By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Ashley Zboyovsky

Oct 9, 2018 | 1:53 PM

NanaimoNewsNOW reached out to every municipal candidate to present an easy-to-read and informative guide for our readers to help with the upcoming municipal election. All candidates were asked the same four questions, which are presented here without being edited. 

Biography: Often described as the voice of reason, honest and thorough, I am a life long learner with a positive attitude and the resiliency to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. Fourth generation Nanaimoite I attended Uplands Park Elementary, graduated from Wellington Secondary School and I am currently attending VIU pursuing a degree in Psychology. I have a strong passion for supporting (specifically mental health and addictions) and operate a small service business in Nanaimo. For 7+ years I was employed at White Spot North Nanaimo, where I was part of the leadership and management team. Compelled to advocacy by my bloodline I embodied the spirit of my grandmother Catherine ‘Kay’ Zboyovsky who spear headed the over pass at Long Lake and the naming of May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park. I am committed to Nanaimo and its biggest investment…the people. 

Question 1: Describe, in detail, what you view as the most important duties associated with the role of being councillor/mayor?

As new council members (re-elected or elected with no prior background in city governance) there is a lot to learn about leadership and governance of this city.  The administrative tasks are vast and varied, and there are limits on the role in making decisions and setting policy.  Initially a Councillor needs a broad overview of the functions of the city and must take the time to learn about Nanaimo, it’s history, it’s operation, it’s financing, and most importantly, the people. 

A Councillor must:

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• Listen, listen to everyone, listen until our ears fall off – round out the complexities of our city -our job is to find the entire community’s long-term public interest
• Identify issues and needs, set goals, objectives and priorities, start an action program and evaluate the results – all done transparently 
• Represent with gratitude, respect, kindness and patience for the honour bestowed upon them by our democratic process
• Form as a cohesive team who can ebb and flow responsibly and respectfully with the day to day intricacies of public demand, and perform like a well oiled machine that will make a good city great!

Question 2: Describe your vision for Nanaimo beyond the next four years

A vibrant and sustainable Nanaimo has at it’s core:

• A confident private and public community
• A healthy level of growth and development
• Efficient and effective use of taxpayer’s dollars
• A dynamic arts and culture community 
• Strong housing policy
• Respect for environmental values, prepared for climate change
• A strong social net that supports our citizens, our youth, our seniors and our most vulnerable
• A stabilized and unified leadership team whose governance is founded in a structure  transparent to all as outlined in the Nanaimo City 2013 commissioned Watson Report on Governance Framework.  

My vision is a city that is full of opportunities for all of our citizens: career potential/strong economy, attractive and affordable housing options, healthy lifestyle, improved transportation, vibrant town centre, active sports, arts and culture scene.

Question 3: If you were making a list of your top three strategic priorities for the incoming Council to focus on over the next four years, what would they be and why?

Governance Renewal – to prioritize they way we operate to effectively and efficiently serve the citizens of Nanaimo. That we sustain a healthy tone that supports being understood, fairness and openness, and thoughtful contemplation of the voice of Nanaimo. Because it’s the simple right thing to do for the simple right reason – the greater good of Nanaimo depends on Council to collectively be all that we need them to be. 

Community Wellness – to commit to the needs of Nanaimo one issue at a time understanding fully that a thriving community is reflective of the wellness of the individual citizens. Be it; bike routes, parks and trails, discussions on topics of strong community interest (i.e. housing affordability, homelessness, food security, mental health and addictions) – I support finding/creating solutions and resources to improve what is working and transform what is challenged. Because our common welfare will thrive when we stabilize our issues one step at a time. 

Economic Health – revitalize downtown core, strengthen community partnerships, develop and attract creative and diverse talent, support small bushiness, encourage sports tourism and tournament growth, build investor confidence through consistent predictable decision making and practices. Because it will be in the best interest of the community as a whole.   

Question 4: What is your strategy for dealing with the intense pressure and scrutiny placed upon elected officials, especially from those who may not agree with your decisions or viewpoints?

Resilience is the characteristic I possess that allows me to thrive under considerable pressure and career resilience is a strategy for building layers of protection to ensure that work performance and personal reputation are only temporarily dented when things get tough. 

Here’s how I intend to move forward:

• Remember that I am here for the people first and foremost and I shall put my best energy into achieving desired results
• Take responsibility as an adult and trusted servant leader to acknowledge that things go wrong for a wide variety of factors, review once and check three things to be done differently if the same situation were to arise again
• I’m not afraid to say I don’t know – therefore I don’t set myself up to be all things to all people
• I don’t make promises I can’t deliver – the power belongs in the process of our system – my duty is to carry it out
• I have geared my mind to process a tremendous amount of conflicting information and acknowledge the job can be very complex

For respective financial information, click here.