Electoral Area B: Candidate Q&A
Dennis Adamson (incumbent)
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| Incumbent Dennis Adamson. Submitted photo< |
What experience do you have that makes you suited to be a director for Electoral Area B?
For the past decade, I have had the honour of representing the people of Area B as electoral director. In that time, I have attended hundreds of meetings, read thousands of official documents and built relations in government that are valuable in lobbying for Area B and resolving constituents’ concerns.
What are the two most pressing issues facing the area? How do you plan to address them? (be specific)
The two most pressing issues facing Area B are the lack of services for seniors and the lack of jobs for young people. If re-elected, I will continue to work with Barrick Gold to make the Giant Nickel All Season Resort a reality, which will bring employment opportunities and economic growth to the area and surrounding regions. I will also keep working with Telus to bring better internet service for all of Area B to help home-based businesses. Furthermore, I will continue to lobby the higher levels of government for more funding for senior programs and senior housing.
What is your vision for Electoral Area B over the next decade?
I envision the next 10 years will bring many changes to Area B as the world rushes in. We must work together to ensure that these changes enhance our communities, not hinder. If re-elected, I will work hard to make sure that the B in Area B stands for Best.
If elected, how do you plan to collaborate and communicate with First Nations governments in Area B?
All constituents in Area B are treated the same; if anyone calls, I respond and try to help. Over the last 10 years I have collaborated with various bands and together we have made a better place to live for everyone. If re-elected, I will do more of the same.
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| Candidate Peter Adamo. Submitted photo< |
Peter Adamo
What experience do you have that makes you suited to be a director for Electoral Area B?
One of my skills is the ability to bring people together helping them become part of the process. A successful business owner since 1994, I have worked for and represented many companies. A Crown Corporation, two full-service live production companies, a national Van Line, B.C.’s first 24-hour fitness club, a renovation/property maintenance company and more. In my volunteer/professional life, I’m a professional emcee/special event host and fundraiser. The director of such a diverse community requires someone with excellent communication and relationship building skills. I have that!
What are the two most pressing issues facing the area? How do you plan to address them? (be specific)
While each unincorporated and First Nation community have some different issues, there are a handful of overarching issues that apply to all. As a whole, Area B needs a sense of community as outlined on my campaign signs “Community needs Unity.”
Solid employment opportunities that allow young people and families to stay in their community as well as affordable housing, transportation, education and regular inclusive communication.
What is your vision for Electoral Area B over the next decade?
I would like to help build an all-inclusive community where members think of and help one another succeed. Let’s build a multi-organized tourism hub including all of Area B. We have so much to offer in each area. First, we will start by sharing and educating ourselves and then we can develop a program that allows us to share with others.
We are already a hub transportation wise. Let’s help each other. Area B could be the catalyst for a lifestyle and destination program that caters to the world.
If elected, how do you plan to collaborate and communicate with First Nations governments in Area B?
Actually, I have already begun this process by simply meeting with members of our First Nation communities. Asking questions and listening goes a long way in developing a working/collaborative relationship. Discovering more and more each day has drawn me even closer to the people of Area B and I want to share this experience with everyone.
Matthew Steberl
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| Candidate Matthew Steberl. Submitted photo< |
What experience do you have that makes you suited to be a director for Electoral Area B?
As a lifetime resident of the region, I’m extremely familiar with the residents and issues of Area B. As well and historically, I was the Federal Green Party CEO of the Federal Electoral District Association of these overlapping electoral jurisdictions, that face many of the same issues and challenges.
What are the two most pressing issues facing the area? How do you plan to address them? (be specific)
The two most pressing issues of Area B are economic development and health of the Fraser River fishery.
Our economic development in this area is closely tied to tourism. Whether we’re talking about new ski resorts, or Fraser River rafting, an advertising blitz to bring awareness to this majestical nature playground has a potential to reinvigorate the tourism potential.
A grave concern of the region is the state of the Fraser River fishery. Nearly all of our returning salmon population is contaminated with sea lice. The cause of this calamity stems from the overabundance of open net fish farms. We will continue lobbying both the federal and provincial governments to live up to the recommendations of the federal Cohen Report on the preservation of the Fraser River Sockeye.
What is your vision for Electoral Area B over the next decade?
My vision for Area B is to make it more visible from an interest and tourism perspective. Competing with the Coquihalla during summer months is a challenge. We need to increase our summer season potential and incentivize new tourism attractions. The area does have tremendous winter sports access and further planned potential needs to be encouraged. We could also campaign Hwy. 1, as a safe alternate winter driving route rather than the Coquihalla.
If elected, how do you plan to collaborate and communicate with First Nations governments in Area B?
As a long time resident of Area B and an alumnus of Hope Secondary, I’ve managed to develop some terrific relationships with the vast majority of our local First Nations. Understanding their beliefs and traditions has definitely benefitted me in developing these relationships. It’s my belief that we deal with our First Nations, as a nation to nation, and respect their territories, and give them the capability to veto any activity on their ancestral lands.
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