Submitted questionnaire

Maxine DeHart

Councillor/ Director of Sales - Ramada Hotel/ Business Columnist-Kelowna Capital News/KelownaNow.com-Vista Radio

This is the candidate’s public questionnaire. It is not a ForChange recommendation. Committee recommendations will be published after the review is complete.

  1. 01 · Why are you running for Kelowna City Council?

    I believe that elections should be about looking forward, not just looking for change for the sake of change. New voices are important, but so is long-time experience and knowledge. Both can be accomplished in any election. I have spoken to thousands of residents, business owners, community leaders, and stakeholders, listening to their ideas, concerns, and future hopes for our city. I have a proven track record of showing up, being accessible, listening to residents and working hard on their behalf. I bring experience, past perspective, and knowledge. One important aspect is bringing to the table strong relationships with other levels of government, that have been built over the years. Most importantly, I bring energy and determination to keep Kelowna moving forward. Bringing new ideas to the table is welcoming, but “continuity” matters. I believe we are best served with building on the progress that we have made while continuing to address the challenges of a major fast-growing city. I'm not running to hold onto what we accomplished in the past four years, I believe that my experience, record and my great commitment to this city has made a difference, with more work to be done

  2. 02 · Issue #1: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

    Press senior levels of government for stronger action to keep chronic offenders off our streets, increase prosecutorial resources and establish mandatory care facilities. Work with the RCMP and bylaws for safer streets, reduce business break-ins, theft and property crime. Support the CRCL model that pairs mental health professional with people in crisis where appropriate instead of a uniformed officer. During the last term, council added 33 new RCMP Officers, 17 Bylaw and 18 Firefighters, restart of the RCMP Auxiliary Program, which SOLELY focused on Kelowna. I have been advocating a “Kelowna only” RCMP contingent for years. The ultimate goal is for residents to tell Council that they feel safer in our community. Working for a large business in the heart of Kelowna, I understand first-hand the frustration and impact that crime, public safety, break-ins and mental health challenges

  3. 03 · Issue #2: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

    Kelowna has met the provincially mandated objectives in rental housing and exceeded our Housing Supply Act Targets by 150% in the first year. This took a great deal of effort through the city’s housing action plan, land-use policies, incentives, and partnerships. We need to work with government and developers to further increase attainable housing options. Four years ago, Kelowna's rental vacancy rate was below 1% and today it is closer to 7%. That is progress, although affordability still remains a challenge for our citizens. I am proud of Kelowna’s Pilot “Tiny Homes” Initiative, which Kelowna presented to the Province and now other communities are pressing for the same initiative. It has been a success, providing much-needed safe housing and support, and help for people to move forward into the community. Citizens have been accepting of these tiny homes with few complaints.

  4. 04 · Issue #3: the issue, the specific actions you would take, and how City Council can actually influence the outcome.

    A strong economy is the cornerstone of a thriving community. We must continue to create opportunities for economic growth and diversification, in a challenging economic climate. Kelowna International Airport is a major economic driver for the city. Its impact extends far beyond the airport itself, bringing thousand of jobs to hundreds of airport industry partners. We must continue this growth for tourism, local industry, and investment on a national and international level. I strongly believe that Kelowna needs a stronger local voice and a more focused city-led model to economic development. I supported the transition of the COEDC from the Regional District of Central Okanagan to the City of Kelowna. I commend those who served on the Economic Task Force. They did a formidable job in supporting this initiative, and now Kelowna can take greater ownership of its economic future.

  5. 05 · What experience, skills, and community involvement do you bring to the role?

    My four terms on Council demonstrate my experience, knowledge, and commitment to Kelowna along with the understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our fast-growing city. My experience being employed in a local business for many years and my nearly 30 years of writing a local business column have offered me the ability to build thousands of relationships with business owners, community leaders and residents. My community involvements spans wide, including hosting the Maxine DeHart – United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast that has raised over $1.2M for charities in the community. I have served on many other provincial, federal and local boards and have received many other honorary and appointed positions. My greatest strength is my ability to connect with people and bring people together. I have a proven track record of showing up, being accessible, listening to residents and working hard on their behalf. I bring experience, past perspective, and knowledge, and strong relationships with other levels of government. Most importantly, I bring energy and determination to keep Kelowna moving forward. Bringing new ideas to the table is welcoming, but “continuity” also matters.

  6. 06 · How will you approach council decisions when priorities compete for limited resources?

    The same way I always have; with an open-mind, careful consideration to the item, and a focus on what is the best long-term interest of our city and its residents. I know resources are limited, (I also pay taxes) and that not every initiative can be undertaken at the same time, or ever. It’s really about listening to the public on what they consider crucial at the time, or maybe that petition just does not make sense. Having served for four terms, I know that difficult choices are necessary and we have had many of those over the past four years. I have never taken a council decision lightly. I personally have wrestled with many difficult decisions and that will never change. I take all my votes on council and choices seriously. Looking at the facts and then determining the best result is primary.

  7. 07 · How do you work with people who see an issue differently than you?

    Every council meeting there are issues that nine people see differently…sometimes we all agree, sometimes we never agree and sometimes only a few agree. That’s democracy. The main thing is that we all respect one-another and try to come to a “mutual agreement” with an open mind. I also believe that we do not have to agree on everything to work together effectively. I usually ask a lot of questions and try to look for common ground. Listening to my council colleagues often give me greater perspective also. Often, they bring up ideas and facts that I might not have considered. Collaboration is essential and I do not expect everyone to share my opinion but hopefully we can all come to some common ground. It’s not about “winning” an argument, it’s about making the best decision and getting to the right place for the community.

  8. 08 · What else should voters know about you?

    I am deeply connected to Kelowna. I know its history, its businesses and its people. I am extremely accessible, and I answer all my phone calls, text, etc. in a timely manner. I will never shy away from an uncomfortable situation. I have business experience, working in the hotel industry for 40 years, understanding the pressures of employers and employees. I do not need a learning curve to understand how City Hall works. I attend city events, community events, and support all types of organizations. I understand and can balance the challenges of our fast-growing city, but I also understand the opportunities that are brought before us. I truly care about getting things done – experience is necessary and valuable. I take very vote on city council seriously and strive to do what is best for the city as a whole, not just one piece of it. I know Kelowna and its people!

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