Maureen Doerr – Incumbent
If you were given a million dollars, what would you use it for in Oliver?
A million dollars is not a large amount of money in the world of municipal politics. Infrastructure costs a great deal to upgrade. We have done Fairview and Station Street, as well as the sidewalk on Spartan and that was well over a million Dollars.
I strongly believe that our infrastructure must be maintained. As you see around the world, communities and countries that don’t keep up are in serious trouble right now. The number one mandate at the municipal level is infrastructure first. I would continue to upgrade water, sewer and roads. It might not seem important to some, however, but it’s necessary to ensure our town doesn’t become old and run down.
Do you favour a national park reserve? Why or why not?
The national park is not part of our jurisdiction, municipally. There are many strong views and it is a very controversial topic. I am not in favour of the park myself, as it sits right now. There are too many unanswered questions and speculation on the subject, and nothing concrete in writing. There are no guarantees to the stakeholders that make their living off this land, that they will be able to continue their operations. I believe more consultations must be made.
What is your solution to crime prevention in Oliver?
Crime prevention has become a hot button item in Oliver. I do believe we have a problem and it is very complex. There is a nation-wide RCMP shortage and I believe that nationally we need to take a look at the model and make some changes to open up more resources. We have taken our concerns to the Attorney general of both governments, Liberal and NDP, and we have two RCMP members in queue for us, but when the well is dry it’s hard to get water. As a council we can increase bylaw enforcement hours and funding. To be a part of the solution, I myself am joining Crime Watch.
Do you support the legalization of marijuana? Why or why not?
Legalized marijuana in my belief is a good thing. Currently, our courts are full of minor infractions and I believe that legalization will alleviate some of the caseload also for the RCMP. Unfortunately, many people are fearful that legalization will lead to bigger drug problems, however, there’s no good evidence that marijuana is a “gateway drug” or that any gateway effect would be worsened by legalization. The evidence suggests, in fact, that pot could stop some people from using harder, more dangerous drugs if it was legalized, as well as a decrease in alcohol consumption.
I do know there is a lot of angst around the subject as the roles of laws and funding have not been laid out very clearly to municipal governments.
What is your best asset you can offer the town as councillor?
I would say that my best asset would be my forwardness. I do know it bothers some that I speak my mind. It is never my intent to offend anyone but at least you always know where I stand. I definitely do not believe we should just say what we assume the people want to hear and I was raised to tell the truth; good or bad. I believe strongly in Oliver and its future. We are in a strong, forward wave of progress and I want to be a part of that.
