Elections Nanaimo- For all your Nanaimo Elections infomation sponsored by Nelson Allen for School Board Trustee

Fred Pattje will bring change to Nanaimo’s City Council.

This morning, at a small gathering of supporters, Fred Pattje announced that he will bring change to Nanaimo’s stagnant city council by seeking a council seat in the upcoming November 15th civic election.

Among the initiatives that Mr. Pattje strongly supports is the creation of more affordable housing and the change to a two term limit for City Councillors.

“I was amazed to read in the media that some City Councillors have accepted corporate campaign donations” said Pattje “from the very companies that repeatedly come to Council seeking revisions to the citizens’ Official Community Plan. This has to change; I will welcome financial support for my campaign expenses from individuals, but not from corporations”.

Mr. Pattje is a long time community activist and consensus builder. His community-driven platform for change is strong on due process, environmental integrity and intelligent spending at City Hall. “I believe that public benefit must always trump private interest” said Fred Pattje to his supporters.

Contact Fred Pattje
Email: fredpattje@shaw.ca
Phone: 250 758-7575
Web: http://www.fredpattje.com

50ish, 6' tall, long greying hair. KIDDING Folks. The aforementioned is true but perhaps something more descriptive is appropriate. I have been an outspoken community and social activist in Nanaimo for over a decade working with a number of different groups and organizations (see my platform) over the years.

This experience gives me the knowledge and understanding of our community that I believe is necessary for any elected official. I believe strongly in a person's right to freedom of speech provided they do not intentionally set out to hurt in doing so.

I intensely dislike closed mindedness and racism and believe that everyone, no matter their current situation, has the potential to benefit society.

Contact Gord Fuller
Email: gorfathome@yahoo.ca
Phone: 250 754 6389
Web: http://gordonfuller.blogspot.com

Johnstone, recipient of the 2008 BC Community Achievement Award, the 2007 Economic Development Group Positive Image Award and 2008 Sports Administrator of the Year Award, is committed to continue to serve the Nanaimo Community in a more official capacity.

“I have served on numerous committees since moving to Nanaimo 25 years ago, says Johnstone. “ Although this is my first time running for City Council, I have and in-depth knowledge of Nanaimo and look forward to being a member of the team that can maximize the city’s potential while responding to the needs and desires of our citizens.

A proponent of economic growth and development, she is also cognizant of infrastructure issues and the need to keep residential and commercial taxes at their lowest possible level.

“Diana Johnstone stands for accountability, integrity, honesty and compassion and she has always put people first,” says long time friend and colleague Donna Dash, “Nanaimo needs someone like her on city council.”

A Commissioner for Parks Recreation and Culture for the past nine years, Johnstone is a strong advocate for the protection of parks, trails and open spaces. She is also committed to continue to promote Nanaimo as a Centre for the Arts.

Johnstone pledges to help move the City forward with conscience, while addressing important social and environmental concerns.

“ We live in such a wonderful community, and I want to help maintain Nanaimo’s status as ‘The Most Desirable, Livable, Small City in North America.’

Contact Diana Johnstone
Phone: 250 754-9996
E-mail: info@dianajohnstone.ca
Web: http://www.dianajohnstone.ca

I am seeking my second term on Nanaimo City Council.

I am a retired newspaper publisher and writer. I have been an active member of the community for 26 years and have a good understanding of what we need to accomplish over the next three years and beyond. Following are the highlights of my community involvement, working toward a better Nanaimo.

• Former President of the Rotary Club of Lantzville.

• Branch Executive member of St. John Ambulance

• Founding President, Nanaimo Addiction Foundation

• Past Vice President of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

• Past member of the Community Policing Advisory Committee.

• Past president and founding member of Crime Stoppers.

• Former director of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Board.

• Newcastle Island Management Board

• Chairman of the Vancouver Island Seniors Council.

• Member Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256

There are numerous other organizations I have worked with, including the commissioning committee of HMCS Nanaimo, the Athena Awards, honouring the achievements of women in Nanaimo, and others.

