Rick Stiebel/News staff
A key motivation for Coun. Rob Martin’s decision to run for mayor is bringing more employment to Colwood.
“More employment in the community will address a number of issues,” said Martin, who is completing his second term on Colwood Council. “Bringing in more employment does two things. It allows people to work where they live instead of commuting. In addition, it reverses the traffic flow. Instead of people leaving in the morning, they will be coming to Colwood to work. I’ve been hearing from people that transporation is key.”
“We need to be building for the employment of the future which will be the digital work space,” said Martin, owner of Precise Surgical and Medical Supplies, a small business that operates in eight provinces and Alaska. “That’s where work is going in the virtual world of the future.”
Increased success with attracting commercial development will enable Colwood to support increased success in service industries such as coffee shops, restaurants and pubs, which will make Colwood more attractive to people looking to open businesses, Martin explained. “Ninety-three per cent of Colwood’s net taxable assessed value comes from homeowners. We must increase the commercial tax base for the long-term financial health of the city.”
Another important issue is the protection of Colwood’s natural environmental assets. “We have over 50 parks that have been under-serviced for far too long,”he said.
Martin is also passionate about recreation, arts and libraries, something he attributes in part to his time as Colwood’s representative on the Greater Victoria Public Library board, wherer he has served as board chair since 2016. “I believe access to recreation, the arts and libraries are key pillars of a healthy community. I will continue to focus on Juan de Fuca Recreation, and Juan de Fuca Performing Arts.
