For Pitt Meadows mayor
• Name: John Becker
• Residence: 15227 Sheridan Drive, Pitt Meadows.
• Occupation/education: lawyer; Simon Fraser University (MBA); mediation re-certification Law Society of British Columbia; University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business, facilitator.
• Volunteer work: Pitt Meadows Community Foundation; Friends in Need Food Bank; Chamber of Commerce serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows; president of B.C. Liberal riding association, Maple Ridge-Mission; Maple Ridge Treatment Centre; Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Parks and Recreation Commission.
Question: Please provide an example of what you have done that qualifies you for council.
Answer: I served on council for nine years through 2011, which included committees at Metro Vancouver. My professional work in the areas of land use planning and development, local government legislation, governance and mediation has provided me with useful experience and skills. I am experienced with city budgeting.
Q: Who is funding your campaign?
A: I expect to be largely self-funded.
Q: What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A: I am the only mayoral candidate who has ever held office. In addition, I bring community volunteerism and personal and professional skills to the position of mayor.
Q: How do you see your city developing in the next 10 years?
A: The city will be financially stable with a fair taxation policy. We need to plan to meet our strategic objectives with funding sources identified. More of our residents would be working at good paying jobs. Improved public transit would serve the needs of our commuting residents.
Q: What will be your top priority if elected to Pitt Meadows council?
A: Property taxes and spending need to be brought under control. I suggest freezing 2015 city spending at 2014 levels. In 2015, council would seek public consultation on a fair taxation policy as part of the five-year budgeting process. Waste and frivolous spending need to be eliminated.