Jeff Bateman
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Sooke Voice News Questionnaire 

10/29/2014

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Thanks to Mary Brooke at the Sooke Voice News for giving all candidates an opportunity to write at length (no word limit)  about the following questions. She's given me the rope, hopefully I've not hung myself :-) These answers will be published in this Friday's edition of Mary's weekly paper, which is such an essential independent media voice in town and a necessary counterweight to the Black Press-owned Sooke News Mirror. (I'll share my maximum 75-word answers to the three questions the SNM has submitted to me in a future blog post). 

Why are you running for Council? 

At 58, I’ve reached a point in my life when I would like to be of more direct service to the community. Running for office is a challenge that takes me outside my comfort zone, offers no end of learning opportunities, and is a great chance for me to walk the talk within the guidelines of the Local Government Act.

My wife Carolyn and I have been Sooke homeowners since 2003. Over the last five years, I’ve become involved in community volunteerism – primarily with Transition Town Sooke and also the EMCS Society and the Sooke Farmland Trust Society. These organizations are integral parts of the larger community web, and I’d like to bring the insights and fresh thinking I’ve encountered in these circles forward to the Council table.

Like many in town, I’m excited about local initiatives like the T’Sou-ke Nation’s solar, aquaculture and greenhouse projects, Sunriver Community Garden, 
Harbourside Cohousing, the Hope Centre and the Sooke Incubator start-up business concept. How can the District work with these and other local assets to more fully put Sooke on the map as a community brimming with promise and potential? 

In recent years, I’ve also grown fascinated with municipal politics and have attended a fair share of Council meetings during Mayor Milne’s term. I’ve witnessed how civic business is hard, grinding, detail-oriented work that requires advance homework, careful listening, intelligent questions and final votes that fully respect the value of taxpayer contributions. I believe I’m up to the task while also capable of playing a positive team role as one among six councillors led by an inspirational Mayor, guided by professional staff and open to community expertise. 

 
What is your previous governance experience, and how will it serve you if elected to Council for 2014-2018?

As a freelance journalist and copywriter for more than three decades, I have excellent listening skills, a quick mind and an ability to communicate. I have no governance experience apart from my role as president of Transition Sooke. The title carries some leadership responsibilities yet the position is a requirement of the Society Act and our group of nine largely operates as a “core team” working in a collegial manner. I’m interested in consensus techniques and Non-Violent Communications – two widely used tools for effective, productive, respectful group relationships of a kind that might well be useful in council chambers. 

 
What are the three main issues affecting Sooke’s success as a community and what would you want to see improved in those areas?

 i) We need to more fully recognize that the municipality is, in fact, a mostly successful work-in-progress, that past councils have made significent strides, and that we’re truly blessed to live in this remarkable part of the world. In recognizing the evolving nature of our teenaged municipality, we need to dust off, revisit and honour the vast amount of public input and expertise that has gone into the creation of the District’s library of plans and reports. There’s no need to roll ahead with a different wheel. Sooke’s best hopes and visions have been identified, and they’re ready to be enacted incrementally over time as needs require and funding becomes available. A fresh look at the 2010 Official Community Plan is in order, but patience, focus and continuity are key as we build on achievements to date.

ii) A major issue, of course, is our nondescript (to be kind) town centre, which has developed in haphazard fashion and is particularly unwelcoming for pedestrians. The town’s natural orientation towards our postcard harbour is camouflaged. We lack a village plaza, oceanfront green space or viewpoint, drinking fountain, public washrooms, clock tower or summer tourism kiosk. No wonder we fail to catch visitors as they zip through town en route to French Beach and beyond. These issues and more were identified in Sooke’s 2006 town centre design guidelines report. The good news: Traffic functionality issues are being addressed in the current Corporate Strategic Plan and the first incursions into what will be the town centre south of Sooke Road are primed to begin. 

 iii) Our somewhat toxic political culture is also an issue. There is, in my opinion, far too much negativity, backbiting, and “we should have done it differently” subjective recollection about what’s happened over the years. Yes, mistakes have been made. Yes, we need a Council that is fiscally responsible and takes care of municipal business in full collaboration with empowered District staff. Yet we also need at the same time an administration that retains a spirit of creativity, imagination and possibility. Let’s learn from the past, live in the present and look to the future in positive, optimistic and proactive fashion.

 
What can be done to improve Sooke’s local economy? How can small business be better supported in this town? 

