council, guided by the Official Community Plan. That is why I will lead the completion and approval of the OCP and will fully respect that it represents the public will for land use direction in Nelson. Accordingly, I will ensure that Council continually refers to the OCP and other related land use planning documents at all times when considering land use decisions. I commit to being fully informed and apply the due diligence necessary to ensure that public interest in this process is at the forefront of land use decision making by Council. I have always believed that to make good decisions you need to have all of the facts presented, complete the research and ensure that the community has been fully consulted before good decisions can be made. I will expect all City councilors be held accountable to apply this high standard in the decision-making processes.

Health Care

I believe a new approach to Health Care is required in this community and this needs to start by understanding the health issues that are a community responsibility and those issues that can only be influenced when it comes to making delivery decisions about them. As the new health care model has evolved over the past four years it has become very clear that health care delivery will never again be considered on a community by community basis because the delivery model is a regional one and requires regional interdependence and interaction.

I support the regional model for acute health care delivery; however I believe the regional community has a right to expect that the location of the regional hospital in Trail is only an interim step before a central site model is implemented.

A central site may be 10 to 15 years away -- we need to insist that the IHA continue to commit to Kootenay Lake Hospital through ongoing upgrades and services during that time. We also need to work with IHA to develop a vision for KLH once the central hospital is delivered.

I believe we can all agree that there have been some positive outcomes to our health care situation and I have no hesitation in recognizing the Interior Health Authority (IHA) for the upgrades to the maternity ward, emergency (being planned) and the OR as examples. I would also like to acknowledge the many citizens and health care professionals in Nelson for their efforts in addressing the challenges that have confronted us over the past years. Their work has been tremendous.

The Mayor must take a much more active role in health care delivery in Nelson. For example, I believe Nelson and area citizens have a right to expect to be consulted before health care decisions are made and they should be able to deal directly with the decision makers beforehand rather than being informed after the fact. I will put the IHA on notice that this City expects to hold the IHA publicly accountable for their performance.

Frankly, I cannot accept the argument sometimes put forward by the IHA that their mandate is on health care delivery in isolation of everything else and this is what they are mandated to do. No public system, and particularly health care, can operate in a vacuum. It is unacceptable for example, that citizens of Nelson must incur additional risk, expense, time and other associated burdens to access our public health care system. In addition, the associated community impacts are significant and need to be recognized more fully.

I believe a primary role of any health care governance organization is to instill public confidence in the delivery system itself in order that citizens have a good sense of security and safety. There is no question that over the past several years, public confidence in the integrity of the health care system has been seriously undermined and this needs to change. I believe this “healing” can only occur by having the regional community work together with the IHA and all levels of government in a non partisan manner to bring more certainty and less friction to the health care issue, however complex it may be. As Mayor, I will commit to leading and enabling this process for the improvement of health care delivery for the citizens.

Nelson’s Youth

I believe that our young people have not been as effectively represented or their voices heard well enough in the City of Nelson. That is why I will take immediate steps to establish a Youth Committee of Council. This youth forum will be a fully functioning committee to advise Council on youth issues and to ensure that the community listens to the youth perspective. One of the first tasks of the Youth Committee will be to explore ways to build an outdoor Skateboard Park. This committee will also liaise with the Nelson and Area Youth Centre, and thus develop a closer relationship between Council, the community and the youth centre. I also would like to create a Youth Ambassador Program to provide young people with the opportunity to develop their skills and gain employment while representing the City. It is also my intention to hold some Council meetings outside of Council Chambers and I plan to work with L.V.R. High School to determine if some Council meetings could be convened at their school during the year.

Arts, Culture and Heritage

The Arts, Culture and Heritage are a key part of the fabric of the Nelson community and, I believe Nelson must continue to build and sustain the infrastructure necessary to support growth in these areas. A priority will be to ensure the new Museum/Art Gallery (MAAG) is completed and is the best facility of its kind in British Columbia and beyond. Council will work with the MAAG committee to develop an operating plan that is sustainable and viable to ensure a positive return on investment. This will be a facility that showcases our proud history, our traditions and talent. It will be a symbol the citizens of this great community will recognize to inspire all to move forward and “forge ahead” just as our predecessors did before us. It will enable Nelson to “walk the talk” when it comes to promoting the arts, heritage and culture. I will also re-appoint a member of Council to work with the Arts and Culture Committee of Council and request their plan to identify recommendations contained in the Arts/Culture report that could be implemented within the fiscal framework we will develop. A key role of this new committee will be to identify external funding sources for community arts and cultural initiatives, including the performing arts to support the Capitol Theatre. The Mayor and Council will be proactive in petitioning for this funding.

