My name is Brian Webster and I’ll be running for Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Director this October because I want to speak up strongly for Salt Spring and act on our community’s most pressing priorities.
I’m an organic farmer and small business owner who has lived on Salt Spring since 2011. In my previous life, I worked as a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant. I’ve lived on B.C.’s south coast for almost my whole life.
If you choose me as Electoral Area Director, I will bring to the position my experience, knowledge, energy and values.
EXPERIENCE
• Three-plus years as an elected Salt Spring Island Local Community Commissioner (current)
• Seven years as a Salt Spring PARC commissioner
• Past service on three Salt Spring non-profit boards
• Thirty-plus years as a self-employed consultant and small business owner
KNOWLEDGE
• Serving on the LCC for the past three years has made me knowledgeable about our community and our local government
• I know how local government works, including Salt Spring’s unique governance quirks
ENERGY
• As a farmer, I know the value of hard work and teamwork
• As an LCC commissioner, I consistently do my homework and show up prepared and ready to ask questions, including difficult ones
• I always look to question the status quo and push for positive change
VALUES
• I believe the best decision-making is both pragmatic and principled, reflecting common-sense as well as strong values
• I believe in community and that we all share responsibility for looking out for each other
• I believe in being open and straightforward, even when it’s inconvenient
• I believe that value for money must be a top priority for local government, as every tax dollar is precious
• I believe that climate change is real and must be considered in all our decisions
• I believe we must actively work to achieve reconciliation with indigenous peoples
PRIORITIES
Take Action on Housing
Our community lacks leadership on housing. Do we need a ‘made on Salt-Spring’ local housing service to coordinate across agencies and push for increased housing options for Salt Springers? I think we do. Let’s discuss.
Move Forward with Major Projects
It’s time to develop a coordinated approach to our community’s major public projects, including decisions on priorities and funding:
• Harbourwalk
• Salish Sea Trail (cycling and walking paths linking Fulford, Ganges and Vesuvius)
• Major repairs to the Rainbow Pool
• SIMS Community Centre upgrades
• Old Firehall renovation
• And more…
Fix the Budget
For too long, our local CRD services have lacked the ‘rainy day’ funds we need to make sure our public amenities get the repairs and upgrades they need to remain open and available to the community. Nobody likes tax increases, but if we want amenities like public transit, parks, trails, sidewalks and community gathering places, we do need to pay for them.
Bring all Local CRD Services Under the LCC
To maximize local control and transparency while minimizing fragmented decision-making, we must bring all remaining CRD local services on Salt Spring under the purview of the LCC.
Start a Discussion with our Two Large Improvement Districts
To further reduce fragmentation, increase democratic participation and improve access to federal/provincial funding, it’s time to start a discussion with Salt Spring’s two large improvement districts on how we can work together in the future for the benefit of our community.
We can’t do all of this in a day, but I know we can make progress over the next four years. I have the experience, knowledge, energy and values to achieve this. That’s why I’ll be asking for your vote as Electoral Area Director.
