By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Ben Geselbracht

Oct 9, 2018 | 4:34 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 grew up in Nanaimo and am proud to call this community my home. I’m 37 years old and am a clinical counsellor with a master’s degree and have worked in the prison system. I also own and operate a successful tree service business that hires youth facing barriers to employment. I’ve served our community as a board member for several local non-profits including the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange and South End Community Association. I have a BSc. In Biology and have worked doing wildlife conservation. Ensuring a healthy environment is very important to me. I have served as a committee member for the Regional District developing the regions new solid waste management plan and am proud of the ambitious targets set to improve recycling in Nanaimo. I’m also a co-founder of the Mid-Island Community Development Co-op; an organization devoted to improving the health and sustainability of local neighborhoods.

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

The most important duties associated with the role of being a councillor involve providing municipal governance through collective decision making that represents the needs and wants of the community. These actions include setting strategic direction, adopting financial plans, allocating resources, adopting zoning bylaws, making policy resolutions and engaging the community. These actions require a significant amount of reading and researching, communicating with affected stakeholder and discussion between other council members and staff. The foundational responsibility of a councillor however, is the commitment to the democratic process which in its simplest form is the commitment to respectful and open dialogue.

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

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My vision for the community beyond the next four years is for Nanaimo to be a world leading mid-sized city in terms of its livability, environmental sustainability and economic opportunity. I would like us to be a community where everyone can age in place because there is excellent educational opportunities, the full range of housing options, good jobs with good pay and accessible services, great public transportation, parks, recreation and culture. To achieve this we need to be pro-active with smart planning and innovative approaches. Nanaimo is growing rapidly and we need to work together as a community to ensure it remains a livable place.

A “big idea” I have for our community is for us to be the first city to achieve diverting 90% of our waste from landfill. Our regional district has already committed to this target through means that do not include incineration. With the right policies in place, community participation and some changes to our infrastructure we can achieve this. Why not create opportunity by being a world leader in something we must eventually do anyway.

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?

The first priority for an incoming council should be to restore a well-functioning local government that can work effectively with the community. We need a community that is brought together by collaborative city leadership so that we can effectively meet the challenges of our growing city. First steps include restoring productive relationships with key city stakeholders , rebuilding the senior city management team and re-establishing a city committee structure that reflects the needs of the community. The second priority for council should be to focus on housing affordability and homelessness. Without action, these two issues will worsen and create bigger challenges for our community. There is currently substantial money available from senior levels of government to make advances on these two issues and if focused effort is not made, significant investment could be lost which will cost the city down the road. The third priority for the new council should be to guide smart urban development and establish a regional economic development program. With a rapidly growing city, the items of this third strategic priority are necessary to ensure a Nanaimo that is livable, environmentally sustainable and full of opportunity for everyone.

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?

My strategy to deal with the intense public pressure and scrutiny placed on elected officials is to have a clear communications strategy and a healthy personal routine. Although conflict is unavoidable, avoiding unnecessary conflict is important to minimize the amount of pressure. To accomplish this, I believe it is important to have a communications strategy that clearly informs the public about the reasons behind decisions as this reduces unnecessary confusion and frustration. I believe having a practice of making evidence-based decisions that represent a clearly articulated set of values also helps. I also will be very disciplined in ensuring that my communication is always respectful as this is critical to avoid unnecessary conflict. This respectful communication also requires a commitment to the responsible and professional use of social media. To dissipate the unhealthy build-up of stress, especially from negative interactions, I am committed to a healthy personal routine of exercise and offline family time where my mind and body can recharge and restore.

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