For Pitt Meadows council
• Name: Andrew Thompson.
• Residence: 19453 Davison Road, Pitt Meadows, and have been at this address for 17 years.
• Occupation/education: I have run a foster home for 22 years. I hold certificates in first-aid, non-violent crisis intervention, dealing with Aboriginal youth, Aboriginal sensitivity training; graduated from Vancouver Community College in 1982.
• Volunteer work: Pitt Meadows Scout leader; Pitt Meadows Community Foundation director; transportation advisory committee member; food bank volunteer; Pitt Meadows Day master of ceremonies; Canada Day in Pitt Meadows, master of ceremonies; Pitt Meadows Christmas committee member.
• Who do you support for mayor: n/a
Question: Please provide an example of what you have done that qualifies you for council?
Answer: As a long-time member of this community and a volunteer with many groups, I believe my ability to listen and work with people, including those who don’t hold my same views, and my faith in my own set of ethics makes me an ideal candidate.
Q: Who is funding your campaign?
A: Currently, my campaign is being funded by myself, with some limited donations from friends and family. For a full disclosure of all my financial contributions, please read my financial disclosure statement available after Feb. 13, 2015.
Q: What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A: The fact that I would be new on council makes me stand out as I would be a new voice with new thoughts, fresh ideas and different opinions.
Q: How do you see your city developing in the next 10 years?
A: I see Pitt Meadows remaining the “Natural Place” to live and play. I see the capitalization of successes from the Economic Development Corporation’s hard work with local jobs, local shopping and the balancing of our taxation with the growth of our business, commercial and industrial bases.
Q: What will be your top priority if elected to Pitt Meadows council?
A: Balanced taxation so that our citizens don’t pay the bulk of the taxes through residential taxation. Improvement of transportation through increased transit service, a RapidBus line and addressing the Lougheed Highway and Harris Road intersection problems. Development of employment lands to provide good paying jobs for our citizens.