In terms of existing local business, we need to promote what we have, not what we lack, as a starting point, and the Chamber of Commerce is positioned to do this effectively. We need to improve bandwidth and cell phone reception (but definitely not via a telecommunications tower in the core). We must encourage mixed-use, multi-level commercial development downtown (not, for instance, one-storey bank buildings in prime locations on the south side of Sooke Road). The Mayor’s Advisory Panel on Economic Development is a smart new innovation by Mayor Milne (replacing the existing EDC), however I wonder whether the District can do a better immediate job of actively wooing the kinds of builders, businesses, event producers and, for that matter, residents who’d want to invest in the vision of Sooke’s future detailed in our OCP. 

 
What concerns have you heard about most from voters during your campaign so far?

The voters I’ve spoken with want exactly what’s taken for granted in many communities: sidewalks, streetlights, crosswalks, bike lanes, trail systems, and an effective road network. Pedestrians, cyclists and those in personal mobility scooters want safe passage along a West Coast Road that isn’t choked with boat trailers. Seniors want a gathering place. Soccer players want better drainage at Fred Milne Park and have valid questions about the health dangers of all-season astroturf. Young people want more hometown jobs. And, above all, everyone craves a lively, attractive, harbour-facing downtown of which they can be proud, not apologetic. For their part, the business owners I’ve spoken with want to see parking issues addressed, bemoan the lack of commercial space, and fear that high commercial rental rates will force more business closures.



 

 

                       


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CFAX Candidates Survey: My Responses 

10/20/2014

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<clip> Hello  from the C-FAX Newsroom. This year, we are creating a web feature called the “C-FAX Candidate Guide.” It’s driven by listener requests for a way to gauge where candidates, across the Capital Region, stand on a range of issues. We are asking “yes” and “no” questions on those subjects. You may elaborate on your answer in no more than 50 words per question. Any answer that does not include a direct “yes” or “no” will not be included. Answers in the form of links to a candidate's website will not be included. The questionnaire results will be posted on our website in separate sections for each district. The results also may be referred to in on-air discussions on C-FAX. Thank you."

To repeat: CFAX wants a 'yes or no' to each question, otherwise it won't be published. I'd like to have seen an "it's complicated" category (spoken like a true politician in training wheels, right?)


* Would you commit to holding municipal property tax increases to no greater than the prevailing rate of inflation?  No. Certain essential infrastructure projects (sidewalks, street lights) may require mild short-term pain for longer-term gain. I commit to being fiscally responsible and will follow all due public process. Of course, ‘yes’ is the right answer in principle and as a general practice.  
______

• Would you vote to limit union and exempt staff pay increases to no greater than the prevailing rate of inflation? Yes.
______

• Would you vote to keep infrastructure projects down to the most basic (cheapest) designs? No. Cheaper is not necessarily better. District staff need to weigh all proposals, and choose one that fully meets proposal specs at a fair, reasonable price. Local suppliers must be given full encouragement and every opportunity to win contracts within tender and RFP guidelines. 
_______

• Do you think the Trans-Canada Highway-McKenzie intersection is the most important transportation issue facing the Capital region?  No. It’s one of them. In Sooke, we need ongoing upgrades to Hwy 14 (more formal pullovers and bus stops), improved transit service and exploration of car-and-van pooling options.
______

• Do you favour a formal study of municipal amalgamation options in the Capital Region?  Yes. I’m interested in learning about the options while having no strong opinion one way or other. More important for Sooke in the immediate future is a commitment to a “good neighbour” policy with the T’Sou-ke Nation and the JDF Electoral District. More conversation, collaboration and joint ventures please!
_______

• Will you vote for policies and spending that would resurrect rail service on the E&N line? No. This is a matter for VIA Rail, Southern Railway of BC, and regional, provincial and federal levels of government. That said, light-rapid transit is essential in linking Victoria to Van Isle’s eastern seaboard.  
______

 • Is it necessary to increase the size of sidewalks in your municipality?  Yes. A true priority locally for the Town Centre, along Otter Point Rd. to the Municipal Hall, and especially on the West Coast Road from the hotel to Otter Pt. Rd. Boat/trailer dangers in the latter area must be addressed ASAP. Also: More crosswalks at busy junctures.
____

• Does your municipality need separated bike lanes?  Yes. Sooke’s Master Transportation Plan identifies them as a priority. They're essential on the main road. Multi-use trials are in the District plan for all new new secondary road construction. Priority: Establishment of formal cycling and walking trails in the town’s westside to connect with the trail network east of Otter Pt. Road.
_______

