Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 06/00) - Yellowknife residents go to the polls Oct. 16 to vote for town councillors and a mayor. The Yellowknifer asked the aldermanic candidates:

1. When city revenues fall, which should come first -- spending cuts or tax hikes?
2. Should the city continue to be involved in real estate projects in the city?
3. The city has spent millions to spruce up downtown and has recently begun a consultation process on doing more. What area of town should have highest priority for development?
4. What should be done to develop Yellowknife's waterfront?
5. When should city matters be taken behind closed doors?

Travis Armour

1. Neither I support. High taxes kill economic growth. We need wiser spending, which a) serves our community's interests and vision, and b) is of long-term value. 'Houseboater lawsuits' waste our money.

2. No. 'Good' projects will go ahead with or without taxpayer money. We should, however, approve what types of developments go forward, because this is our city.

3. Development which enhances safety (eg. roads) should take precedence over 'beautification.' That said, tourists view Old Town as our pride and joy, so I support public use trails and pedestrian walkways.

4. What people want. Creating a long-term vision and a comprehensive public planning process will provide a strong blueprint for the future. But development must be environmentally-friendly.

5. Yellowknifers have spoken -- no secret meetings. Public decisions make in private are poor ones, and public scrutiny keeps the City accountable to the people who call Yellowknife home.

Wendy Bisaro

1. A definitive answer is difficult as it depends on the circumstances at the time. I believe most situations would include some combination of a tax increase and spending cuts.

2. The City should not be the developer, but it is the responsibility of the City to ensure the developer proceeds according to a well-developed, publicly approved long-range plan.

3. If there is a long-range plan for future city development, the priorities will be outlined there. If there is no plan, one needs to be developed immediately and then carried out.

4. There is no question the city needs a developed waterfront (marina, watercraft rental area, public boat launch, beach/park area, concessions, etc.) for residents and tourists, but not necessarily all in the same location.

5. Council should have a policy outlining appropriate in-camera items. It should include personnel issues, legal matters, and emerging issues or projects. Any decisions must be made in public.

Wayne Bryant

1. Definitely spending cuts on the lowest priority services and in discretionary spending activities such as travel. City must focus on increasing revenue through new economic growth, not by increasing mill rates, levies and user fees.

2. Not as a financial partner. The City should only focus on what they do best and know, which is land use planning and the enforcement of zoning and other by-laws. Market forces will dictate future city land development needs.

3. The highest priority should be to complete the sprucing up of the central business district. The next priority should be given to those areas of the City that are designated and promoted as "walking tours" for visitors and tourists.

4. Develop part of the former Bartam Trailer Court area as a public waterfront park with picnic tables, outdoor theatre, gazebos, etc. Negotiate with Miramar to have public access to the Con dock. Subject to the results of an environmental risk assessment, develop public marina and park at the Giant mine town site. Collaborate with the Yellowknife Dene in establishing public waterfront park in N'dilo.

5. Only on personal, personnel and legal matters.

Ben McDonald

1. I value quality public services as much as I dislike tax increases. Council recently implemented budget policies which will increase reservesand reduce the impact of "shock" revenue reductions.

2. Planning and zoning for land uses are core municipal responsibilities. Public land development is a good way to guarantee both quality and fair access at the lowest price.

3. The $200,000 spent on downtown beautification was an excellent investment.

Downtown, the Bartam area, and waterfront lands all need attention. We must keep downtown vibrant and enhance amenities and tourism.

4. Encourage commercial waterfront uses between Woodyard and causeway.

Maximize public access to waterfront, especially for "people" oriented, lower impact uses and recreation/tourism. The Giant property represents a real opportunity.

5. The current council has been very open. Legal, land and personnel matters must be handled confidentially. Occasionally "strategic" matters which would be sabotaged if handled publicly must be done privately.

Blake Lyons

1. (a) If revenues decrease for a short period we can draw on reserves.

(b) If revenues decrease for more than one year we must first have public consultation then act accordingly.

2. Our new financial policies will limit if not prohibit the city's ability to be involved in real estate projects.

3. Our downtown area should have first priority, then we should concentrate in waterfront projects.

4. Walking/nature trails. Expand Giant marina for large boats. Use Bartam area for small boat launch area. Provide parking areas for boat trailers. Develop arts and crafts market areas.

5. When discussing legal matters, some land matters, serious personnel issues and financial negotiations.

Dave McCann

1. Restrain spending to "Live within our means". Rather than continually re-evaluate programs for need and performance so that adjustments can be made more easily.

2. No. The City should plan, zone and sell land only. Let the developers do their projects, and the marketplace decide what represents "value".

