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Tyler Brown

Oct 12, 2018 | 4:40 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 was born and raised in Nanaimo and I currently work for the Regional District of Nanaimo in the Strategic Initiatives department which is responsible for operational and strategic planning, asset management, and intergovernmental relations. I hold a masters degree in urban policy and have worked locally as an urban planner. I am the founder of tactical urbanism initiative Our Street Nanaimo, a member of the Planning Design Development Nanaimo Society, former president of the Nanaimo Squash Club, and have sat on and chaired City Committees.

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

I believe that Nanaimo can be the best mid-sized City in British Columbia and that vision can be achieved by empowering our citizens, communities, and industry. An empowered population will be the foundation of our city’s strength and our municipal government, led by Council, should be a platform to collaboratively build a prosperous city.

The role of a Nanaimo City Councillor is to work collaboratively with the Mayor and other Councillors, with advice and input from city staff and the community at large, to set the strategic direction and make decisions on bylaws and policies with regard to land use, infrastructure, economic development, transportation, parks, recreation and cultural activities.

As a council member, I will adopt the values of respect, accountability, innovation, honesty, and openness to frame and guide my discussions, deliberations and interactions with others.

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

I believe in a vision for our city that is grounded in good urbanism, inclusiveness and collaboration. Nanaimo can be the best mid-sized city in British Columbia. 

The 2018 Municipal Election is not about one candidate or council; it is about our shared future. It’s about creating a liveable and affordable city for people of all ages and abilities. It’s about fair and sustainable taxation, properly managing our infrastructure, and building a city we are proud of. This election is about a new type of politics in Nanaimo: one that is ethical, puts people first and focuses on our future rather than our past.

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?

A Strong Nanaimo: Hard-working Nanamoites deserve prosperity and the responsible spending of their tax dollars. Prosperity for our community cannot be artificially created with big, expensive and high-risk projects. Prosperity is achieved incrementally over time. Nanaimo must have reliable infrastructure, fair taxation that makes sense, a transportation system that works and strong neighbourhoods.

A City for Everyone: A city should be a place for everyone to work, study, spend time with friends and loved ones and enjoy life regardless of age, ability, gender, income, sexual orientation or heritage. If we design our city and governance structures correctly then it will be welcoming to all people.

An Ethical and Open Government: From decisions to data, our government needs to be accountable and open to the people. This includes working with business and institutions to advance our region, confronting the challenges that face us, creating the tools for evidenced-based decision making, and exploring new ways to ensure citizen participation in city affairs.

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 am running for Nanaimo City Council to help build a city for all of us that is based on a positive vision for our future. I will deal with the intense pressure and scrutiny placed upon electedOfficials by drawing from my experience, making evidence-based decisions, seeking advice where appropriate, and staying true to my values. Individuals may not always agree with my decisions but they can trust they will be made with integrity and communicated with honesty. 

 

For respective financial information, click here