 • Should the default speed limit be lowered in your municipality on some streets?  No. Better answer: Maybe. We do require more policing of the speed limit to slow traffic along Hwy 14 and on certain streets (Grant Rd. for instance). Speed humps (not bumps) and other proven traffic claming devices must be investigated. 
_______

• Should personal mobility scooters be regulated?  Yes.
_______

 • Is a deer cull necessary in your municipality? No. That said, this one falls in the "it's complicated" category. As a homeowner in a residential neighbourhood adjacent to a forest, my wife and I deeply cherish the local deer population while also grieving over animals killed on Sooke roadways. WildSafe BC suggestions on animal/human interaction must be promoted.
_______

• Should secondary suites be legal in your municipality? Yes. They already are legal.
_______

 • Does your municipality need more stringent noise regulations?  No. We need efficient, even-handed bylaw enforcement as a general rule. 
_______

 • Do you believe the Capital Region’s mandatory summer time water use restrictions are necessary? Yes. The emerald green lawn is not part of Sooke’s culture. That said, we need to promote the CRD's rainwater harvesting program. On a related subject, Sooke needs to immediately enact the CRD’s model pesticide-use control bylaw.
_______

 • Should mayors be required to be a delegate to, and serve on committees of, the Capital Regional District Board?  Yes.


Opinions? I got a million of them! So do you. Let's hear them and have the dialogue in a respectful public process, reach consensus and move forward with as much grace, positivity and practical, real-world actions as possible. Bottom line intention in all my thinking: Do no harm (but take no s***) ;-) 



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More on the Subjective Sooke News  

10/13/2014

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Fortified by a sweet family Thanksgiving with Carolyn and mum, I'm now turning, as promised, to the 'boring' points Tom Myrick raised in his debate-sparking report card on the 2011-14 council. My observations, of course, are just like his ... offered in hopes of moving beyond personalities in this campaign and dealing with substantive issues.  I am quickly learning that, as in most areas of life, the reality of municipal government involves many shades of gray and very little that is monochrome. And also that everyone has an opinion ... here's more of mine: 

i) Pump track at SEAPARC rather than the full-blown, family friendly bike skills park originally proposed for John Phillips Memorial. Well, a major public process unfolded, a huge amount of effort and passion was expended on the debate, council voted to rescind its initial okay for the proposal, and now our recreation centre has a cool new attraction for young and young-at-heart bikers.  So that's an upside and, as previously stated, I'm all about the sunnyside up. 

To me, the problem with the various proposals for JPMP – horseshoe pitch, off-leash dog area, bike skills park – is that they've been handled piecemeal. I’m curious as to why all potential user groups haven't been invited to step forward as part of a public process that would revisit the 2006 park master plan (assembled through much community input and careful consideration, then promptly shelved) ... and then figure out how the various puzzle pieces (including the Rotary Club’s wonderful idea of a loop trail around the perimeter) might fit together. It would also be a chance to come to grips all at once with the topographical and drainage issues affecting the park as a whole, finally erect signage, explore parking options and more. 

ii) Tom's point about additional blind spots at Wadams Way as it leads into our own humpback road (Otter Pt.) is a valid one and reason for even more cautious driving in that area. Yet despite its flaws, the new route significantly improves our still limited options in navigating about town. Traffic in the core will be eased, and families along Rhodenite must be delighted that they’re no longer fronting on a throughway. That said, traffic calming strategies are needed along Wadams Way (i.e., perhaps a speed warning device to slow lead-footed drivers as they approach the Townsend Rd. crosswalk near CASA) and a couple of speed humps (not bumps) on Townsend and Anna Maria roads. 

iii) Tom’s two ‘neutral’ observations about the town core: The roundabout accessing Evergreen Mall is slated to begin construction next spring (according to the latest Corporate Strategic Plan, an informative read for any voter seeking to understand longer-term planning).  And, if the plan is on schedule as it was with Wadams Way, then work on sidewalk improvements on both sides of Sooke Rd. from Church to Otter Point Rd. will be underway any day now. 

As for the aesthetic issues, well, there is that old metaphor about lipstick and livestock to consider. For my part, I extend full credit to the Mayor's Advisory Panel on Arts & Beautification, the Chamber of Commerce and other local folks for their efforts to mitigate our downtown’s visual sins as best they can with limited funds and volunteer heart & muscle. Not for nothing do we repeatedly win Communities In Bloom awards, right Brenda Parkinson?!  

