On Saturday, Sept. 12, the City of White Rock will hold a byelection, necessitated by a highly publicized B.C. Supreme Court ruling unseating veteran councillor James Coleridge in May.

By nomination deadline last month, eight candidates stepped forward.

Peace Arch News asked the candidates a number of questions, covering such topics as density, evaluating the current council and candidates’ platforms. We noted their responses would be printed as submitted, truncated at the designated word count.

Additionally, in the days since, we asked a series of questions exclusively for our online readers that would allow candidates to respond unfettered on the Internet:

1. How high is too high?

2. How do you solve a problem like the BIA?

3. Show us the money

4. Is this byelection really necessary?

5. Does being White Rock mean never having to say you’re Surrey?

Feel free to add your own comments to the mix by registering online.

The Candidates (in ballot order)

David Mensour

Yellow Pages 25 years, RCMP Auxiliary Constable 16 years – retired from both

Place of birth:

Toronto, Ont.

When did you arrive here?

May 1987

Key issues (in order):

1. 10-storey highrises

2. Public safety

3. Taxes

Opinion on density/highrises (up to 30 words):

A 10-storey building is more practical for White Rock, firetrucks can only reach 90 feet. A balance is needed between growth, development and public safety.

Opinion on the Business Improvement Association’s ongoing dispute (up to 30 words):

The Society Act regulates all associations in B.C. and will be the deciding factor in this dispute concerning the BIA.

Evaluate the current council (up to 30 words):

Every council has room for improvement and in reality most are new. They should be given the chance to prove themselves as they were elected by the citizens.

Describe your plans if elected (up to 45 words):

Most people are concerned about the highrises, how many and it’s effects on the community. Public safety is also affected by these numbers with increased criminal activities, break-ins and theft. Taxes are a concern that all have and if elected I will tackle these issues.

Tom Corless

Honda dealer development consultant. Retire October 2009

Place of birth:

Liverpool, England

When did you arrive here?

1989

Key issues (in order):

1. Protecting senior programs

2. Retaining WR uniqueness

3. Strong responsible trusteeship

Opinion on density/highrises (up to 30 words):

The issue is not whether a building should be 4-21 stories high but about ensuring that the population growth of White Rock is coordinated with the services that citizens need.

Opinion on the Business Improvement Association’s ongoing dispute (up to 30 words):

There will always be conflicting views but those should be expressed at an official meeting. BIA get on with your mandate, ”Improvement of Business” in WR.

Evaluate the current council (up to 30 words):

Present council appear to be doing a good job. They have dealt with issues fairly and are working for solutions for all citizens.

Describe your plans if elected (up to 45 words):

Work with senior groups to reinstate programs lost and enhance their program services. WR development has the necessary services that go with the growth of the community. Responsible trusteeship of any tax dollars spent. My only job will be to serve the citizens of White --

David Chesney

Website Editor/Publisher , Marketing Consultant, Part-Time Instructor

Place of birth:

New Westminster

When did you arrive here?

Late ’70s

Key issues (in order):

1. No to highrises

2. More open government

3. Heal the community

Opinion on density/highrises (up to 30 words):

I agree with the vast majority of the residents of White Rock. Our original OCP of 12-storey height limits worked just fine.

Opinion on the Business Improvement Association’s ongoing dispute (up to 30 words):

There is no ongoing dispute it has been resolved. If only the local newspapers would actually report the true facts there would not be any confusion in people’s minds. This --

Evaluate the current council (up to 30 words):

There are some good people on the new council. They are new and it seems they are having a difficult time getting their “sea legs.” The distraction of the removal --

Describe your plans if elected (up to 45 words):

If I am elected I will continue to talk to members of the community. I am personally tired and frustrated with the indifference the citizens of White Rock are shown by City Hall. I will put every effort forth to mend our community that was --

Bill Lawrence

Businessman, Wellness Advocate

Place of birth:

Toronto, Ontario

When did you arrive here?

1988

Key issues (in order):

1. Tax dollar spending

2. Strategic density development

3. Ecotourism

Opinion on density/highrises (up to 30 words):

There is a need for more residents/businesses in WR. The critical mass has yet to be achieved. This can be done with tapered or stepped medium-rise building development.

Opinion on the Business Improvement Association’s ongoing dispute (up to 30 words):

Intentions of the original board are virtuous. A hostile takeover (with $15 and signature) doesn’t make sense, and only hurts WR. Why attack an organization doing good things for WR?

