After going to the All Candidates Meeting on November 6 at the Legion, here are my picks and why, for our next Gibsons Council.
| Candidates | Incumbants |
| Mayor | |
| Wayne Rowe | Barry Janyk |
| Councillor | |
| Hammy McClymont | Bob Curry |
| Brian Hubenig |
LeeAnn Johnson |
| Charlene SanJenko | Gerry Tretick |
| Brian Sadler | |
| Dan Bouman | |
| Summary of Answers |
|
| Mayor | |
| Wayne Rowe | Wayne, a subdued and low key personality type, agreed when that was the best option, and put forth his opinion when it was necessary. His style suggests that he is not the judge, jury, and executioner, but prefers to gather and weigh the information put before him, before rendering his position. He suggested that Gibsons needs to move along the path to sustainability, while it still can. |
| Barry Janyk | Barry gave credit to the hard work of staff, for some of the accomplishments over the last terms under his guidance. He spoke of protecting the way of life in Lower Gibsons, and Gospel Rock. He clarified positions taken under his regime, as well as roles of the town within the Sunshine Coast, while defending the lack of progress in many areas. He may have been better served with a drum, so his chest wouldn't have taken such a beating! |
| Councillor | |
| Bob Curry | Bob answered questions with the knowledge of the chairperson, and councillor that he is. He brought a copy of what I believe was the Gibsons OCP, which perhaps he wanted to reference if it was necessary. He seemed at time to lose his train of thought, and since he had the floor, and it wasn't a debate, I found that concerning. |
| LeeAnn Johnson | LeeAnn giggled like a teenager that doesn't know what to say, at the onset of most of her answers, excepting her final summation. I didn't hear any ideas of how Gibsons would progress over the next term, which left me thinking it would be 3 more years of studies, and she did suggest the Town should continue to move inch by inch. |
| Gerry Tretick | Gerry was very matter of fact, which I expect from a person that has sat at the table for the period that he has. Given the opportunity, he readily grasped the concept that we perhaps have far more governments than our population needs. He also announced that the Town has completed enough studies, and it's time to get on with governing! |
| Hammy McClymont | Hammy really didn't need que cards, as he spoke well, and knew most of the topics that were thrown at the table. He had done his homework, and wasn't rattled by any questions given to him. He's been there, and done that, and looked after some very large affairs. He wants to use the knowledgable staff for what they were hired for ... what a concept! |
| Brian Hubenig | Brian, the youngest of the candidates, grew up on the Sunshine Coast, in one of the unincorporated areas. His immediate family operates businesses on the Sunshine Coast. He offered ideas for revenue generation, revitalization of Lower Gibsons, and is very passionate about removing green waste from the landfills. He wants to keep Gibsons in the limelight, by expanding on the areas that make this the best place on earth. Brian said he realized that a Town can actually accomplish it's goals by it's own means, prior to moving into the Town of Gibsons. |
| Charlene SanJenko | Charlene, a businesswoman and mother, wants to prove that she can balance family, business, and government. I didn't like that she did the female thing of I don't agree with that, so I'm not going to talk about it. Some of her ideas suggested a definite gender bias, which I would hope wouldn't cloud her judgement if she is given a seat at the table. Feminism is not new, or fresh. She is a marketer by trade, and I think we need one of those to help Gibsons prosper. The best thing she said was, "This election shouldn't be about Gospel Rock". |
| Brian Sadler | Brian started out with an axe to grind. I think he closed a lot of ears by doing so, which might have really hurt his chance for success, if he had actually offered any ideas of what he feels should be done. |
| Dan Bouman | Dan came in looking like the frayed collar by which he described himself. He possesses a wealth of ecological and forestry knowledge, which he now uses to stop any real progression, in any area. If we need more studies, and less decisions, then we need Dan. |
I sat on the West Howe sound Advisory Planning commission for 6 years; had a role in the acquisition and design of Shirley Macey Park; and was an Alternate Director for a year and a half.
I always did my homework!
We need a Mayor and Council that is committed to progress. The depth of the pockets of local business people has never fulfilled the dreams of those that prefer to study, while deferring progress in the name of consultation. We need to attract business, industry, and toursim to the Sunshine Coast, while we act as the local role models for how it should be done!
Mayor - Wayne Rowe
We need a common sense approach to dealing with our current times and aspirations.
Councillors
Gerry Tretick
His experience and no nonsense approach will be valuable tools at the table.
Hammy McClymont
He would be the best Ambassador that Gibsons could have at this time.
Charlene SanJenko
I believe she will have an awakening as to how government works, but her vitality and hopefully creative nature, should aid in keeping Gibsons a fun and fulfilling place to live.
Brian Sadler
He is now my other choice after meeting the Brian below. I hope the emotion and conviction he displayed is on behalf of his constituents, without precluding him from coming to agreement with the rest of the table.
Brian Hubenig
The fact that he knows what it costs to operate a business here on the Sunshine Coast, will bring a level of reality to the council. He's also familiar with some 21st century concepts.
09/11/11 - So I'm between games of racquetball, when Brian and his wife walk through after voting. I call out to him, "Hey Brian", he looks at me and keeps on walking. Now, I was raised that a man takes his hat off when he enters a building; strike one. I had to chase him down before he would finally speak to me; strike two. I don't care who you are, or who might ask you a question, it's just plain rude to snub anyone! He's lucky I voted before playing racquetball!
Let's put in a government that will make a difference!