By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Zeni Maartman

Oct 9, 2018 | 4:29 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 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.

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

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The Community Vision for Nanaimo, one that respects people and neighbourhoods, preserves the environment, and bases change on community participation is also my vision.

I envision a progressive council that will bring enthusiasm to innovation, technology, creative economy. Ideas such as tactical urbanism strategies. We all want to live, work and play in a safe, healthy, vibrant city. In the 2016 – 2019 Strategic Plan, the City of Nanaimo committed to five values – economic health, environmental responsibility, social equity, cultural vitality and healthy lifestyle is also my vision. The new Council and the community will have the opportunity next year to review and amend the Official Community Plan to fit with long term planning.

Beyond the next four years I see density along major transit routes as our city grows. A transportation hub at the waterfront with connections to a passenger ferry to downtown Vancouver, ferries to the local islands, and bus transit. A strong connection between VIU students and a welcoming vibrant downtown, with no vacant or derelict buildings. A safe and healthy, green, clean city.

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?

Strong leadership and good governance that creates a positive work culture for city employees, and builds relationships with city partners and all levels of government including the Indigenous Community. The restructuring of the advisory committees for more community input to council decision making. Re-establishing the Advisory Committee on the Environment, Social Planning and Advisory Committee and Arts and Culture.

Social and environmental responsibility go hand in hand with a healthy, diverse economy. Economic Development – capitalizing on opportunities such as the cannabis industry, tourism, and encouraging innovation, technology, arts and culture. Follow through on Master waterfront plan, hotel for conference center and passenger ferry. Revitalize the heart of our City, action derelict and vacant buildings, create people friendly spaces. Strengthening the Economic Development Department and ensure we are engaging with the key partners and leaders in our community such as SFN, VIU, Chamber of Commerce and the business community, Port Authority, Airport Authority, to name just a few. Protect our watersheds and environment, improve public transportation, bike lanes, a not for profit recycling to support zero-waste, support of farmers’ markets.

Implement and action the Affordable Housing Strategy and the Action Plan to end Homelessness as soon as possible.

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 enough experience in both my personal and professional life to recognize the importance of calmness and clear thinking. I have worked in the insurance industry for thirty years where I have gained skills to communicate in a productive manner with uncomfortable conversations. I look forward to understanding different viewpoints and decision making. I am always open to listening and would strongly encourage respectful dialogue. My decisions are not written in stone if another perspective can show me a better way of thinking. I believe if we start with the common ground – know what the common goal or outcome is that we can agree on, we can build healthy conversations that will lead to solutions. I am ready to listen, communicate, collaborate and get down to work!

For respective financial information, click here.