The Coquitlam election to choose a new city councillor is coming up on May 15. We have been in contact with all of the candidates, and we asked them a few questions to get a feel for where they stand. Neal Nicholson responded, and his answers are printed verbatim.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and why you are running for council?
I’ve lived in Coquitlam with my wife Barbara for 34 years, raising our family here. My Chartered Accountant practice was established in 1979, eleven years after I qualified. I’ve been involved in many aspects of our community since we arrived, including the BC Seniors Games in Coquitlam’s Centennial year, Douglas College, both the Board and now the Foundation. I’m Treasurer of the Coquitlam Heritage Society and serve on the St. Laurence church committee.
I want to keep Coquitlam accountable. Accountable to our people and accountable to our coming generations for the decisions we make today. That’s why I’m running. My 40+ years of financial accounting experience and my previous service on Council give me the background to contribute to good choices.
2. What do you see as the most important issues currently facing the City of Coquitlam?
Four issues stand out for me as I look at Coquitlam today and tomorrow.
HOMELESSNESS
People living on the street because we can’t get senior governments to fund the promises they’ve made. Coquitlam has put up the land – let’s get going! We need to encourage affordable development so our children can live where they grew up.
TRANSIT & ENVIRONMENT
Transit – Once again senior governments are putting Coquitlam at the back of the queue. We need the Evergreen line but first we need improved bus services. We need density to achieve sustainability but that makes our green space, air and water even more important. We need to protect and increase our green space, where we develop.
CITY TAXES
Our city budgeting must move to dealing with needs, not wants. I will apply my accounting and financial experience to help find solutions.
SECURITY
We all have the right to feel safe in our homes and on our streets. We need to provide our officers with all the resources they need, so we can feel safe.
3. How will you work together with Mayor Richard Stewart and Council to make Coquitlam better?
Mayor Stewart, Council and I have worked together before. At the inaugural meeting of this Council, Richard said, “Neal provided input that was reasoned and deliberate. He and l often joked that we found ourselves in agreement more often than either of us cared to admit.” Members of Council and I will disagree on occasion. I will always remember that we agree on far more than we differ on and will treat them as colleagues, not rivals. Our common interest is Coquitlam and her people.
4. How will you encourage more people to become involved with their civic government?
People will become more involved when they know they will be heard. I want to revive and revitalize the Council Advisory Committees of earlier years, empowering them to control their own agendas. I’ll seek ways to improve people’s ability to advise Council on agenda items through liberalized delegation practices.
And, of course, links to Council matters on TheV3H.com.
I’d like to thank Neal for taking the time to get back to us, the shout out, and buying campaign advertising on theV3H.com. I would like to encourage all Coquitlam residents to get out and vote on May 15. Local politics matter!