Evaluate the current council (up to 30 words):

The current council dynamics seem to be more effective and cooperative since the last change. Representation from the business sector seems to be minimal. I can help fill that void.

Describe your plans if elected (up to 45 words):

I will work to explore new ways to increase revenue and decrease costs for the city in order to have as close to a tax neutral effect on residents and businesses. I will also explore ecotourism opportunities to enhance WR’s profile, create jobs and revenue.

Bruce Kleeberger

Semi-Retired Dentist/dental educator, White Rock Bed and Breakfast proprietor

Place of birth:

Red Deer, Alberta

When did you arrive here?

1992

Key issues (in order):

1. Independent, vibrant community

2. Development: density, livability

3. Councillor integrity

Opinion on density/highrises (up to 30 words):

Tall buildings won’t solve our problems. Architectural guidelines must be established throughout the Uptown Centre to prevent chaotic development. Citizens concerns have been heard: it’s time to address other issues.

Opinion on the Business Improvement Association’s ongoing dispute (up to 30 words):

I’m extremely disappointed. The BIA is a self-governed/funded organization. I expect the organization to roll up its sleeves and get to work for the good of all concerned.

Evaluate the current council (up to 30 words):

Half of council, until last November, had no government experience. However, it has done better together with the leadership of our mayor. My experience as councillor/mayor will augment our --

Describe your plans if elected (up to 45 words):

I will work cooperatively with council to refine our vision as a unique community, independent of Surrey. This requires co-operation with other governments, a consolidated approach to development and support of all our businesses, focusing on what makes us different from other Metro Vancouver communities.

Roger Emanuels

Manager Design and Construction Municipal Government / Engineering

Place of birth:

New Westminster

When did you arrive here?

2004

Key issues (in order):

1. Development / height and density

2. Cost effective delivery of services

3. Infrastructure asset management

Opinion on density/highrises (up to 30 words):

I support the current 12-storey limit, but I am concerned this could create wall to wall cookie cutter buildings. Massing, architecture, finishes and amenities will need to be addressed.

Opinion on the Business Improvement Association’s ongoing dispute (up to 30 words):

BIA should hold a new election ensuring that all members are present so that there is no question as to the validity of the executive and get on with business.

Evaluate the current council (up to 30 words):

So far so good, they are addressing the issues raised in the last election and appear to be more responsive to the concerns of the community.

Describe your plans if elected (up to 45 words):

If elected I will work to ensure that the resident voices are not only heard, but their issues are addressed. Residents would be asked to take part in a strategic planning process to identify priority issues for council and staff to address.

Teresa McFadden

Banker (District Manager)

Place of birth:

Victoria

When did you arrive here?

1993

Key issues (in order):

1. Town centre development

2. Revitalize the waterfront

3. Beautification architectural style

Opinion on density/highrises (up to 30 words):

I support high density in the Town Centre planned in a logical tiered fashion to complement the existing towers. Need to be mindful of the # of high rises. With --

Opinion on the Business Improvement Association’s ongoing dispute (up to 30 words):

Its unfortunate that disputes within the organization over procedures and expenditures cannot be worked out in a business like manner. This tarnishes the image of stay, play in White Rock --

Evaluate the current council (up to 30 words):

I get a sense of mutual respect with a cautious approach to subjects. I like the goals set out for 2009 they are clear and concise, now its time to --

Describe your plans if elected (up to 45 words):

Develop White Rock, encourage business expansion to diversify tax base, promote neighbourhood partnerships to enhance beautification, revitalize the waterfront in particular, the train stop, extended promenade and review the feasibility of a Marina to increase tax base & tourism with White Rock as a destination --

Grant Meyer

Deckhand (BC Ferries), Just completed my 2nd Officer training at BCIT

Place of birth:

Vancouver

When did you arrive here?

Age 7

Key issues (in order):

1. Transportation

2. Amtrack stop here

3. Promenade extension

Opinion on density/highrises (up to 30 words):

We need an overall plan for the whole Town Centre.

Opinion on the Business Improvement Association’s ongoing dispute (up to 30 words):

They need to work together for the city. ie put the needs of the city above themselves

Evaluate the current council (up to 30 words):

I am pleased with the current council especially the Newcomers

Describe your plans if elected (up to 45 words):

Be a part of the team, and, focus on what counts: the people

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