Peter Ladner: Vancouver could be safer and more affordable

Mayoral candidate Peter Ladner (Non-Partisan Association) on his plans for the future of Vancouver
 

Together, let’s get it done.

When I am mayor, Vancouverites will see change at City Hall--a change in style, a change in approach, a change in focus that will bring action on our most pressing challenges.

Across the city people tell me they appreciate how the Non-Partisan Association has long offered common-sense civic government.

They also tell me they are frustrated with too much talk and not enough action coming out of City Hall. I share these sentiments, which is why I challenged the NPA leadership and Mayor Sam Sullivan.

My opponent keeps saying homelessness is the most important issue in the civic election. And while I agree homelessness is an unacceptable tragedy, I’m hearing a different, broader message from Vancouverites.

As we enter into uncertain economic times, people are concerned about their own personal, financial situation and their quality of life. People tell me they are worried their kids and aging parents can’t afford to live in Vancouver anymore. They tell me they don’t feel safe walking around our streets and are tired of break-ins, panhandling and finding used needles in public parks. They’re unsure what is in store for Vancouver after 2010.

I have an action plan that will focus on the common concerns of Vancouverites--crime, affordability, housing for the homeless, good jobs and environmental stewardship. I will also ensure the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a launching pad for a new era of investment, tourism and volunteerism.

Continuing to reduce crime and making our neighbourhoods safe will be a top priority for action. Under NPA leadership, I am proud that we gave the Vancouver Police Department funding to hire 120 additional officers.

I will continue to increase funding for more police on streets and in our neighbourhoods. I will also try other innovative crime prevention solutions, like integrating city employees such as parking enforcement officers into the work of community policing centres.

I will work to make Vancouver a more affordable city by increasing housing supply and by limiting tax increases. During the last three years, the NPA kept overall tax increases to less than 10 percent, compared to a 16 percent increase during the last time Vision/COPE ran the city under mayor Larry Campbell.

As mayor, I will cap annual tax increases to offer taxpayers predictability and stability. I know how to prudently manage taxpayer dollars. I’ve been doing it for six years on council and three years as chair of the budget committee.

The mayor must work productively with the provincial and federal governments to secure funding and support since our revenue is largely limited to property taxes and only eight cents of every tax dollar is available for local government.

As mayor, I will work with the provincial government to secure more social housing for the homeless and additional programs for people with drug addictions and mental health issues. I will work with the federal government to reinstate tax laws that encourage the development of affordable, market rental housing. I will call on the federal and provincial governments to help extend the Millennium rapid transit line to UBC and to promote environmental-friendly transit alternatives, such as the public bike share system I have championed regionally.

I love Vancouver and the diversity and spirit of Vancouverites. There is a clear choice in this election. Vision is one thing. Know-how and commitment to action are quite another. I’m ready to take action during a pivotal time in our history.

Together, let’s get it done.

 
How would you reshape your municipality? The Georgia Straight is publishing articles on its Web site from mayoral candidates in Metro Vancouver. For more information, e-mail webeditor@straight.com.

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