Contact Merv Unger
Phone: 250 756-0399
Email: merv.unger@shaw.ca
Web: http://mervunger.shawwebspace.ca

My name is Ron Bolin and I am running for City Council. On Council I would like to help citizens to:

• Bring ALL of us to the party that a few of us have been celebrating.
• Return City Hall to its roots. Wider participation in the electoral and planning processes is needed for a healthy community. Citizens need to feel that they matter.
• Build one community from our many neighbourhoods with emphasis on nurturing our existing population as well as attracting newcomers.
• Investigate fiscal and institutional policies from both home and overseas which could improve the lives of our citizens.

My education and professional experience has been eclectic. Early jobs included being the straw boss of a mail room in a large loan company, a spot welder in a small manufacturing plant and stoking a coal furnace and taken out the trash in an apartment building for a room at university. I have calculated subsidies for home buyers in a building and loan company in Germany (where I met my wife). I have degrees in government and in geography and taught geography at the University of Calgary. I have worked In the Planning Department at the City of Edmonton, as well as the Management Studies, Systems and Budgets and Computer Departments there. I have managed a start-up computer mapping business and been a Geographic Information Systems and development consultant to governments at all levels from the municipal to the international.

I have lived in Nanaimo for nearly 20 years, coming from Alberta (and Singapore) when my wife, Inge, took a job teaching Anthropology at Malaspina College. While some of that time has been spent working overseas, much has also been spent in Nanaimo working on a variety of community activities, including the early days of the Gleaners and the LETS project as well as the Nanaimo OnLine Association (NOLA) which was perhaps the earliest promoter of the internet in the area; the Mid Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC); the city’s Advisory Committee on the Environment (ACE); and the Friends of Plan Nanaimo. Over the years I have had dozens of letters of commentary on local topics published in our local newspapers and have appeared numerous times before Council.

Contact Ron Bolin
Phone: 250 758-3973
Email: rlbolin@telus.net
Web: www.Bolin08.net

I was Born, Raised and Educated in Nanaimo, B.C.
I Graduated from High School on the Academic Program.
Retired

Loyd Sherry is seeking another term on Nanaimo City Council
I was first Elected in November 1980.
I have had the Privilege and Honor to Serve the Nanaimo Community since then.
I have served on many committees as an elected official for the City of Nanaimo and also with the Regional District of Nanaimo.
Prior to sitting as an Elected Official I have held Executive positions on other Community Organizations.

The Important issues that I feel needs to be addressed are the following.
Reasonable level of Taxation.
Take a Reasonable approach to problems at City Hall.
Neighbourhood identities need to be preserved and continue to work towards the Development of Neighbourhood Plans.

I feel I have the Time and Energy to Offer, and I seek your Support as One of Your Selections when you go to Vote in the upcoming Civic Election.

Contact Loyd Sherry
Phone: 250 729-7323
Email: loyds@shaw.ca
Web:

Angela Marie Negrin

For those of you who don't know me my name is Angela Negrin, I am a 33 year old, 4th generation Nanaimoite. My parents have had the Superette Foods up on Albert for the last 31 years and I started Pirate Chips on Commercial Street almost 5 years ago now.
I was however, quite embarrassed as to what has happened with the heart of the city and overwhelmed with development in the north-end. The city seemed to me so divided and unbalanced, when it once was a vibrant whole city.
I opened Pirate Chips November 27th, 2003 because I wanted to help revitalize downtown. It has been a tough go, but a fun one, more still needs to be done. In my opinion there is too much money is wasted on attracting people who may never ever come here. We need to spend less and focus on the people who already live here and pay taxes here. The Economy and our Social systems are changing, WE are now home of a University, most of our population are baby boomers and most if not all are looking into retirement if they aren't semi-retired already. WE NEED A N EFFICIENT TRANSIT SYSTEM, one that services the university, both ferries and the airport.
Nanaimo needs to embrace its culture and identity in order to unify ourselves as a vibrant and successful city. When elected i intend to bring the fun back. I want to be proud, and I want the public to be proud of its council members. As a child I remember how important I felt when mayor Frank Ney shook my hand in the line up at the parade.
I BELEIVE IN PRESERVING AND MAINTAING OUR PARKS. People come here and live here for ALL our green space, lakes, mountains, rivers, forest, ocean. I believe in development but responsible development, where the city concentrates on governing its services rather than have dealings in real estate.
When elected I would like to propose a WARD SYSTEM whereby, each elected council member would represent an equal demographic within the city. This would require each council member to be accountable for his/her actions and the public could have a clearer voice on the council table as each demographic has different concerns.

