Zeni Maartman
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 61 years old and a proud resident of Harewood/South end since 1989. I raised my two children who attended Bayview Elementary and graduated from John Barsby Community School. My involvement in the community started with coaching softball and participating on the PAC. I have been privileged to serve the public as a School Trustee, past President of Tourism Nanaimo and for many years I have engaged with the city, through various community organizations, city committees and taskforces. The skills I have developed throughout my career and community work in team building, conflict resolution, communication and decision making are crucial to serving on City Council. I’m ready to listen and get down to work; to include public consultation and find consensus on issues. It’s not about the problems, it’s about the solutions.
Question 1: Describe, in detail, what you view as the most important duties associated with the role of being a councillor/mayor?
There are many roles for a Councillor, for me the primary role is to be engaged and represent the people of Nanaimo. To make decisions and encourage Council Members to find the common ground for the common good. The responsibilities of a Councillor along with Council are to set the strategic direction for the City, including creation of policies and procedures and the adoption of bylaws and zoning. A Councillor contributes to the decision when adopting financial plans, short term and long term, and the allocation of the resources from services and programs, to capitol projects. A counsellor can be appointed to the RDN, but also will be appointed to one or two committees, where valuable input and advise is provided to support decision making of the Council. My past and current board experiences contribute to my knowledge of good governance, Robert’s rules and how to work collaboratively. A councillor must be accountable to the citizens of Nanaimo, keep the public informed on decision making, and be an advocate for people and the various organizations that serve our city.