Canadians go to the polls May 2 to decide what shape their next federal government will take. To help Cloverdale Reporter readers with their decision at the ballot box, we've asked each of the candidates in South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale to complete mini profiles. Their responses, in alphabetical order:
Larry Colero
Age: 57
Party: Green Party of Canada
Residence: White Rock
Occupation: Facilitator/consultant/educator
Last book read: (re-read) George Orwell’s 1984
Personal motto: Learn to love
Twitter handle: @larrycolero
Facebook profile? facebook.com/greenlarry.ca
What do you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
Although democracy is the top issue for all Canadians in this election and increasing oil tankers a big issue for anyone who loves our local beaches, Cloverdale’s main concern is probably the lack of good public transit. I rely on public transit myself, and know it’s not easy to travel between regions, even within this riding. Cloverdale definitely needs better connections into the main spoke-and-hub system of Vancouver, preferably by a light rail system but at least by better bus service.
Other candidates talk about commuter rail, but their party platforms say little or nothing about it. (The Conservatives say more about snowmobiles.) Canada is the only OECD country without a National Transportation Strategy – the Green Party is the only party proposing one. The word “rail’ appears in eleven pages of our Vision Green statement (greenparty.ca/platform). Greens are committed to solutions that will serve all Canadians into the future.
Kevin Peter Donohoe
Age: 59
Party: Independent Conservative
Residence: White Rock
Occupation: Small business owner
Last book read: Fall of Giants, by Ken Follet
Personal motto: The power of one
Twitter handle:
Facebook profile? No.
What do you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
This riding is part of the fastest growing community in Canada. It/we will experience the pains of this growth for at least two decades to come. There is going to be a huge amount of pressure put into our local health care infrastructure. This is because our expanding population consists mainly of seniors and again Baby Boomers. We need to be proactive and create a national strategy of “aging in place”, keeping people in their homes, living independently, for as long as possible. This will have a big part in the solution to reducing health care costs. It is already on the shelf and waiting for a focused leadership to implement it. We need to take away our attention from the international stage and return our national focus back to the community level. We must empower our community health organizations and education finances to support this strategy, and in the end protecting health care for the younger, future generations.
David Hawkins
Age: 67
Party: Independent
Residence: 1702 King George Highway
Occupation: Forensic Economist (I follow taxpayers assets through government)
Last book read: A Sherlock Holmes Companion
Personal motto: I stand on guard for thee
Twitter handle: No
Facebook profile? Yes
What do you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
My campaign visits, so far, indicate that there has been a collapse in positive cash flow for small-business owners and various front-line workers in the health and care-giver community.
This ‘liquidity’ problem can be solved by the adoption of a flat tax on income with a tax free allowance for the first $30,000. I would also eliminate GST/HST and if elected, push for B.C. to fold the sales tax into the price of goods and services for the PST as in Tasmania and Washington State.
Cloverdale used to have a vibrant antiques and ephemera community and seems to have lost a lot of character and energy; as a director of the White Rock Farmers Market, former actor in the community theater (murderer and murderee) and a founder and owner of small businesses that grew, I know ways of bringing some of that energy back.
Russ Hiebert
[Incumbent]
Age: 42
Party: Conservative
Residence: Cloverdale
Occupation: Member of Parliament
Last book read: I’ve been reading the Chronicles of Narnia to my daughter.
Personal motto: Working hard for you!
Twitter handle: none
Facebook profile? Yes, www.facebook.com/russhiebert
What do you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
The top concern I have been hearing is about jobs and the economy. While things are certainly improving, too many people are still looking for work.
People are generally pleased with the way we have handled the economic downturn, with our emphasis on infrastructure projects – which brought over $100 million in funding to our community – and in keeping taxes low. The average family is saving $3,000 annually thanks to our Conservative tax reductions.
Our plan to lower taxes further for families, including allowing for income splitting, is popular as approximately 15,000 families in our community will save an average of $1,300 each. I have personally championed this tax cut in parliament, and people can learn more at www.FamilyIncomeSplitting.com.
Voters are also concerned about crime. Whether it’s auto theft, grow ops or gang shootings, much more needs to be done to toughen sentences and keep criminals locked up.
What is your proudest accomplishment in Cloverdale as incumbent MP for the riding?
I’m particularly proud of the tens of millions in federal funding I’ve been able to deliver for Cloverdale. This funding has benefited the Cloverdale Rodeo, the Cloverdale Arena and Curling Rink, the Heritage Square Cenotaph, Greenaway Park, upgraded Highway 10, twinned Highway 15, and built beautiful new bicycle paths throughout Surrey.
Susan Keeping
Age: 54
Party: New Democratic Party of Canada
Residence: Long time South Surrey resident
Occupation: Executive Director Newton Advocacy Group Society, director of Vibrant Surrey
Last book read: The Trouble with Billionaires
Personal motto: Work hard, ethically and honestly every day to make the world a better place.
Twitter handle: SusanKeepingNDP
Facebook profile? Yes
What do you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
Cloverdale’s rich history is celebrated throughout the year as Surrey’s First Town center it has a distinctive charm.
More young families increase demand on public services. We need to ensure that there is federal support to meet the increased needs: public schools, health care and recreation.
