For Maple Ridge council
• Name: Corisa Bell.
• Residence: Cottonwood, Maple Ridge.
• Occupation/education: Maple Ridge city councillor.
• Volunteer work: n/a
• Who do you support for mayor: n/a
Question: Please provide an example of what you have done that qualifies you for council.
Answer: My proven capability. In my three years on council I have been successful in challenging the status quo. The property tax increase was lowered, the government was been made more transparent and an environment for change was created. I’ve also made progress at the regional level. I am currently first vice-president of LMLGA. Upon re-election, I’ve been nominated by my peers to represent them as president of LMLGA, representing all 33 local governments from Pemberton to Hope. This position will allow me to strengthen the effectiveness of municipalities and give Maple Ridge a stronger voice when seeking resources from the province.
Q: Who is funding your campaign?
A: I’ve committed to funding my own campaign However, I do have a “how to donate” page on my website that allows people to offer their support, if they like the work I’ve done and believe in what I stand for.
Q: What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A: I believe what sets me apart from other candidates is my passion for closing the gap and stopping the fighting between the right and left ideologies. I believe the role of the government is to be accountable. I’d like to see Maple Ridge move toward a centralist view of compromise and reason, for the benefit of the people so your elected council can make the hard decisions to move our community forward. If we can come from a central place of understanding and make decisions based on facts with open, transparent dialogue, we will get to the best decisions.
Q: How do you see the City of Maple Ridge developing in the next 10 years?
A: I see Maple Ridge developing responsibly with thoughtful development that includes amenity gifting, which would provide the community with the items needed without raising the cost of DCCs for developers. Balance. We need to take a step back, look at Maple Ridge, and complete our neighbourhoods so our children and families can have the quality of life we all deserve while surrounded by one of the most amazing natural back drops in British Columbia. Quality of life for all is what I believe we should be striving for as local government.
Q: What will be your top priority if elected to Maple Ridge council?
A: Participating with the rest of council to create a clear vision and plan for the community. I’m still astonished that when I was elected in 2011, we didn’t sit down as a group and discuss any of our goals or the vision of the mayor for our community over the proceeding three years. I’m really looking to work with a mayor who has strong leadership skills. Making fundamental changes to how city hall operates.
Lowering property taxes. I was successful in lowering the tax increase. Since 2011, the increase was decreased and last year was 2.2%. With the right people around the table, I know we can do better.
Taking a proactive approach to foster business for local shopping and jobs. We need people around the table that understand ‘time is money’ and that we need to be putting business proposals together to encourage commercial/industrial development, instead of waiting for business to find us.
Improving services and transit. Addressing crime and homelessness