1. "I was recalling from memory the host's introduction of Andrew as a worker on Ida Chong's campaign from his time on the 3 under 30 political panel during the 2013 provincial election."
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2. "Would you be able to clarify your position on cycling issues? Are you in favour of implementing the Victoria Cycling Master Plan Update? Do you support increased investments in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure?"
Mr. Pullman,
Good to see you back on my thread 2 weeks later for your second post. As always, I am happy to respond.
1) First of all I definitely have to praise you for recalling a single sentence introduction of someone you didn't know on a radio program from over a year ago. I wish I had a memory like that. Anyhow, that may have been how Jo-ann introduced me, but I was there representing my own opinions, not those of any political party. The panel was originally designed to feature campaign workers from the 3 parties. You'll note that the first episode of the "3 under 30" series featured Brody McDonald speaking as a campaign worker for the Ida Chong campaign. He however, had to step down from the position due to other commitments and I he asked me to take his place, even though I was not actually working on her campaign. CBC couldn't exactly host an episode with only two people, both of whom were left of centre. There'd be no balance. That was why I was brought on very last minute for the next episode. This actually gave me a lot of freedom that the other panellists didn't necessarily have, as I was able to express my opinions without being accountable to any "tow the party line" pressure from anyone. Which is why, as I mentioned in my original response, I wouldn't have been able to get away with questioning the leadership of Premier Clark if I had indeed been working for the BC Liberals. I hope this background knowledge clears things up for you.
2. I have spoken highly of the Master Plan's citizen engagement process and the admirable goals that it has laid out. As someone who has driven a car a mere 3 times in the past year, I am well aware of how the city looks from the perspective of a non-driver. I am however, against the nearly $1.5 million cycling track called for in the plan. I don't believe that level of expenditure on such a project is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars when we have a $500 million infrastructure deficit. Let's talk about keeping our bridges and sewer pipes intact before we start building million-dollar cycle tracks. We're in a tough financial spot in the city right now and we need to have priorities. $100,000 on art in the parkades isn't a priority, and neither is $1,350,000 on a cycle track down Pandora.
Increased investment in pedestrian infrastructure is something I don't think I've ever seen anyone come out against. I've had multiple humbling experiences at the doorsteps so far in this campaign where I have discussed this very thing with people with mobility problems. To paraphrase a woman I met last week: "You can walk around or step over any barriers that confront you downtown. To me, that bump you stepped over is enough to prevent me from getting from point A to point B." As Victoria is expecting further growth, and that 15% of Canadian baby-boomers plan to retire here, we will have to be more and more aware of the mobility issues in our city as the population ages. That is something that I am committed to keeping in mind in all decisions brought to council and why I support further investment in pedestrian infrastructure. Local developer Dennis Rogers has been a champion in this field, being in a wheelchair himself. I had the pleasure of discussing what we can do to accommodate such needs over a few beers earlier this Summer. We must always keep in mind that just because you and I can hop on a bike and travel anywhere in the city easily, that is not the case for everyone. I hope my priorities are clear.
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