3. With tourism being our rising industry, Old Town should have the highest priority, followed by downtown. Civic pride should be developed to keep parks and facilities clean, safe and attractive.

4. Make it into a people-oriented tourist-attractive zone -- with scenic walks,cultural and historic plaques, a City Market, parks, plazas for street artists -- a place where Yellowknifers can have fun.

5. Only matters which could potentially damage the City's strategic position, normally legal and land transaction issues, should be done behind closed doors. All other matters should be discussed publicly.

Bruce Coomber

1. I would like to see the city generate a slight revenue surplus in order to build up the funds necessary to cover short-term revenue reductions.

2. The city should control development through zoning bylaws and allow private enterprise to develop real estate projects.

3. I have no pre-determined ideas on this question and am open to suggestions.

4. Many municipalities have set waterfront property aside for parklands in order that all may enjoy this natural resource.

5. In camera meetings should only be held for human resource issues and where investment speculation could benefit from the information and decision-making process.

Alan Woytuik

1. I believe the city should strive to live within its means just like any household or business. I would look at reducing expenses before a tax increase.

2. I believe it is the city's duty to ensure that land is available for development at a reasonable cost, but control of what is built should be limited to the broad guidelines of the zoning bylaw.

3. Balanced growth in all areas is the best situation and natural demand in the marketplace will control development. As the population base grows so will support for smaller specialty shops to compete with the big chain stores.

4. In the short term, another boat launch and better day use picnic sites by the Dettah ice road access as well as an elevated boardwalk over the adjacent marshes. Long-term is to address the need for a marina.

5. I believe there has been a court ruling regarding this matter and the existing guidelines comply with this ruling. The most common issues.

John Murray

1. I support spending cuts, but not a drastic reduction in what I feel is a good staff at the city. Cut the waste to multi-million dollar mega-projects; cut wasteful development partnerships.

2. Forget about having city real estate projects. They flop like a fish out of water.

3. The city's beautification project has meant ugly tax raises. Encourage individuals to beautify property city-wide by not raising property taxes for landscaping. Empower individuals to improve their property.

4. Protect the shoreline for nature and non-damaging recreation. Build needed housing a bit inland but keep public access to the shore available.

5. The city should never hold private meetings except for personnel matters. If an employee is being criticized, all steps should be taken to maintain confidentiality.

Robert Hawkins

1. Neither. Solid and responsible fiscal planning will keep the city far ahead of troubled times, although streamlining will protect services while we could delay non-emergency spending.

2. Not as a lead partner. The city should encourage partnership in a positive way with the private sector that will entice new business and development to avoid costly mistakes.

3. Old Town most definitely! Old Town represents our character, spirit and essence of what it means to be a Yellowknifer. It's a true symbol of our pioneering spirit and drive.

4. Joint partnerships with user groups. We must build with the community's needs first by linking money with federal government grants to keep the cost strictly at affordable and responsible levels.

5. All matters should be open to a public process other than legal (regarding confidentiality), discussion phases (to protect affected people and businesses from misleading information), and exceptions (never a rule).

Kevin O'Reilly

1. Recently adopted policies should provide stability in budgeting. Other options include new revenues from federal or territorial governments, delay of capital spending, or reserves could be drawn down temporarily.

2. The city has a duty to carry out planning and zoning. The city should make land available in a timely manner based on sound needs assessment, planning and public input.

3. Costs for the benches, trees and other improvements was $200,000 over two years. The downtown, waterfront and Bartam/Twin Pine Hill areas should be the focus of planning and development.

4. The Waterfront Management Study should be completed as soon as possible. Funds should be set aside for trails and green space amenities to ensure development that attracts residents and tourists.

5. As much as possible should be done in public but it may be necessary to discuss some issues in camera, such as personnel matters, contract or land negotiations or legal action.

Dave Ramsay

1. When unforeseen circumstances occur and city revenues are shrinking the City should try to make do with less by cutting spending. Raising taxes before exhausting other avenues is not the right thing to do.

2. No. The City's role in real estate and development should be to identify land and have it zoned accordingly. If it is such a 'good' investment then let developers develop. Niven Lake was an expensive mistake that should not be allowed to happen again.

3. It is difficult to choose one over another, but now that the economy is starting to turn around Niven Lake should be a priority. A lot of public money has been invested there and it's time to get things moving. Lowering lot prices 10 to 15 per cent will spur development in the project, widen the tax base and create a positive impact on the local economy.

4. Developing the waterfront should be done with as much public consultation as possible. There has to be a long-term plan or vision for our waterfront. Tourism potential and public access are key factors.

5. Having been a part of the council that put an end to the so-called secret meetings, I will continue to push for as much openness and fairness as possible. The only matters that may have to be behind closed doors are legal and personnel/labour issues.