Name: Al Hogarth
Age: 59
Occupation: associate real estate broker
Facebook: Al Hogarth
Q1. What have you personally achieved, or what initiative have you personally led in recent years that qualifies you to be elected or re-elected as a Maple Ridge councillor?
1. One of the initiatives that I have personally led was the new development application process. It was adopted in 2010 and has successfully brought forward innovative projects and concepts. This process also informs people who follow council business about what is happening in areas much sooner. Personally, I completed my two-year certificate program at SFU in sustainable community development.
Q2. Provide two examples of council’s actions over the past three years and explain why or why not you support them.
2. The Downtown Core Incentive Program was introduced during this term, which I highly support. My class from SFU actually studied the downtown core and came up with similar suggestions. It has proved to be highly successful so far.
There have been numerous other accomplishments: transition housing, Northumberland court closure (demolition now underway), Albion flats plan, agricultural plan, Spirit Square and upgrades on 224th Street and Lougheed Highway.
Q3. Do you support the 13-per-cent increase (over three years) in councillor’s salaries approved last summer? Why or why not? Explain what you would do if elected.
3. I supported the 13-per-cent wage increase for council starting in 2012 and spread over three years. It is the outgoing council that knows the hours dedicated or required to fulfil the position, but based on an average it likely equates to roughly $18-$20 per hour. It is possible, based on the future work plan, that one or two additional committees may be introduced and likely one or two planning study areas. Other studies and the community charter indicate Maple Ridge could use two additional councillors due to workload.
As past mayor, I dedicated an average of 80 hours a week to the job. I know Mayor Ernie Daykin has at least the same level of dedication and commitment, and my present colleagues are very dedicated. There will be at least one new councillor. Let’s hope he or she is prepared for the workload.