Birthday: July 2, 1947
Personal background: I moved to Saanich in 1988. I live in a restored 1913 heritage bungalow in Strawberry Vale with my wife, Susan Vasilev, and our 12-year-old son, Bryn. I enjoy gardening, rock wall building, walking and biking.
Professional background: MA in political science, communications/public policy professionally; minor specialty in active transportation (planning/design/promotion).
Political/community experience: I was first elected to Saanich council in 1993. I spent 11 years on council before moving to provincial politics. I was elected MLA in Saanich South in 2005. While on council, I sat on the following committees: administrative traffic, bicycle advisory, heritage foundation, finance, environment and numerous working groups and task forces, like W. Saanich Road and Tillicum streetscapes. At the CRD, I chaired solid waste, liquid waste, and environment, and sat on regional planning, finance, housing, water and the main CRD board.
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What will be the most pressing issue for Saanich council to deal with in the 2011-2014 term
How to prioritize and fund infrastructure improvements that reduce congestion, diversify transportation choice, and support the growth strategy vision for walkable, liveable mixed use centres.
What has been the biggest failure of the current council?
Failure to make Uptown a transit hub and ensure its streetscape is pedestrian friendly and relates well to its context.
How do you attract unengaged voters to participate and be interested in municipal politics?
You give them a real choice for Mayor and promise to do better in addressing key issues, like walkability. You give them some confidence we can act on local issues to protect and improve quality of life.