For Maple Ridge council
• Name: J. Craig Ruthven.
• Residence: Albion.
• Occupation/education: Burnaby high school teacher; manager of my own real estate portfolio.
• Volunteer work: representative/liaison for Albion, OurNeighbourhoods rep.
• Who do you support for mayor: undecided.
Question: Please provide an example of what you have done that qualifies you for council.
Answer: I believe that my life and work experience - as a childcare worker, teacher, and investor - has seen me become a very well-rounded individual, capable of intensive problem solving and consensus building. I have likely engaged more residents one-on-one than any other council candidate. I have met often with councillors, presented public feedback as a delegate, and attended over 30 council meetings.
Q: Who is funding your campaign?
A: I am funding my own campaign, as well am taking a full-time leave to secure a council seat. I am not affiliated with or sponsored by any party, and I am not using council as a stepping stone to a provincial or federal post.
Q: What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A: Courage, initiative, creativity, and sincerity. I challenged our mayor back in 2011 because I was deeply concerned for our community and the lack of communication between the elected and electorate. I secured nearly 5,000 votes by visiting 1,800 homes, listening to the public, and exercising incisive thinking. Since then, I have liaised with over 200 residents and proposed the Urban Forests Initiative and a Whistler-styled mall.
Q: How do you see the City of Maple Ridge developing in the next 10 years?
A: I would significantly improve the relationship between neighbourhoods, the elected, and staff. The blueprint for our community, the Official Community Plan, is sacred, and we must honour it to safeguard the interests of every majority stakeholder. I would drive a boon to the local economy by establishing a lifestyle, pedestrian-oriented mall either downtown or on district land east of 105th Ave.
Q: What will be your top priority if elected to Maple Ridge council?
A: My top priority will be to clearly establish a branding for our town, and then use that branding to proactively attract top-level free enterprise.