George Roman promises he will promote improved public safety, a revitalized downtown, better transportation options for citizens and fewer train traffic delays. He said he will also seek tax exemptions for the Langley Food Bank and other non-profit organizations, charities and churches as well as creating a business friendly environment that includes more green policies.
“My vision is to see Langley a safer city with thriving businesses and a place to put down roots and raise a family,” Roman said.
The city has to address the safety concerns of citizens and business owners and develop strategies to reduce the suffering of homeless individuals, Roman said.
“Police must have a greater street presence, increase bike patrols, implement effective crime prevention policies, direct more resources to hot spots of crime and encourage block watch programs.”
He supports having a multi-agency team engage the homeless population in Langley.
“This blended outreach team will play an active role in working with people who experience homelessness to help them recover from mental health and/or addictions issues and gain access to available services.”
Roman is an investment advisor and former Senior Auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers with over 15 years of experience.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours, a Diploma in German, and successfully passing the rigorous US Certified Public Accountant exam.
“I have the experience and skills to hit the road running and get the job done,” Roman said.
“Having lived and worked on three different continents has given me outstanding skills in communicating and working with people from different backgrounds and cultures.”
Roman is a current member of the Langley Advisory Planning Commission as well as the Canadian Pacific Railway Advisory Panel and a former member of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, the Recreation, Culture and Public Art Advisory Committee and the Youth Council.
He also volunteers for many community events such as the Christmas Parade, Community Day, and BC Youth Week.
“All of this has given me firsthand experience with the challenges facing us, and I have been encouraged by endorsements of prominent community figures, such as Sandy Dunkley for my candidacy for City Council.”
He suggests the City should “redesign the entire downtown core and give it an attractive and unique character” to attract visitors like Fort Langley and Leavenworth in Washington state have.
“Fort Langley adopted the old town theme and Leavenworth adopted a Bavarian German town theme,” Roman said.
“This has resulted in booming business and influx of tourism all year long.”
To handle an expected increase in train traffic, he said the city must “find the funding to finance more overpasses, grade separation projects and implement an information system that can detect a blockage and communicate the information in real-time to drivers and emergency services.”
He said the City should lobby for a light rail option and better bus connectivity.
