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Scott says housing needs to change to meet needs

by |Published

We asked all city council candidates to fill out a questionnaire so you may get to know them a little better. We will be running their answers between now and election day.

Susan Scott

Tell us about your background.
Susan Scott announces her intention to seek a second term on council. Bill Phillips photo
Susan Scott announces her intention to seek a second term on council.

I was born in Edmonton, raised in Vancouver and came to Prince George in 1992. After 22 years in the college and university bookstore system, at Vancouver Community College, Langara College and UNBC. It was the opportunity to establish UNBC’s bookstore that brought me to Prince George. Later I joined Pacific Western Transportation in the Transit division head office (PWTransit Canada Ltd.) helping the management team to secure work across Canada in the transit side of the business. I walk with people and their families as they confront grief and loss, connecting with them through (all) the area funeral homes and through past experience. My husband, Charles, and I have three adult sons – Christopher (Amelia), Michael (Dana) and David as well as 2 beautiful granddaughters. Community Involvement – Current: • City Council: Member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Audit • Chaplain: Prince George Fire/Rescue Department, Royal Canadian Legion; Prince George Army Cadets / 2618 Rocky Mountain Rangers • Secretary – Prince George Council of Seniors Liaison Advisory Committee • Member – Salvation Army Community Councils – Prince George and Vanderhoof • Chair – Interfaith Council of Prince George • Member – Prince George Remembrance Day Planning Committee • Transportation Committee – 2018 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships Member: • Royal Canadian Legion (more than 35 years) • Anglican Church of Canada (life-long) • Elder Citizens Recreation Association Community Involvement – Past: • providing care & comfort as a Chaplain – 2018 Wildfire Evacuation • City Council: Member of the Select Committee on a Healthy City Framework • Community Liaison – 2017 Wildfire Evacuation – Documentation Centre • City Council: Member of the Select Committee on Homelessness and Affordable Housing • Assistant Chaplain – University Hospital of Northern BC (more than 13 years) • Spiritual Care Advisor – The Prince George Rotary Hospice House • Transportation Committee –2015 Canada Winter Games • Director – Prince George Community Foundation • British Columbia Northern Exhibition 2005 – 2013

Why are you running for council?

It is my honour and privilege to serve on Prince George City Council and I seek another term to continue the work I have begun. I am passionate about this City and am prepared to do the hard work needed to ensure its every success.

What do you think is the most important issue facing the City of Prince George today? Why?

We need to change our housing to meet the needs of a growing number of seniors, and to assist our most vulnerable neighbours.

  • More and more seniors wish to “age in place” and/or stay within their own neighbourhood. We need sufficient / adaptable housing and service options to allow that to happen.
  • Homelessness is a reality that we need to do more to meaningfully address, not just move the problem down the road. Having suitable housing and coordinating needed services will likewise play a central role in making life better in this area.
Please rank the importance of the following issues facing the city (1 being the most important).
  1. Infrastructure
  2. Safety
  3. Road Maintenance
  4. Social Housing
  5. Crime
  6. Downtown Revitalization
  7. Parks
  8. Transit
  9. City Image
  10. Recreation (pools, arenas, etc.)
  11. Snow Removal
  12. Population Increase
  13. Economic Development
 
 
Do you support the policy that pays senior exempt staff overtime? Why, or why not?

Not as written – I support reexamination of this policy and a sound rationale for the choice going forward.

What do you believe is the role of a city councillor as it pertains to the day-to-day operations of city hall?

I believe Council serves as a policy board that sets by-laws and direction. Each councillor must bring their own knowledge and experience together with the reports provided and other people and sources that may be consulted for the best possible outcome. Each councillor must also support and represent the City in the local community and as required on the provincial and national stages.

Council recently set the business licence fee for cannabis retailers and producers at $1,000. Do you think this fee is too high, too low, about right and will you support a cannabis retail store application that meets city requirements?

I believe that this amount supports a new industry and allows for us to see what comes next.

The city is currently reviewing the hours to keep Masich Place Stadium open. Do you agree with the current hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., pending scheduled usage and, if so should those hours be maintained?

I favour the current schedule and would like a report from those tracking usage in order to make further changes. I am very open to changes as needed.

We often hear about government being open and transparent. What does that mean to you? Once again, be specific.

That government be forthcoming about decisions made and the rationale behind them – including costs, both monetary and other.

Why should people vote for you?

Ethics. I have a dedication to this community and will put the needs of the city ahead of my own. I remain determined to service.

If you could accomplish one thing over the next term, what would that be?

Establishment of comprehensive housing and service for the homeless and disenfranchised. addressing root causes and not a bandaid. Dignity and respect of persons must include the marginalized and vulnerable among us. Homelessness is not a crime

 

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