Re-elect Earl Rook
to the
Salt Spring Island LCC
My Platform
Here are the broad outlines and major points of my goals for a second term:
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To manage well the core services delegated to the LCC (Parks and Recreation, Liquid Waste Disposal, Transportation, Transit, Economic Development, and Grants-in-Aid), the smaller services (Small Craft Harbours/Fernwood Dock, Street Lighting, Livestock Compensation), and the contribution services where the LCC provides significant funding support for specific non-profits (the Library, ArtSpring, the Arts Council, and Search & Rescue).
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To continue the unfinished development of the LCC, reallocating authority for local decision-making for services where the LCC does not yet have it from the Electoral Area Director alone to the LCC (which, of course, includes the Electoral Area Director as one of five).
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To extend and increase collaboration with other governing bodies to address some of our most pressing issues which are cross-jurisdictional in nature, building on the collaboration and regular joint meetings with the Local Trust Committee developed over the past few years.
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To continue to develop effective working relationships with other elected officials from our region (MP, MLA, CRD directors and senior staff, Islands Trustees and staff, and even San Juan County Councilors) to take advantage of the broader pool of experience, knowledge, and insights for addressing our common issues and challenges (e.g., climate change, housing, and environmental protection)
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To continue LCC advocacy on behalf of the Salt Spring community with senior levels of government (provincial, federal) and other local governmental and semi-governmental bodies on matters of importance to Salt Spring, including BC Ferries, the Ministry of Transportation, and Islands Trust.
Specific Goals for Second Term
Parks and Recreation
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Secure funding for needed repairs to the Rainbow Recreation Centre building envelope.
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Develop plans, and secure funding, for the implementation of the Portlock Park Master Plan, a multi-year project which includes the construction of a senior baseball field, a rejuvenated running track, and other improvements.
Liquid Waste
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Continue the search for a fiscally sound solution to our liquid waste disposal debacle, where liquid waste, only 3% solids and 97% water, is trucked off island for disposal at a cost of over $800,000 per year.
Transportation and Transit
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Continue implementation of the Ganges Active Transportation Network Plan, to improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other users of non-motorized transportation in the village, including a more comprehensive network of walking paths, additional crosswalks where needed, and extension of the current 30km per hour speed limit zone within the village.
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Secure funding to ensure ongoing Salt Spring Transit operations while also allowing for selective route expansion to improve the value and utility of the system for local riders.
Economic Development
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Finalize the Integrated Housing Strategy and begin work with stakeholders (CRD, Islands Trust, improvement districts, and housing providers) to begin implementation of the action plan.
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Complete the public and First Nations engagement over the future of the old Ganges fire hall and move forward with design development and securing funding.
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Complete the design and public engagement phase of the Ganges Harbour Walk project, moving on to securing funding and construction.
Salt Spring Library
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Work with the Library Board to rein in annual budget increases in excess of inflation while assuring that capital reserves are adequate to maintain this community asset well into the future.
Salt Spring Arts
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Begin a comprehensive assessment of funding for the Arts on Salt Spring, with multiple stakeholder workshops involving local arts organizations, local arts venues, and individual artists to develop a funding model that more equitably supports the diverse Salt Spring arts community while recognizing the role of the arts as a key economic driver for the island.
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Develop a plan, with funding, to correct life safety and operational deficiencies at Mahon Hall to ensure that this historic community facility remains viable well into its second century.
Governance
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To continue pressing the CRD Board to amend bylaws as needed to reallocate authority for all local CRD Services to the LCC, including the authority currently delegated to the electoral area director alone.
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To work with CRD legal staff to develop a new procedural bylaw for the LCC which will make it easier for the LCC to receive broad public input with fewer bureaucratic hurdles, including simplifying the process for addressing the LCC and greater flexibility for the LCC to solicit public feedback through town halls and more focused stakeholder workshops.