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Skakun says community safety is a big issue

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.

 

Brian Skakun

Tell us about your background.
Brian Skakun is seeking his sixth term on city council.
Brian Skakun is seeking his sixth term on city council.

Fifty-year resident of P.G. Spent last 35 years working in the forest industry. Spent the last 16 years on City Council.

Why are you running for council?

I am running for re-election to continue working hard on behalf of the residents of Prince George. I have a strong reputation for asking the tough questions and will stand up for what I feel is right. I am hardworking and dedicated and would be honoured to serve another term on City Council .

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

Community safety. We are faced with a number of issues affecting community safety from organized crime, break and enters to used needles ending up all over town.

Please rank the importance of the following issues facing the city (1 being the most important).
  1. Crime
  2. Road Maintenance
  3. Safety
  4. Snow Removal
  5. Parks
  6. City Image
  7. Recreation (pools, arenas etc.)
  8. Infrastructure
  9. Social Housing
  10. Downtown Revitalization
  11. Transit
  12. Population Increase
  13. Economic Development
 
Do you support the policy that pays senior exempt staff overtime? Why, or why not?

I do not and that needs to be reviewed. The private sector staff are expected to work extra hours as salaried employees so should city staff

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

We can’t micromanage but need to ensure we have effective oversight. We also need to be better informed from staff regarding important issues instead of finding out front other means .

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?

The fee is too high but I felt that my motion to reduce it from $5000 to $1000 was as far as I was going to get with the support of Council . To say that cannabis retailers would have to pay $5,000 for a licence when a pub or liquor store pays $265 was ridiculous.Yes I would support a legitimate business applying for a licence if they met our requirements

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?

Yes I agree with the new hours. I put a motion on the floor at City Council forcing admin to expand the hours from 6 am to the new hours of 6 am until 9 pm

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

I have a strong record of being open and transparent. I encourage the City on a regular basis to make information available to the public. I am also a strong supporter of legislation that forces more disclosure to the public by all levels of Government. Transparent govt is what people expect and I will do all I can to live up to those expectations.

Why should people vote for you?

I’m a hard working dedicated Councillor that had worked with groups and individuals on many issues. I am open, honest and accessible and work for the residents, not for City Hall

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

Continue to work hard on community safety and low cost housing support.

Election 2018