Post Secondary Education

The educational opportunities available within or in close proximity to the City are vitally important to its future. Nelson has a proud history with post-secondary education and we need to be proactive in this area. First and foremost will be to work closely with the Board of Selkirk College and the Provincial Government to determine how the City could support the growth in the delivery of the technical and apprenticeship trades training at both the Rosemont and Tenth Street campuses. The need for trade’s people is well known.

The Mayor and Council will also work with the regional community and the Selkirk Board to identify needs that may lead to the creation of additional academic programs and potentially, bring specific degree granting status to the Castlegar campus. In this way, more of Nelson’s students can choose to stay in the area to complete their post secondary education.

The Kootenay School of the Arts (KSA) requires a sustainable long term funding model. I will work with KSA and the Provincial Government to obtain this commitment from the Province.

Parks and Recreation

I will ensure that Council works with the Regional Recreation Commission to develop a viable operating plan for the new Recreation Complex and this will be a priority during my Mayoral mandate. I also intend to enter into negotiations aimed at formalizing agreements with School District 8 and the Regional Recreation Commission to partner wherever possible in the delivery of recreation programs within the City. We are compelled to take an inter-jurisdictional approach to recreation if we want to take full advantage of all of the possible opportunities and have them available for all of our citizens. Yet another priority will be to immediately develop a comprehensive Parks Plan that will establish priorities for the City. including the construction of a new outdoor Skateboard Park and address the serious need for park space in the Rosemont area.

Sports and Fitness

Sport is an integral part of every community but it is especially so in Nelson where we have a rich tradition of encouraging sport and embracing our athletes. We need to build on this tradition by developing greater community spirit and pride for our local athletes and by celebrating their achievements. I believe we can become the best wellness community in B.C. and I will pursue this by directing Council to work with Nelson’s citizens, together with the Regional Recreation Commission, School District 8, senior levels of government and the Interior Health Authority to produce initiatives that will inspire Nelson’s citizens to become a wellness focused community.

Rebuilding/Strengthening Regional and Provincial Relationships

Let me be very clear. This community has not been proactive enough when it comes to community-to-community, regional or provincial, relationship-building over the last term.
I will change this. The Mayor must lead inter-jurisdictional relationship building. Nelson simply has not achieved an effective approach to inter-government cooperation at the regional level and it is so vital to the long-term outcome of the health care and other important cross-jurisdictional issues, including economic development and parks and recreation. If elected Mayor, it is my intention to immediately reach out to regional and civic partners, re-establish the regional Mayors’ council, to include Trail, Castlegar and Rossland; and encourage a productive ongoing engagement with RDCK Area Directors. With respect to Federal and Provincial relations, I believe there is much we can do to strengthen and build credible relationships thus engaging the Federal and Provincial and Federal governments in discussions, which may lead to positive outcomes for the City.

Social Services

Largely through my Irish background, I have developed a keen sense of social justice. I recognize that Nelson has problems on several fronts including poverty and homelessness. I am fully committed to having City Council work directly with all social service providers and senior government to address these issues in both a compassionate and diligent manner. I personally commit to creating the framework within Council to focus on community social issues, including advocacy with the provincial and federal governments.

Public Safety

There is no question that we have what I believe to be the finest police force and fire department anywhere. I believe these departments need more support from the Mayor and Council. I will ensure there is an ongoing liaison by re-establishing regular and formal communication with both departments at the Council table. We ought to be troubled by public safety concerns in our community brought about in part by drug abuse, drug production and associated crime. This is why I am advocating that Council engage Nelson City Police to work collaboratively with the local social service agencies to develop a comprehensive “Made in Nelson” response to address street crime and drug abuse, in conjunction with federal and provincial initiatives.

Volunteers

My role in this city began as a volunteer when I arrived here in 1975. The City of Nelson has an amazing legacy of volunteerism and, without its volunteers Nelson would not be the community it is today. I do not think the City has formally recognized the great work and effort of its volunteers to the extent that it should. I will instill an attitude at City Hall to consider every single volunteer as a precious resource and formally thank those who take their time to serve and who inspire others to join. As a long time community volunteer, I know how good it feels to perform community service and as Mayor, I promise to go out of my way to thank all of those that contribute to building our community. I will unleash the awesome power of the volunteer community in Nelson and recognize volunteers by giving them the appreciation that they rightfully deserve.