Public transportation from Cloverdale to any place else in the GVRD is a challenge.
Social issues demand collaboration of all levels of government: Seniors living in poverty need support to access benefits, resources and health care.
Cloverdale, almost more than any other community, is facing a shifting demographic.
Since 2006 the number of children has tripled from about 5,000 to 15,000 with the addition of more families with young children.
This means that the infrastructure needs of families will be a priority over the next five to 10 years. The addition of transportation, schools, medical facilities, daycare and recreation will be critical to meet their needs. The NDP has practical solutions to support families such as improving family support and maternity leave benefits, increasing daycare and supports for secondary education.
Cloverdale, almost more than any other community, is facing a shifting demographic. Since 2006 the number of children has tripled from about 5,000 to 15,000 with the addition of more families with young children. This means that the infrastructure needs of families will be a priority over the next five to 10 years. The addition of transportation, schools, medical facilities, daycare and recreation will be critical to meet their needs. The NDP has practical solutions to support families such as improving family support and maternity leave benefits, increasing daycare and supports for secondary education.
Aart Looye
Age: 66
Party: Independent Conservative
Residence: South Surrey
Occupation: Negotiator
Last book read: The Coffee Trader, by David Liss
Personal motto: Impossible is nothing
Twitter h
andle: aartlooyeformp
Facebook profile? Yes
What do you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
Continuing the work of BIA and ensuring that the old and new parts of Cloverdale are integrated fully by proper pedestrian and vehicle traffic patterns. That the Fraser Downs and Cloverdale Rodeo complex does not turn into a single visit destination by providing better shops, cultural activities and changing the image of Cloverdale “as a flea market centre”.
Develop new partnerships to access federal funding to save this unique part of Surrey.
Brian Marlatt
Age: 58
Party: Progressive Canadian Party
Residence: South Surrey
Occupation: political columnist, writer
Last book read: The Last Day: wrath, ruin and reason in the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755, by Nicholas Shrady
Personal motto: Do the right thing, not the easy thing
Twitter handle: No
Facebook profile? Yes
What do you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
Adapting to rapid change locally, in the Lower Mainland, B.C, Canada and globally is foremost.
Population growth, especially here, requires improved infrastructure, expanded services, and intergovernmental co-operation in planning, execution and effective representation in Ottawa.
Economic change requires willingness to adapt rather than more of the corporate tax cuts and market-place deregulation responsible for the recession. Preferring corporate tax cuts for big business that does not invest in Canada to sustainable health care does not provide effective treatment for autism, serve an aging population, or build for the future. It shifts the tax burden from big business to everyday taxpayers. Ideological deregulation does not secure the financial sector, much less protect the environment.
Effective representation requires a real Member of Parliament willing to stand up for Canada and the community, not just a party man, to be meaningful in our lives. An honest commitment to universal health care, affordable post-secondary education, harnessing renewable resources, investing in infrastructure from the digital economy to commuter transit, or bringing your concerns forward as we have seen recently concerning veterans issues – all of this requires a renewed spirit of fairness and integrity.
Mike Schouten
Age: 35
Party: CHP Canada
Residence: Cloverdale
Occupation: Greenhouse manager
Last book read: Building on Sand: Human Dignity in Canadian Law and Society, by Mark Penninga
Personal motto: Serve others more than yourself
Twitter handle: @mike_schouten
Facebook profile? yes: facebook.com/electmikeschouten
What do you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
Families in Cloverdale work hard, are involved in the community and contribute to the local economy. More than ever, these families find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. Families need help today, not in the distant future. Surveys consistently show that many two-income families would choose to have one parent stay at home, if they could afford it. Naturally, parents desire to do what parents ought to do – raise their own children! Other parties say that families are the building block of society, but CHP Canada has a better solution for families – right now! If elected, I will advocate for my party’s Family Care Allowance which will provide $1,000 per month for families in which one parent chooses to stay home to care for their children, disabled family member or aging parent. Visit me at iLikeMike.ca for more info.
Hardy Staub
Age: Born in 1941
Party: Liberal Party of Canada
Residence: White Rock
Occupation: Airline captain (ret.); former Mayor, City of White Rock (1993-2002)
Last book read: The Best Laid Plans, by Terry Fallis (political satire)
Personal motto: If you think you can, or you think you can’t…you’re right. I know I can.
Twitter handle: @HardyStaub
Facebook profile? yes: facebook.com/hardy.staub
What do you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
In the current federal general election transportation is the most important local issue for Cloverdale residents. I believe citizens specifically want (they deserve) delivery of an economically feasible public transit alternative to fossil fuel-devouring cars. It’s about time we elected a federal MP who advocates for a better transportation option involving a sustainable way to feed into the Lower Mainland transit system. I favour investigating using the old Interurban right-of-way in Cloverdale.
As your new MP I will be a strong voice pushing for intergovernmental cooperation on doable transportation solutions, including financial strategies to pay for them, to serve the Cloverdale community’s growing needs.
But to bring forward transportation improvements for Cloverdale this riding needs improved federal representation – and it demands fiscal discipline. I have a record as a results-driven fighter for my community. I seek to replace Russ Hiebert because over seven years he has failed to deliver.