Experience gets the nod for Courtenay RD reps

Experience gets the nod for Courtenay RD reps

by | Dec 9, 2014 | Blog, News

Posted Dec 3, 2014 at 12:00 PM – Scott Stanfield (Record Staff) Mayor Larry Jangula and the six recently elected members of Courtenay council were sworn-in at the inaugural meeting Monday. Jangula, along with Couns. Manno Theos, Bob Wells and Erik Eriksson, will represent the city on the Comox Valley Regional District board. Jangula had sat on the CVRD board before being elected mayor in 2011 while Theos was a district director last term. Eriksson has previously sat on Courtenay and Tahsis councils. Couns. David Frisch, Doug Hillian and Rebecca Lennox are alternate district directors. Though council agreed unanimously on Jangula’s recommended    appointments, Hillian thought Frisch should be worthy of a seat at the district table, considering the first-time councillor topped the polls by more than 600 votes at the Nov. 15 election. “The democratic will of the people, to a certain extent, is not being reflected in the appointments,” Hillian said. “To me, that’s an issue.” He also noted the added pressures on Jangula’s already demanding schedule as mayor. As opposed to a recommended two-year appointment to the CVRD, Hillian suggested a one-year term would provide opportunity for a review period. “I think, given that it’s a new term, there’s some uncertainties involved. I’d be happy to support the appointments on the basis of that amendment.” Theos noted a steep learning curve at the CVRD, which is “run very differently” from Courtenay council. Since council is now a four-year term, he favours a two-year appointment where directors can “move forward, get their feet wet and be productive” as CVRD board members. “It’s a very difficult mandate,” said Jangula,...
Experience gets the nod for Courtenay RD reps

Intimidation not an issue for Courtenay’s young councillors

by | Dec 9, 2014 | Blog, News

Posted Dec 1, 2014 at 1:00 PM – Erin Haluschak Record Staff The Next Generation of Political Leaders: Following the results of the recent municipal election, reporter Erin Haluschak examines the shift of youth in local politics and the perspectives, challenges and ideas they will bring to their respective council tables. This is the second part of this feature series which began Nov. 25 with a look at Comox Valley young elected officials and the challenges and outlooks they have within the next four years. When Rebecca Lennox first thought about running for municipal politics she knew as one of the youngest candidates, her age could be either a detriment or a positive factor in her campaign. She was ready and willing to take that risk. “It’s all about perspective,” said the first-time Courtenay councillor, who, along with David Frisch and Bob Wells, are some of the youngest members of the recently-elected Courtenay council. “We are young, but we represent a growing demographic.” Along with the trio in Courtenay who were all elected under age 40, Cumberland also faced a youth shift during the recent municipal election, with councillors Sean Sullivan and Jesse Ketler elected to represent the village. It’s a shift which Lennox, 31, was hoping for, and while aware of some of the perceptions which come with a young elected official (“definitely experience comes with age”), she sought mentorship through past councillors and the Young Elected Officials Network. Lennox attended a one-day workshop for any youth interested in entering the fall municipal election, and while there, noticed a large gap in the lack of youth representation in both the...
David Frisch Interview with The Goat (Radio)

David Frisch Interview with The Goat (Radio)

by | Oct 10, 2014 | Blog, News

I recently did an interview with 98.9 The Goat, one of our local radio stations. Although we were not able to embed the full interview here on my website, I would direct you to their website to have a quick listen.   Click to listen to the interview >>...
With Our Schools Closed the Recreation Department Helps

With Our Schools Closed the Recreation Department Helps

by | Sep 16, 2014 | Blog, Letters to the Editor, News

With schools closed this September, balancing child-care and work has been a real challenge for many Courtenay families. I would like to thank the City of Courtenay and it’s staff for working hard to fill the gap by providing families with affordable, quality options for children and youth. From Parent Saver child-care for $125 per week at the Lewis Centre, to the LINC Youth Centre’s “Try it For Free Week”, the city is ensuring that families have the support they need to make it through the school closure. I know friends and neighbours who have taken advantage of these programs and found them to be high quality, well organized and, according to their kids, really fun. As a candidate for Courtenay council, my vision for Courtenay is one where the City is always playing an active role supporting families and children. I would like to thank all those responsible for ensuring that the city was there for families in a time of need.  ...
Top 40 Under 40 Gala Awards Evening and Dance

A new agenda for Courtenay city council

by | Sep 11, 2014 | Blog, Letters to the Editor, News

I would like to propose a new agenda for Courtenay city council. Let’s focus our resources on building a vibrant city that attracts and supports businesses that can support our children and young families into the future. Canada’s clean-tech industry grew faster than every other major sector of the economy in 2012, as reported by Analytica Advisors. While oil, mining and gas grew 0.3%, the clean-tech sector grew 9%. So how do we encourage entrepreneurs to come here? The answer is the same reason we are all here… It’s a better place to live, work and play. We didn’t move here for bigger roads, bigger stores, or bigger houses. We came here for better air and water, better transportation, and better recreation. We came here for a better quality of life! Currently, Courtenay council votes in favour of spending our tax dollars to develop urban sprawl. Urban sprawl has been proven to be detrimental to small business and creates a stagnant, unappealing, and isolating culture and city landscape. It also quickly destroys any beauty in its path, which in Courtenay’s case is it’s most precious resource. If Courtenay want’s to attract new businesses, like Internet Technology business, or Renewable Energy business, or Agricultural/Food business, we need to focus on building a better city. We need: Efficient and affordable transportation systems for people of all ages, including children and seniors. Public spaces, such as squares, commons and pedestrian streets, where people can meet and support businesses. Waste management systems that are sustainable, including composting, so we can delay, or even better avoid, creating a new, and very expensive, landfill in...

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