Contact Angela Marie Negrin
Phone: 250 619-2447
Email: negrinii@yahoo.com
Brochure: Brochure Link

Vote For Experience, Results, Community. Vote for Bill Forbes Councillor

Experience:

-Chair of the Brechin Hill Community Association for 10 years
-Past Co Chair of the Nanaimo Neighbourhood Network
-Past Chair of the Plan Nanaimo Advisory Committee (PNAC)
-Community Representative Member PNAC for over 6 years
-Past Community Representative Parking Committee
-Past Community Representative Neighbourhood Friendly Home Committee
-Community Representative BC Ferries Community Liaison Committee

Results

-Defeated the proposed twin 28 story towers on Stewart Avenue
-Ensured BC Ferries Terminal upgrade respected the surrounding communities
-Ensured BC Ferries addressed noise and vibration issues with new Super C Class Ferries
-Convinced Ministry of Transportation and liaised with City Works to upgrade Brechin Road and build a proper sidewalk
-Ensured Sealand property rights weren't sold without community consultation for any redevelopment
-Successful in limiting the options for reconstruction of bulk fuel storage facilities on Stewart Avenue
-Convinced Council through PNAC to make Community Plan financing a City Budget Line Item
-Fought for and ensured Stewart Avenue will go through Planning process over the next 12 months
-Part of the BHCA Team that refurbished Barney Moriez Park (the "Big Slide" Park)
-Successful in reducing the number of condominiums to be constructed on Stewart Avenue

Community

-My community involvement is extensive and reflects a commitment to preserve and enhance our neighbourhoods
-I have had a number of positive successes in ensuring development is consistent with the form and character of an area and the community has been included in the process
-Nanaimo is composed of distinct and diverse communities and it is important to retain these positive attributes that makes our city rich in culture
-I am committed to the belief that community comes first and my actions confirm that
As Councillor I will be a strong voice for community inclusion in all aspects of city business

Contact Bill Forbes
Phone: 250 753-5425
Email: billforbesforcouncil@shaw.ca
Web: http://members.shaw.ca/billforbesforcouncil/

Raised in Penticton, B.C. The son of a local small businessman and a mother who was an accountant

Educated at Simon Fraser University, completed an education degree

Having lived in Penticton, a major tourism and convention centre, and having worked summers in the area gave background to understand what the needs and demands are to have a successful tourist destination area

Moved to Nanaimo in 1969, and aside from a two year hiatus teaching in Fernie and attending University in Vancouver, have worked in Nanaimo since that time

Spent eighteen years at John Barsby Secondary, earning the name "BarsbyJack" among the students and other coaches around the Island and B.C.

Moved to Welllington Secondary to teach and coach there for the last 21 years to date

Raised two children, Son Frank and Daughter Britt, who both attended schools in Nanaimo and enjoyed their youth here and now are successful professionals with families

I am a proud grandfather of two boys and a girl!

From 1993 to 2003 I lived in Nanoose Bay and commuted to work in Nanaimo while I built an organic apple farm in Nanoose (Sherritt Ridge Farm). This was a great adventure since it meant learning to graft trees and understand the area as a farming choice. The farm was a successful small business, producing over 16000 pounds of apples per season which were successfully marketed at the Gate and in the local markets

Presently happily enjoying working in Nanaimo, and enjoying life here with my partner and best friend Tammie Green

Contact Jack Arnold
Phone: 250 741-4655
Email: nbstrods@shaw.ca
Web: http://www.jackarnold.ca/

Ted holds three University Degrees (B.Sc. in Health and Recreation, B. Ed, B.Sc. in Fire Administration) and recently graduated, with distinction, from Capilano College where he received a 'Local Government Administration' certificate. In 1974, he played professional football in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger Cats, and in 1978, Ted captained the Canadian Field Lacrosse Team to a world championship in Stockport, England.

