On the issues

Working together as a community is how we will keep Nelson moving forward. Council does not make decisions in isolation: broad engagement is essential. I’m committed to keeping residents part of the conversation as we move from planning into building. The best solutions come from bringing diverse groups to the table. Citizens need to be confident that sound fiscal decisions are being made regarding their tax dollars.

City Hall is not only “open for business” but also open to its citizens. All council meetings are recorded and streamed, and can be viewed on the City’s YouTube site. We do more education and workshops as part of meetings, not just for council but for the community, to have a better understanding of what and how we do the business of the city. Councillors have increased opportunity to deliver reports on the activities they are doing in the community. Closed-door meetings have been significantly reduced and are held only in compliance with the rules of the Local Government Act. Meetings are open, transparent and accountable to the taxpayer.

Nelson has reinvented itself before, from a mining town to a rail town to a forestry town to the service and tourism centre we are today. That history is part of why I believe in planning for resilience now. And it’s why the work we do on our infrastructure and our environment, mitigation and adaptation, isn’t separate from our economy; it is the foundation of it.

Shop local isn’t just a marketing slogan; it’s a critical economic driver if we want to keep our small and medium-sized businesses here in Nelson. As such, we need to support local business and also attract new employers that will expand the tax base and employment opportunities. More people are working remotely, and what better place to work from than Nelson! The technology/knowledge sector and skilled trades with living wages should be our priority.

It is not just arts, culture and heritage; we need to consider all our social infrastructure. Our library, parks, recreation centre, along with our incredible arts and culture institutions, museum and outdoor trails are vital. Are we meeting the needs of our current residents, and are we attractive to those considering making Nelson home?

Individuals across all demographics are becoming more socially isolated. Social infrastructure is not only an economic driver; it is the linchpin that strengthens our physical and mental health, our sense of community and belonging. These spaces and places are also where intergenerational intersection occurs organically. An important attribute of social infrastructure is that most of it is affordable, accessible and FREE!