Submitted questionnaire

Julia Fraser

School Trustee; Chair of Finance and Planning

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?

   My husband and I raised our daughter here, and Kelowna is the community we are proud to call home. I want to help ensure it remains a safe, affordable and vibrant city where future generations can build their careers, raise their families and enjoy an exceptional quality of life.

   I am also a person who believes deeply in service to my community. For the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of serving this community as a locally elected School Trustee with Central Okanagan Public Schools. Kelowna residents have placed their trust in me through four elections, and I consider that trust both an honour and a responsibility.

   The role of Trustee is highly transferable to City Council. Both are locally elected, govern large public organizations, oversee significant budgets, establish strategic priorities and policies, plan for growth and capital needs, listen to residents and make difficult decisions about limited public resources.

   I bring 15 years of tested experience in public governance making difficult decisions, managing competing priorities, overseeing public dollars and being accountable to the people I serve.

   I’m ready to bring that experience to City Council.

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

   Livability is one of Kelowna’s biggest challenges as our city grows. Housing, property taxes, utilities and service fees are putting pressure on residents and businesses. Livability also means access to parks, recreation, transportation and arts & culture that contribute to our quality of life.

   I would bring strong financial scrutiny to City budgets and major spending decisions—seeking efficiencies, partnerships and senior-government funding, while considering the long-term costs of capital projects. I would also support a diverse supply of housing for people at different ages, incomes and stages of life.

   As the current Chair of Finance & Planning, I recently helped guide our Board from a projected $4.2 million shortfall to a balanced budget.

   Council can influence livability through responsible spending, incentivizing housing choices and investments in the services and amenities.

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

   Kelowna is growing, and we need to ensure infrastructure and services keep pace. Growth should strengthen our community without compromising quality of life.

   I would support thoughtful planning that considers transportation, roads, utilities, recreation, parks, emergency services and other infrastructure alongside new development. I would also advocate for stronger coordination between the City, School District and other levels of government so major projects are planned with their cumulative impacts in mind.

   My 15 years as a School Trustee have included extensive experience in long-term planning, facilities, capital projects and managing growth in one of B.C.’s fastest-growing school districts.

   Council directly influences growth through the Official Community Plan, zoning, development approvals, infrastructure investment and long-term capital planning.

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

   Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, neighbourhood, business & public spaces. Residents are concerned about crime, homelessness, mental health & addictions and the impact these challenges are having in Kelowna.

   I would support appropriate resources for police, fire, bylaw and community safety while advocating for coordinated action with senior governments on housing, mental health, addictions and homelessness. We need both compassion for people in crisis and accountability for behaviour that harms others.

   As a School Trustee, providing safe, caring and inclusive environments has been a fundamental responsibility, requiring collaboration, policy, prevention and difficult decisions. I would be a strong advocate to senior levels of government.

   Council influences public safety through resources budgeted for policing, fire, bylaw and other community initiatives.

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

   For 15 years I have served as an elected School Trustee, including as Board Chair, Vice Chair and Chair of every Board committee. I currently Chair Finance & Planning and recently helped guide our Board from a projected $4.2 million shortfall to a balanced budget.

   My experience includes governance, policy review, strategic and capital planning, public consultation, labour relations & bargaining, and hiring two Superintendents. As Board Chair, I helped lead our most recent Superintendent recruitment, including final negotiations.

   I served 12 years on the BCSTA Thompson-Okanagan Branch Executive and as BCPSEA Board Representative and Bargaining Liaison. I have written advocacy motions passed by our Board and supported by all 60 BC Boards of Education.

   Beyond the boardroom, I visit schools, participate in Student Learning Conversations and engage with students, families, staff and community partners. As a cancer survivor, I also speak at the annual student-led Relay for Life, encouraging students who this year raised $105,000.

   With a UBC Economics education & 30 years in business-to-business sales, I bring proven financial, governance, negotiation and relationship-building skills.

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

   When priorities compete for limited resources, I will approach decisions the same way I have throughout my years as a School Trustee: come prepared, understand the financial realities, listen to the people affected, ask difficult questions and consider both the immediate need and the long-term impact.

   As Chair of Finance & Planning, I have made difficult decisions involving operating budgets, capital projects, facilities & competing needs across a growing school district.

   At Council, I would ask: Is this a need or a want? What evidence supports it? What are the long-term operating and maintenance costs? Are there efficiencies, partnerships, grants or senior-government funding available? What happens if we delay it, and what other priorities are affected if we proceed?

   Responsible governance means setting priorities based on need, evidence, affordability and the greatest benefit to the community.

   I also believe good decisions require listening to different perspectives. My experience in public consultation, strategic & capital planning, bargaining & governance has taught me how to work toward consensus while being prepared to make difficult decisions & being accountable to them.

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

   I have spent much of my professional and elected life working with people who have different values, perspectives and life experiences than I do. I believe you can disagree with someone while still respecting them, listening to them and working productively together.

   During my 15 years as a School Trustee, our Board has not always agreed, and at times has been divided on significant issues. I have always tried to understand why each Trustee holds their position, ask questions, listen carefully and find common ground. We may not change each other’s minds, but understanding different perspectives can lead to better discussions and better decisions.

   My 30 years in business-to-business sales reinforced the importance of building relationships, understanding different needs and finding solutions.

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

   I believe advocacy is an important part of good governance & I have a strong record of advocating and achieving results.

   Throughout my years as a School Trustee, I have made a point of meeting directly with the Ministry of Education and Child Care at BCSTA AGMs & Academies to ensure our District’s priorities remain top of mind. I have also brought forward numerous advocacy motions that were supported by our Board and subsequently adopted by school boards across B.C..

   One example was my motion calling on the Province to increase the Annual Facilities Grant. Following my advocacy, our District received increased funding.

   The motion that I put forward and was unanimously carried by all 60 schools boards;:
   “That the BCSTA advocate to the Ministry of Finance to increase the Ministry of Education and Child Care's Annual Facilities Grant so school districts may address the accumulating costs of deferred maintenance in order to improve accessibility, ensure student safety, enhance learning environments, extend facility lifespan, and support long-term fiscal responsibility.”

   Effective advocacy takes preparation, persistence, relationships & the ability to build support.

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