Hosted by the Westshore Chamber of Commerce, the View Royal all candidates meeting had three core questions that each candidate answered, and then a series of random questions asked by random draw. Candidates were divided into two groups, in an effort to prevent repetitive questions.
Opening Statements
Mayoral candidates David Screech | Sid Tobias
Core Questions
“Many residents are struggling in the current economic environment given the steep growth in inflation, how will this factor into how you vote on spending initiatives”?
Group A: Judy Estrin, Allison MacKenzie, Ron Mattson, John Rogers, David Screech
Group B: Don Brown, Gery Lemon, Damien Kowalewich, Sid Tobias
“What specific actions do you want the Town of View Royal to take to address climate concerns?”
“The Official Community Plan is a top priority for View Royal and a decision on the new document has been reserved for the newly elected council. Do you believe further consultation with residents on the OCP is required? Why or why not?
“View Royal council recently approved an increase in remuneration for mayor and council starting January 1st. Do you support this? Why or why not?”
Random Draw Questions
“What is your vision for sustainable growth in View Royal?”
“If there is one thing you could accomplish if you are elected that would make a substantive difference in the lives of View Royal citizens, what would that be?”
“What is your view on the amalgamation of municipalities in Greater Victoria, including View Royal, into one municipality?”
Allison MacKenzie | John Rogers
“Affordable housing is no longer just a Victoria problem, it is a regional issue. What will you do to help alleviate this issue?”
“What opportunities do you believe exist for View Royal to collaborate with other municipalities or First Nations?”
“Recruiting and retaining top talent seems to be a common theme among businesses in the Westshore. In addition to affordability and health care, people are looking for robust community services such as child care options, youth engagement programs, after school programs, and family support programs. What can we do as a community to add such beneficial recruitment and retention features to our regional offering for workers?”
Allison MacKenzie | Gery Lemon
“What part can View Royal play in improving transportation options within the municipality and across the region?”
Ron Mattson | Damien Kowalewich
“What single emerging issue do you foresee in View Royal's near future that you would tackle if you were elected, and how would you go about solving or mitigating that issue?”
“What steps would you take to improve access to arts and culture opportunities in the Westshore?”
Damien Kowalewich | Gery Lemon
For more information on each candidate, review their answers in our candidate database.