Issues Need Solutions The issues in West Vancouver are very focused. What’s fess certain is why solutions have not becn proposed to residents by a City Council. The Lions Gate Bridge is the best example of the need for leadership according to Jim Hogan. “The bridge has been an issue for more than 30 years and time for less costly solutions is quickly disappearing,” he states. There are a growing number of critical issues with the provincial government that must be dealt with strongly to protect the best interests of West Vancouver residents. These include provincial funding cutbacks, relocation of the provincial Courthouse and the threatened amalgamation of North Shore municipalities. “Council must stand up to the Provincial Government and clearly and strongly say enough is enough? Hogan says emphatically. The Mayor and Council must also take care to main- tain fair commercial zoning, so that this important tay revenue is not lost to other communities through compe- tition for new investment. Not to mention the growing need for affordable housing for young families balanced by the responsibility to protect and enhance our parks and recreation lands, West Vancouver is not meeting the recreation needs of its young people or its adults and seniors. The next City Council has to act on this. Advertisement est Vancouver “These are important issues and the new Mayor and Council must be prepared to meet these challenges by seeking new ideas and finding better solutions? says Hogan. Leadership and the Right Decisions The new Mayor and Council must be prepared to lead and make the difficult decisions that taxpayers expect of their representatives. “Strong leadership, a full commit- ment and the willingness to plan and take action are what’s needed in West Vancouver.” acecrding to mayoralty candidate Jim Hogan. “A strong council must set clear policies and expect staff to carry out its directions,” Hogan says. As a lawyer and trusted business advisor, Hogan believes his back- ground and pragmatic business sense will be a positive influence at City Hall. When you talk with Jim Hogan about what West Vancouver really needs from its Mayor and Council, it’s clearly the willingness to make the right decision and ensure that the job gets done! A Personal Commitment The Door at City Hall Must Be Open Secretive or special interest groups and committees don’t make for very democratic elections. The “West Vancouver Citizens for Good Government” consists of fewer than 75 members if you exclude former councillors, school trustees, current candidates and their friends and families. So when such narrow, non-community-wide groups say they have carefully selected members by ballot, it’s helpful to ask about the criteria for their candidates. Were there any interviews? Why is a candidate endorsed? How many people voted to support each candidate? “My belief is that elections must remain wide open? says Hogan. “If they do and the entire community participates, it means that we'll also have a more open City Hall” Often in the past, special interests have had too much influence at City Hall. It’s time for a change, for more open government and decision-making. It’s time for action by individual residents of our community. A vote for Jim Hogan is a vote for strong leadership and a positive choice as Mayor of West Vancouver. Jim Hasan with West Vancouver Artist, Elaine Sells, 1 ot’s be very clear about what’s needed at City Hall. Vision. Decisions on tough issucs. A more approachable and open municipal government. Competent financial management. Effective policies and the willingness to bring a business-like attitude to managing the affairs of West Vancouver. As Mayor, [ will provide the leadership, the commitment and the energy to meet the expectations of the community.”