Questioning the candidates #1

In Kelowna, there are 31 candidates seeking to be a City Councillor.

For even the ardent of political observers, wading through a large field like this can be daunting to say the least.

In an effort to give you as much information as possible on a wide range of topics, Castanet News asked each of the candidates a series of 10 questions. Mayoralty candidates were not included.

Over the next 10 days (weekdays only), the questions and answers will be unveiled one at a time.

The answers will be listed in alphabetic order.

Question #1 - Why are you running for council and what qualities do you believe you bring to the table?

Billie Aaltonen - I have been interested in politics for a long time. I am running because my demographic is under-represented on council, and we should be present. I am a married, mother of young children. I own several businesses and I am a full time mortgage professional. I believe that I can do an excellent job of conveying and supporting the ideas that Kelowna tax payers believe in, specifically those of young families and small business owners. 

Cal Condy - Able to filter through the BS and get down to what's really needed to make things happen.

Ryan Donn - I bring a fresh innovative youthful perspective. We all know the issues we face, but as we enter this new age of innovation and opportunity I believe that moving forward we need councillors that understand the tech industry, understand how to collaborate and are community driven. I believe that I bring all of those attributes to the table and that my past actions in Kelowna have shown that.

Carol Gran - We, as a community are at a place where it’s time for real leadership. This election is important. It’s time for us to face reality, to search our souls and ask if there’s a better way to reach our goals. Firstly, City Hall does not spend our money wisely and has taken advantage of the apathy that exists. Too many managers making too much money, decisions on large projects without proper consultation. This is what elections should be about not covered up by the folks running that say “keep it positive”, in other words, keep quiet about the elephant in the room. I am qualified because I know about our City, the process at City Hall and have spent years involved in the political process, but more than that I am a concerned and active citizen who believes in democracy.

Charlie Hodge - I love Kelowna and I am a huge believer in being actively involved in my community. I have six years city council background (three in Kelowna and three in Parksville, BC) and five years service as a Regional District Director. I will provide an experienced, independent, and open minded voice at the Council table. I am a strong negotiator, skilled listener, have the ability to cut through bafflegab, and the willingness to ask tough questions. I bring transparency, accountability, and experience to the table.

Graeme James - I am running for City council because there will be a number of fiscal and growth challenges over the next four years and I have the experience to deal with these matters effectively and in everyone’s best interests.  As a past City councillor, Director of the Regional District of the Central Okanagan, Director of the Okanagan Basin Water Board, committee member of the Joint Water Committee and Director of SIR (Sterile Insect Release) I bring a wealth of background knowledge to the table. My most notable qualities are the following...I communicate well with people. I am committed to obtaining all facts prior to making well informed decisions. I set the bar high and believe fundamental change is possible. I am willing to speak up and make tough decisions. I willingly and clearly see all sides of an issue.

Leslie Kendall - I am running for council in the hopes that my voice will ensure an open and transparent process to the public.  Two terms as a councillor have convinced me that the public wants and needs  to know of possible  changes to the makeup of their city and their neighbourhoods.  Any development  that affects their quality of life is a serious concern.

Mike McLoughlin -  I enjoy public service. I bring good character and a strong work ethic to the table. My greatest personal achievement that relates to the position of Councilor is the fact that, along with my wife Dr. Sue McLoughlin, I started and operated Medi-Kel Family Practice and Walk In Clinic. Since our inception we have recruited 10 family doctors to Kelowna and provided excellent, timely and compassionate patient care to Kelowna residents seven days a week for 13 years. We have served over 92,000 patients in three different clinic locations in Kelowna including Rutland. We see people from all walks of life in our clinics. We feel the pulse of our community and we know what challenges our patients face living in Kelowna, economic as well as social. Prosper Kelowna was inspired in part by the difficulty people have had finding a family doctor, securing regular employment or affording medication because of the high cost of housing. Prosper Kelowna believes everyone in the community ought to benefit from the wealth of the community. This is our passion and will shape our agenda as we serve on Council. 

