By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Sheryl Armstrong

Oct 12, 2018 | 5:09 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 retired after 35 years as a RCMP officer. I was born and raised in Saskatchewan but since joining the RCMP, have lived in different parts of British Columbia including two postings in Nanaimo. I chose to retire here not only because my parents lived here but in my opinion, it is the best place in Canada for many reasons.

While employed with the Force, I was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal for community service as well as the Commanding Officer’s commendation for my work with the first Nations communities I have served. The Tsleil Waututh Nation in North Vancouver honoured me with a naming ceremony where I was given a First Nations name. Upon returning to Nanaimo in 2010, I was the non-commissioned officer in charge of Community Policing where I worked with many organizations and communities which gave me a better understanding of many issues facing Nanaimo.

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

As a Councillor you are responsible for making decisions which you believe are in the best interests of the community and providing leadership to the City, You must come to meetings prepared and be accessible to the citizens who elected you and attend meetings of your assigned committees. You must follow the Community Charter and Local Government Act. Section 115 of the Community Charter sets out the role of Councillor.

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My 36 years as a RCMP officer have helped prepare me for this role. I had many leadership roles within the RCMP and understand the importance of team work and respect. If I am unsure of an issue I research it, ask questions of staff and other experts in the field. I have managed budgets and understand in many instances you cannot move money from one account or business line to another. I spent time with Finance And Audit staff and went over how the City Budget works, how dollars are allocated, the importance of the asset management fund etc. I know how to set priorities and know the importance of adhering to them. I also know this needs to be done as a group not an individual.

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

I would like to see action taken on the many reports City staff and the community have developed. The Waterfront plan, downtown revitalization plan to name a few. We have many great plans that are sitting on shelves. We need to include a budget and timeline in each plan and start taking action. Once we start implementing these plans it will lead to a vibrant, healthy, economically sound City. To quote fellow candidate Tyler Brown, “ Nanaimo has the ability to become the best mid sized City in B.C. If we build a City which functions for an 8 year old and an 80 year old we will have a great City.” I believe in this concept as well and hope we can move in this direction.

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?

One of my priorities is to increase our asset management fund.  Our fund has not kept pace with the goals set by Council.  We need to have money in place to maintain our infrastructure and prepare for replacement of existing structures.  Asset management is ongoing and we need to ensure our asset management plan is being followed.

Housing:

We need to start dealing with homelessness and housing affordability.  Community engagement should be happening now.  We need to ensure our communities understand the various terms which are being used.  Council needs to start identifying City owned properties which would be suitable for the various forms of housing.  For example if a site has been identified for subsidized housing we should be meeting with the neighbourhood and ensuring they understand the type of housing proposed, hear their concerns, and take steps to address their concerns.  We need to advocate for mental health and substance abuse treatment.  If we do not address these core issues the problem will continue and grow larger as we have seen.

Economic Development:

I believe the City needs to work with the business community , MIBI, Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders to see if the Nanaimo Economic

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 police officer you are under constant scrutiny and pressure. If you act professionally, honestly and with empathy this goes a long way to building your credibility with people. When you make a decision you need to be able to articulate why you made the decision. You have to assess the decision once it has been acted upon and if you think perhaps your decision was wrong based on self reflection admit it. Learn from each situation. Being able to say why you now feel it was wrong and how you would address a similar situation based on what you have learned is important.

Once a decision has been decided upon by Council you need to accept it. If there comes to light new information which is relevant then you can bring it back to Council. These occasions should be very rare.

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