Regarding the town centre issue in general, the fact (as stated by many observers time and again) is that we developed as a sprawl town and it’s going to take much patience and steady, consistent effort over an extended period of time to enact related community plans and guideline documents.  Boulevard’s 2006 Town Centre report nails the problem then, now and for the foreseeable future: “Sooke’s commercial centre has developed from a cluster of small businesses along the Highway 14 corridor into a sprawling auto-oriented series of shopping plazas and mini-malls. The town centre has taken on a strip character with a disorganized appearance and poor pedestrian amenities. Most importantly, this haphazard pattern of development does not provide a social focal point for the community.” 

Upside: The go-forward plans have all been written via long weeks and months of input by staff, the public and third-party consultants. Now it’s a matter of slowly wooing built-green developers, attracting business, and honouring the OCP’s mixed-use commercial & residential vision for a moderately dense core built on Smart Growth BC principles. Bottom line: It's still early days in the process of revealing our town's best harbourside face and creating a live/work/play community on the doorstep of one of the most picturesque harbours and postcard vistas in the world (Yes, i'm talking proud here). 

                                                                                              ###
 
On my to-do list in the days ahead: An armchair observer’s take on Tom’s list of where this council went wrong.  Now it's time for leftovers and another big chuck of the apple/rhubarb crisp made by the Volunteer Centre's cooks that we scored at Sunriver’s Applefest the other week. Gratitude and thanks fully and formally given for this fortunate birth and the opportunity to live here on an Island that the province's first governor, James Douglas, described as "a perfect Eden" back in the 1840s. Ain't it the truth!  :-)    


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The Good

10/9/2014

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Here's the first in a series of musings about the points Tom Myrick raises in his letter posted on The Real Sooke News and also published yesterday in the News Mirror. In keeping with my optimistic, sunny side-up tendencies and because it's where Tom began, I'll start with the good, then move on to address his neutral and negative points in the days ahead.

In my opinion, Tom’s bang-on about three of the current administration’s achievements, namely the Church Rd. multi-use trail, Townsend Rd. sidewalks and Knox United’s plan to build a 123-unit residential complex for seniors and those with mobility issues. 

Beyond this, however, I’d add a few more feathers in the Milne gang’s cap. 

i) the new Town Centre Design Handbook will be essential in giving west-coast character and, dare it be said, charm to downtown’s evolution; 

ii) the Mayor’s advisory panels are a smart new mechanism to engage citizen input and provide direction to council (provided they’re listening, of course); 

iii) the creation of affordable housing at the Hope Centre, whose genesis predates this council yet was erected under its watch, is a wonderful addition to the town (and both the new Ahimsa Yoga studio and St. Vincent de Paul outlet therein have instantly become favorite haunts for me and my circles); 

iv) the enthusiasm and cooperation extended by council and District staff to the pioneering Harbourside Cohousing project, which will set the standard for town core development and models the possibilities for other ventures of its kind; 

v) fiscal responsibility, as Mr. Kasper has been noting with due pride; 

vi) creation of the new District of Sooke Agricultural Plan (even though it was promptly shelved without addressing its short-term priorities – oh wait, that comment falls in the neutral/negative category 

vi) last but not least, gold stars must be extended to elected reps for showing up time and again in that harshly lit council chamber to wade through epic amounts of municipal business, much of it numbingly routine and a true cure for insomnia. Respect to them all for their dedication to public service. 

I’ll turn to Tom’s ‘neutral’ comments tomorrow before grappling as best I can – gulp - with the ‘ugly’. Your own feedback is entirely welcome - either in the comments below or let's talk in person next time we meet. 
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First Thoughts 

10/6/2014

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On all the levels that count, I’m among the many who believe Sooke is more or less imperfectly perfect exactly as it is. Seriously. Carolyn and I love it here. The people, the seasons, the wind, the rains, the postcard environment, the gentle pace of life here by the sea for those of us who don’t have to commute daily into Victoria. All this, plus our basic civic needs and services are delivered with remarkable efficiency day in, day out by the District of Sooke. Little wonder my arms are blue from pinching myself. (No, of course Sooke’s not perfect, but my point is that the vocal gripers who tend to dominate what passes for political discourse in this town need to give their heads a shake and get some perspective. We are blessed beyond measure. Period. Full stop. End of post.)
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