Ted retired from Nanaimo Fire and Rescue as a Captain after twenty-five years of service. He received the 'Star of Courage' from Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn for his unselfish actions in the devastating Departure Bay Ferry Terminal incident in 1992. He also received the 'Bronze Medal of Life Saving' from the Order of St. Johns for this same incident.

Ted held elected positions on the International Association of Firefighters (Local 905, Nanaimo) Executive Board for ten years; the last six as President. He was also elected as Vice President of the Vancouver Island Region of the British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Association where he was instrumental in lobbying the Provincial Government to obtain seven Cancer Presumptions for firefighters across British Columbia. Ted attended several Parliamentary Conferences in Ottawa to lobby for issues concerning Canadian firefighters.

"During my tenure as the Local 905 President, I was well involved in the political process of the City of Nanaimo. I gained a tremendous amount of experience on how to effectively negotiate political issues, both locally and provincially, on behalf of an electoral body.”
“I have a broad range of skills in various fields and over the years have proven my leadership. My education, life skills, exposure to many different situations, honesty and hard work are my major attributes.”

Contact Ted Greves
Phone: 250 729-0714
Email: tgreves@telus.net
Web:

“Nanaimo has been very good to me. We’ve raised our family here, and our business has prospered, and I would like to have the opportunity to give back to the city. Nanaimo needs Economic Leadership. I speak and listen to hundreds of business owners and leaders here and throughout B.C. on a regular basis. I know what works, and what doesn’t, and what would help Nanaimo.”

As a Nanaimo City Councillor, Mark MacDonald would focus on:

• Lowering taxes and making the City more accountable.
• The Homeless crisis, and finding solutions that work for everybody.
• Encouraging Economic Development - Through creating a more “business friendly” environment, as well as encouraging Tourism Nanaimo to promote and coordinate festivals and sporting tournaments.
• A Private Sector led and operated Entertainment and Sports Multiplex that is not a burden to taxpayers

Mark MacDonald is:

• Publisher of Business Vancouver Island newspaper and three other papers throughout B.C. as President of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd.
• Business Columnist in the Nanaimo Daily News
• Past President of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce (2003).
• As President, Mark helped promote the creation of Learn At Home, a School District 68 on-line learning program that now has 700+ students.
• Focused on expansion of Nanaimo Airport.
• Mark also helped lead the Chamber’s successful overturning of the City’s 1997 “Head Tax”.
• Owner of Communication Ink, a Media & Public Relations - Communications business.
• Member of the B.C. Citizens for Green Energy committee.
• Coach in Nanaimo Minor Baseball.
• Former coach in Nanaimo Minor Hockey.
• Former Nanaimo Clipper goalie who plays Oldtimers Hockey.
• Long time member of a local church.
• Married to Lise, and they have a family of five children.

Contact Mark MacDonald
Phone: 250 713-2684
Email: mark@businessvi.ca
Web: http://www.markmacdonaldnanaimo.ca

There are progressive solutions we can use to reduce homelessness.

We need a firm grasp on the levels of development that allow Nanaimo to thrive. Imagine a bar graph 3 separate bars. One bar for residential development, one for commercial, and one for industrial. Until the recent forestry crisis, the industrial bar has stayed the same.

Ten years ago the residential bar was too high. The commercial bar was beginning to rise. Too many residential developments and not enough work. Today, the problem reversed. Commercial is too high. The residential is dropping steadily. Commercial businesses are doing well, yet their workers can’t find affordable accommodation.

We need commercial and residential bars at similar levels.

Current council is focused on commercial development. They’re gambling on tourism and a new cruise ship dock to diversify our economy.

I’m for improving downtown. I’m against foreshore lease increases influencing Nanaimo Sawmills future.

City council should not have removed Port Place Mall from the Official Community Plan. I’ll fight to keep Port Place Mall.