Maple Ridge - 2008 Election & Michael Sather
Remember to VOTE on November 15 2008!
Informed voters are the key to community sustainability, so here is a brief of Michael Sather.
Michael Sathers’ background includes a degree in biology and a Master’s degree in psychology. He grew up on a farm and worked as an oilfield and construction worker, teacher, biologist, business owner in wilderness guiding and tours, political assistant and mental health therapist. He is currently the MLA for Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows (a position he will resign from if elected mayor).
Here is what Michael says:
We are living in the age of global warming and are at a turning point in the history of our community. The way we do business in North America will be changing to a new environmentally and economically sustainable model. There will be plenty of opportunities in the new economy and it is up to us whether we get on board or get left behind.
Maple Ridge has fallen seriously behind in business development and the creation of new, good-paying jobs. The vision, leadership and ability to develop new business has been lacking. Nowhere is this more evident than in our dilapidated downtown core.
My number one priority is re-development of our downtown area. We need larger format stores to complement Zellers and London Drugs. My vision also includes a development theme like Newport Village in Port Moody where attractive shops, with condominiums above, will keep more of our tax dollars at home and will invite visitors to shop in Maple Ridge.
An attractive downtown will enable us to densify our town centre. We will not get rapid transit until we show that we are densifying, not sprawling.
While re-development of the downtown core is the first key to bringing new business, the second is protecting the rural character of Maple Ridge. Our rural character and agricultural lands are our “ace in the hole” in successful business marketing. If we lose these we will become just another sprawling suburb that is too far from Vancouver to be of much interest to the new green businesses that are evolving in this century.
Agriculture is a business and should be developed as such, rather than being manipulated as a land bank for urban sprawl.
The relationship between business and the current mayor and municipal hall has not been conducive to development in Maple Ridge. I will establish a productive working relationship with the business community and all citizens.
Everyone will be treated with respect.
Bus service in Maple Ridge needs to be improved, particularly in new growth and rural areas. Quicker bus service to Skytrain in New Westminster is a must. I will advocate strongly for improved bus service.
Homelessness, crime and addiction are disturbing trends in Maple Ridge. In order to combat them I will maintain and increase our outreach, addiction, mental health, community police, RCMP, and supported housing resources.
We are an aging population. As mayor, I will work constructively with our seniors to ensure that their needs are being met in the new Maple Ridge.
If you have any questions for Michael Sather, here is his website http://www.michaelsather.com
AND remember to Vote - because you can!