David Mossman - I'm running because my mother grew up here and I decided to raise my family here too. I know I can help build a solid future for Kelowna. I have over 15 years experience leading national charities, companies and businesses. As well, I have managed several career development and labour market projects for various sector councils and governments, which gives me great insight into challenges and opportunities in building a local economy. I know how to engage and to build partnerships.

Brad Sieben - I believe I bring forward a perspective that is diverse and well-rounded. I’m a graduate of the University of Victoria, have taught high school in School District #23, worked for two multi-national corporations and assumed key leadership roles in a private, family-run business in which I was a partner (Hotel Eldorado, 2003-2014).  I’ve also been a Director on many different boards, including Chair of Tourism Kelowna’s Board of Directors (2011-2013). I’m running for Kelowna city council because I want to make a difference in my community. This is where I was born, where I grew up, where I choose to raise my family and where I have been involved in business. I want Kelowna to be a place where my children have opportunities when they are adults.

Mohini Singh - I am running for re-election because I bring a strong voice of reason and balance to the table. For the past three years I have been vocal on issues that effect the lives of ordinary people, seniors and the business community. I am excited to see our city moving forward and I would like to be part of that progress.

Derek Somer -  I have a farming background and am well versed in budgeting and finance. I have volunteered for both the Crisis Line and the Community section of the RCMP and have made a difference in many lives. Giving back to community was my way of recognizing the ultimate sacrifice made by Kelowna Soldiers who liberated my Dutch parents. My young, educated adult children, who were born in Kelowna, will not be able to afford housing that will allow them to have families of their own. My personal phone number and email will be available to all citizens of Kelowna (250-808-6863, [email protected]).

Luke Stack - I am running for my third term on Kelowna City Council. I want to continue to influence decisions on smart growth, housing affordability, safety and security, active transportation, and the expansion and improvement of community spaces and amenities. I now bring experience to the table.

Sean Upshaw - The reasons I have chosen to enter this race and let my name stand for Council at this time are as follows. If our city is to prosper it needs decisive leadership. We need Leaders that are driven by integrity and care for the community, both business and otherwise. We need leaders that stand proudly by a decision made, by gathering all the facts, carefully considering those facts with the Wisdom of Solomon and as a result casting their vote with confidence. We need Leaders that are not dissuaded by the fear of repercussion when making the right choice, even though it is contrary to public opinion. We need Leaders that are conciliatory and are able to inject enthusiasm into others by bringing them to the place where they understand the value of the conclusion. We all know that Kelowna was rated by the Conference Board of Canada, as less than an average city. To me that is simply un-acceptable. Years of squandered opportunities have left Kelowna with a less than vibrant economy and a hyper inflated housing market. Small town thinking keeps it from being the city it is destined to be. Kelowna should be a magnet for businesses of all kinds but at this time we are struggling to attract any new sectors of growth that will keep our youth and trades in Kelowna for decades to come. So, we export our talent to cities that have more opportunity much to our own reluctance and chagrin.  This exodus is simply not in the best interests of our City. Good policy and guidance in the walls of City council will help reverse the trend.

Dayleen Van Ryswyk -I’m running for city council because I don’t believe the taxpayer is being respected or fully consulted. I believe very strongly in democracy and equal representation. Closed door meetings and the alternate approval process is eroding democracy by taking away the citizens’ right to be heard, and I aim to change that. What I bring to the table is; 16 years of successful business experience, 13 of that internationally. 12 years of organic ALR farming experience and I am the Director of a local non-profit. Being a successful entrepreneur means that I’m driven to succeed, I’m hard working and I’m always looking for new and innovative ways to grow. Never mind thinking outside the box, I prefer to think like there is no box. I am able to collaborate, to listen and to work for a common goal. I am direct and straight forward and despite not always being politically correct, I am always honest.