Submitted questionnaire

Rick Webber

City Councillor

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've decided to run for one more term because I want to help keep the momentum going from the past four years. This has been an extraordinary period in Kelowna's history, with rapid growth and major investment in our city's infrastructure.

   Council has overseen one of the most ambitious periods of capital construction in Kelowna's history, including major road, bridge and other transportation projects, new recreation facilities, parks and fire halls, and expansion of the Kelowna International Airport terminal. We've also strengthened public safety by adding policing, bylaw and firefighting resources.

   We've worked to attract major events as an economic and tourism driver, bringing events such as the Canadian Country Music Awards, the Brier, CFL games and the Memorial Cup to Kelowna. The city is also actively negotiating to attract new industry and new jobs, particularly on the available airport lands.

   The pace of major construction may ease, but Kelowna will continue to grow. I'd like to help complete the work underway, keep our infrastructure and services in step with growth, and make good decisions about what comes next.

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

   Crime, homelessness, drug addiction and public disorder remain among the biggest concerns I hear from residents. While official statistics show significant declines in several categories of crime, social disorder and its impact on our streets and public spaces remain very visible and frustrating.

   While council works closely with police, bylaw and our community partners on enforcement, municipalities cannot change criminal laws, bail provisions or impose mandatory addiction treatment. However, we can, and have, strongly advocated for such changes from the federal and provincial governments.

   Locally, we can continue strengthening our policing and bylaw resources and find creative ways to use them effectively, while pressing senior governments to address the justice, mental-health and addiction issues municipalities cannot solve on their own.

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

   Keeping infrastructure up with Kelowna's population growth was a concern when I first ran four years ago, and it remains one today. Our extraordinary rate of growth has slowed somewhat, but our transportation network and other infrastructure still have to keep pace.

   Council has approved major transportation investments now underway, including four-laning portions of Glenmore Road and other projects to improve connections across the city.

   If re-elected, I would continue supporting these projects and other needed improvements, within budget constraints. We need to plan ahead and invest in infrastructure before population growth overwhelms what we already have.

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

   Housing affordability has been a major challenge in Kelowna, as in many Canadian cities. Rapid population growth added to that pressure. We once had an extremely low rental vacancy rate, contributing to high rents, while home ownership moved beyond the reach of many people.

   Council has approved significant new housing, and our rental supply has improved dramatically, with the vacancy rate now above six per cent. But availability does not necessarily mean affordability.

   Council has also supported affordable housing projects by providing City land and reducing development cost charges. We need to continue working with senior governments and housing providers to create more affordable housing, particularly for middle-income working people.

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

   My 40-plus years as a journalist gave me a strong understanding of government, while more than 30 years as a broadcaster in Kelowna gave me a deep knowledge of this community and its issues.

   My most relevant experience now includes four years on City Council. I've maintained a very strong attendance record and am proud to have supported responsible budgets while at the same time, approving major investments such as the new Parkinson Recreation Centre and new activity centres in Glenmore, Rutland and the Mission, new parks and other facilities that will serve our community for decades.

   My first term has also taught me that an effective councillor doesn't always have to be the loudest voice. Often you can have a greater impact behind the scenes by doing the work, asking the right questions, working with colleagues and staff, and helping move an issue toward a practical solution. For example, I brought forward an initiative that resulted in increased financial and relocation assistance for tenants displaced by redevelopment. I would like to put that experience to work for another four-year term.

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

   Priorities will always compete for limited resources. Council is made up of nine people and cannot accomplish anything without a majority agreeing on the direction.

   That's why I believe Council should continue to establish its top priorities at the beginning of a term and periodically review them. Spending and other decisions should reflect those priorities rather than continually being distracted by the latest issue or appealing new idea.

   That doesn't mean Council shouldn't change direction when circumstances warrant it. It means distinguishing between something that genuinely requires a change and something that simply diverts resources from priorities we've already agreed are important.

   Clear priorities and regular measurement of our progress can help us make better use of limited resources and get things done.

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

   Our current Council includes people with a wide range of priorities and viewpoints, and we certainly don't always vote the same way. I've learned something from every councillor, including those who see an issue very differently than I do.

   When I'm not certain how I will vote, I listen to the public, consider information and recommendations from City staff, and listen carefully to discussion around the Council table. Another councillor will sometimes raise a point I hadn't considered. I weigh all of that and make the decision I believe is right.

   When someone reaches a different conclusion, I'm interested in what led them there. It may not change my mind, but it may give me another perspective.

   Disagreement doesn't have to become personal. The important thing is to listen, remain open to a good argument, and respect the decision Council ultimately makes.

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