By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Leonard Krog

Oct 9, 2018 | 4:10 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:  I am a long-time resident of Nanaimo. I was born here and grew up in Coombs, B.C. I have lived in Nanaimo since 1979 and have operated a law practice as well as serving as the MLA for Nanaimo-Parksville (1991-96) and for Nanaimo (205-present). My work as an MLA, and in helping to raise our family here has given me a deep knowledge of Nanaimo and its neighbourhoods, its many volunteer organizations and the business community. Along the way, I have served on a number of local organizations, including being chair of the Nanaimo United Way Campaign.

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

The role of the Mayor is to lead Council, to manage its meetings and ensure that the Council’s business is conducted fairly, openly and with respect. It is also to represent the City in its relationship with other levels of government, with public authorities such as the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the Port, Airport, Health Authority and University. The Mayor is the City Officer to whom the City’s Chief Executive Office directly reports. 

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

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Nanaimo has enormous potential. Its location is among the most desirable locations in Canada. But its potential can only be unlocked if we start to attract investments in jobs and in facilities that will provide a desirable life experience.

We will maintain and, in many cases, improve our basic infrastructure-streets, parks, water, transportation links. We will work harder and smarter with other organizations, including the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the Port, Airport, University, Health Authority to use the scarce resources available to the best possible effect. We will start to come to grips with Nanaimo’s decades-old issues around poverty. The current crisis in housing and mental health and addictions services, while mostly provincial and federal responsibilities, affords the opportunity to make meaningful progress on these tough problems in our City.

We will ensure that past efforts to improve our downtown are not wasted by a lack of vision and purpose at City Hall. To do all of the above, we need a Council that is supported by an Advisory structure and a staff that can provide information and knowledge to allow it to make timely and intelligent decisions that affect where we live and what it costs. 

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?

Priority 1 is to ensure a return to civil and respectful behaviour in the Council Chamber. Closely associated with that is to engage a permanent Chief Executive or Administrative Officer whose job will be to ensure that City staff are able to provide the best service possible to citizens and to Councillors. 

Priority 2 is to engage with public authorities such as Snuneymuxw First Nation, the Port, Airport, VIHA and the University, and with private sector interests to work together to build and present an investment attraction strategy. A new Economic Development Office should contribute to this effort. 

Priority 3 is to ensure that we can provide modern and well maintained public infrastructure and public safety.

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?

I have been in public life for almost 20 years. It is not easy, but it can be rewarding. Elected people quite often quietly make positive contributions to the lives of their constituents. Whether people agree or disagree with me, I always try to listen and respect their viewpoints and their ideas.

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