Peter Kent

To make a long story short, I started out being Arnold Schwarzenegger’s personal stunt-double for 15 years with my first gig working on the original Terminator. Fast-forward to now, I have worked in the Film Business for over 35 years. I’m married to a wonderful nurse named Marcia (VIU alumni and NRGH employee), have twin boys, a chocolate lab, co-own my stunt school business, teach at Spotlight Academy in Nanaimo & completing a booming 4-year term as Municipal Councillor with the District of Squamish team.

Contact information:

Email: info@peterhkent.com

Facebook: Kent for Nanaimo Council

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

The role of councillor is to thoughtfully listen to and assess issues brought forth by staff and community, respectfully debate them within the cohort of mayor and council and produce outcomes that best serve the taxpayer.

Serving 4 years as District Councillor in Squamish has helped equip me with the tools to share my experience while providing a fresh face to the District of Nanaimo council team.

Let us stress the term “team” because this is the type of leadership we must create, both as community members and influential leaders. I have been involved in 4 budgets, strategic plans and internal master plans, as well as many complex land and development issues. I am familiar with policy and process and am always focussed on the best interests of both community and corporation, as attested to in my oath of office.

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

To see us with a solid governance model where everyone’s voice is recognized. To have a healthy corporation that can attract, retain, and recognize good city staff, for they are the backbone of every municipality.

To work closely with Youth, First Nations, senior levels of government through UBCM and ministerial agencies to foster a forward thinking, economically strong and safe community for all. To create a healthy vibrant city that supports tourism, industry, commerce while also protecting our natural and ecologically diverse beauty.

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?

#1: Good Governance & Teamwork: Creating “Team Building” initiatives with Nanaimo Staff, Council, and Snuneymuxw First Nations are important to working cohesively and effectively for our community. Community engagement and feedback. Input on our committees from youth/student representatives and “report cards” evaluating our effectiveness.

#2: Social Issues: Expedite Nanaimo’s Affordable Housing Strategy recommendations by accessing funding from the Provincial and Federal Government. We must evaluate rezoning/donating/reserving lands with extensive public consultation. Aggressively pursue funding from senior government agencies to address shelters, mental health and addiction services in collaboration with community, Island Health, Fire & RCMP on safe and suitable locations (ex. not near schools etc).

#3: Economic Development: This is the key to job creation. This helps us across the city’s social fabric, lifting those from poverty level, helping fund social services and community partners through donation. However, we must not confine our focus to just Nanaimo itself and think regionally. There are greater opportunities if we think of the entire region as our employment base. I would like to retain our youth and new university grads to both live and work in Nanaimo. Additionally, I would love to encourage more Film/TV being made as the trickle-down effect financially supports and benefits many businesses throughout Nanaimo.

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?

As a 4-year councillor I have experienced this first hand. You must weigh the facts as you see them, both from staff reports and personal observations, respectfully debate them in council with your cohort and deliver outcomes that you believe to be in the community’s best interests.

Of course there will be those who may disagree but through extensive public consultation within the process, you hope to mitigate the pushback.

As to the public scrutiny and pressure, it is part and parcel of being an elected official and something you must be aware of when you step up for public service. As someone who spent a great deal of time in the public eye with my 15 years working as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s stunt double, 35 years in film work, and my time serving as Squamish City Councillor etc, I am comfortable with it. As the saying goes, “you can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.”

For respective financial information, click here.

by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Peter Kent

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