By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Bill Manners

Oct 12, 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: Bill Manners, age 63. Originally from Vancouver, lived in Nanaimo for 48 years. Experienced working on company budgets and reorganization as well as developing rules and regulations as Regional Sales and Promotions Manager for a photography chain with 54 stores in my region. Over 43 years working directly with the public in various roles. Past president of Malaspina Toastmasters #738. Experience liaising with city staff as Director of the Dover Community Association, and as Director of the Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association. Founder and chair of the NoVote2017 Society. One of two spokespersons for the Community Engagement Task Force. Administrator for the Facebook group, “You know you’re from Nanaimo when.” Volunteer with Coastal Emergency Communication Association, and with the Seniors Advocate of BC.

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 duty is to remember the interests of the residents. I will be ready for each council meeting, familiar with the agenda and reports attached. I will work hard to carry out the wishes of the council by being engaged with residents, the committees I am on, as well as staff and management at City Hall. I want to contribute to the building of our community so we will have businesses, which pay above minimum wages, wanting to move here to increase job availability for the people who are your neighbours. A councillor should have a basic understanding of the many facets of services the City supplies to the folks in our neighbourhoods. Above all else, I will be a councillor who will communicate with residents to enhance our lifestyle and the choices we have surrounding us. I will do that by evaluating and working on policy and budgets that I believe the city needs to produce results that shows stakeholders how well we work with others. Nanaimo needs a cohesive council that is willing to work with each other to improve Nanaimo.

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

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I want Nanaimo to become a vibrant, positive community where those that want to, can work, play, and live in our community. I want Nanaimo to be known as a community that works well with others such as Vancouver Island Health, Snuneymuxw and neighbouring districts. We will endeavor to work with companies that want to operate in our community and have less red tape to develop in our city. We will have a new segment of businesses that pay above average wages to a skilled market. Let us move past the City of Malls, to the City of Business.

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?

Economic Development: I am truly passionate about economic development. Residents deserve jobs that lift them above poverty income level. No one wants to have to work 2 or 3 jobs just to survive. We do not want our younger generation to have to look elsewhere for work with affordable housing. I believe it is time to let the world know that Nanaimo is open for business. We have an educated and engaged workforce that is eager for better opportunities.

Community Engagement: Council must listen to the residents on their concerns, think carefully of what they said to me and then question the many facets of the responses. Who, What, Where, When and Why comes into question on each item. Then that information is absorbed to formulate a response directly to each concern.

Reinstate staffing levels at City Hall: With staffing levels reinstated to their number we had in 2014, we will have less overtime and staff that work hard at their designated job, rather than consistently helping with other projects outside the realm of their job..

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?

One good thing (if you can call it that) that came out of being robbed in 2011 while working, was that I was able to obtain professional help to develop positive coping strategies to deal with negative situations. Being an internet moderator for the past 18 years has also given me plenty of experience with dealing with sometimes very hostile viewpoints where nothing you can say will ever be right. I know at that point when to disengage and focus on something positive. An answer to this question in one word is: MANNERS.

More specifically: To show respect, even when none is shown. To listen, question, and seek information. To come to an understanding. To come together with openness and trust. Not to browbeat, or bully, or push people around. But also, not to be a puppet. To stand firm for what I believe in, for what is best for the residents of Nanaimo. To be the best representative I can be for the people of this wonderful city.

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