Name: Mike Stark
Age: 63
Occupation: retired technical manager
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 Pitt Meadows councillor?
1: For the past three-plus years, our neighbourhood noise, drainage and environmental issues regarding the Golden Ears Bridge project has given me the opportunity to engage with our three levels of government, local tax-paying residents, TransLink, and the media. I have learned: to cultivate patience, because things move at glacial speed at all levels of government; to understand the process and the issues by attending council and committee meetings; to listen carefully to residents’ concerns – you may learn something of value; to do comprehensive research to support your position; to be factual and honest with the media. I will use these skills, as well as years of business experience, to be your voice on Pitt Meadows council.
Q2.How would you act on your top priorities as Pitt Meadows councillor?
2. My first priority on council will be the budget process. I have attended past financial reviews and know just how long and tedious these can be for both staff and new council members. This is the time to ask the tough questions that will manage your tax dollars wisely, and I will ask those questions. Families on stretched budgets and people on fixed incomes will be represented at those meetings. I believe sustainable growth in a city can only be accomplished by informed decisions made in an environment of trust and mutual respect. I will work hard to accomplish that by actively listening and engaging in constructive dialogue with staff, council, residents, business and potential developers.
Q3. What is your position on the construction of the North Lougheed Connector and what kind of development should it serve?
3. I think that there needs to be more discussion with senior levels of government regarding the funding of the North Lougheed Connector, which should include the Harris Road interchange, and some serious thought given to the impact on the farming community of both the development and the connector. Let’s not rush this decision. Let’s consider all the stakeholders with this important growth opportunity.