A lot of the time door knocking you are surprising people - especially in this by-election compared to other elections. For example, everyone knew the federal election was going on earlier this spring and mostly had already thought about it before the writs were dropped. This small by-election after the already two large elections in the last 9 months really didn't have the same degree of most people having quick and ready questions. It also was a wide open field without the party and especially international aspects. (Although I did get asked by a few people about what I would do if elected as Sooke councillor about Trump - a few levels above Sooke council pay grade for sure)

Below are some simplified/rewritten questions that I commonly got at the door and at events

# Community Questions

  • "Where are you from?"
    Local connection is very important to everyone here. I also have a slight accent and vocal difference so probably get it more than some (both had speech therapy and somehow picked up more of a NZ accent than my dad has). Very easy answer. I've lived somewhere between Port Renfrew and East Sooke the majority of my life - spent a chunk of childhood on the Gulf Island other than that a solid regional definition of here is home. 
     
  • "What is your stance on taxes?"
    15% was too high but given the provincial download probably unavoidable. That said, our goal should be to be similar to inflation most years. I wrote many more thoughts on my taxes page.
     
  • "When is sewer expansion coming to Billings Spit?"
    To my mind this is critical. Whiffin spit didn't need it the way that Billings Spit did and does. We need to prioritize this - the amount of algae and worse growing in the shoreline related to the density and septic systems there are unsafe - and many systems are passed design lifespan so having the sewer cost soon is basically an easy choice for most people to hook up. Compared to waiting another 5-10 years and having a lot of septic systems already replaced and effectively doubling costs.
     
  • Highway 14/traffic/sidewalks/bike lanes
    So many questions on related topics. One of the hardest because a lot of this is advocacy only with the ministry not something we can make a decision about and do. That said, there is a lot we can do. Prioritize the Throup connector to get more people off the highway sooner (probably best to make some further adjustments to the plan to reduce the price point/get it ready quicker). Ensure that Grant road is safe for pedestrians and cyclists even if West Coast Road is not.
     
  • What would you do for seniors?
    I strongly support in place or at least in community aging. We need to work with VIHA to double Ayre Manor - either in size or a second one the same size.