Candidate's Statement - Paul Brent
I have been on Saturna Island since 1994. My wife Eva and I have over the last few years transitioned from weekender status to full-time permanent residents.
I am the proud father of two grown sons, Tom and Scott, and own a rambunctious lab/poodle cross, called Baloo.
In partnership with Eva, we provide transportation consulting services to clients throughout North America, from both private and public sectors. You may have heard me present SIPOA's submission to the ferry commissioner on his recent visit to Saturna.
Prior to forming our consulting firm, I held executive positions in the private sector and at a major BC Crown corporation. This experience taught me how to deal with complex issues, balance a multitude of interests and most importantly, to sound out stakeholders before recommending courses of action.
Policy Statement:
I believe that the Islands Trust has played an important role in protecting the character of the islands, and that the Trust should remain committed to preserving all aspects of the unique amenities of the island(s). This includes protecting both natural elements and the vibrancy of the community.
A healthy community will depend on managing growth in a way that provides a livelihood for a younger generation, which appears an acute and growing issue on our island. A major element in achieving Trust goals will come from balancing the needs for protecting our environment, while doing what is necessary to enhance our communityfs social fabric. It is important to understand these needs, to respect our environment, and to consult with the community, as a prelude to initiating new programs, and to also ensure such programs are cost effective. And by community, I mean Saturna Islanders, all residents and non-resident property owners.
I recognize that there are often differing views about specific issues and ideas. While as an individual, I might favour one view or another, as Trustee, I have to represent the views of the island, and promise to do so in a balanced fashion. My "opinion" as to a specific issue is not a governing reason to support me as a trustee, what is most important is how I represent your opinion. If elected, I will seek community input, and rely on community resources, including that of an appropriately balanced Advisory Planning Committee, to obtain feedback.
SIPOA Questions and Answers - Local Trust Committee Candidate
Paul Brent
1. Why are you running for election as a Saturna Island representative on the Islands Trust?
2. What do you see as the principal responsibility of a local trust committee member?
The principal responsibility of a local trust committee member is to represent the views of the community. This includes delivering feedback to the Islands Trust as to the views of the community regarding Trust policies and activities. A similar responsibility is the application of Island Trust policies in a manner that is sensitive to the unique amenities of Saturna Island, and a reflection of the community, both based on our Official Community Plan and feedback received (APC, island organizations and individuals).
3. Please describe the top three trust/Saturna related issues, which in your opinion, need attention. Where do you stand on these issues??
The greatest issue that many folks believe faces Saturna Island today, and one where the Trust can have an impact, is the long-term viability and vibrancy of our community. Our island is moving to a much older population, young adults are dwindling and there are almost no children left on the island. Were it not for the SEEC initiative, our school would be in jeopardy. Children are the future of any vibrant community, and Saturna appears to face an uncertain future.
There are a variety of reasons for these changes, not the least of which are rising ferry fares, and global economic downturn and general demographic change. But in Saturna's case, the downturn has been far more severe than almost anywhere else in the province.
Islands Trust has to be part of the solution to this problem, rather than perceived as contributing to it. Without managed growth, and the employment and business stability that it creates, Saturna's vibrant community will wither. I believe that the Trust needs to pursue policies that encourage growth that contributes to the vibrancy and vitality of the community, but never at the expense of our precious natural environment.
A second issue, and top-of-mind for many, is the issue of water conservation or protection. I believe all Saturna Islanders recognize there are issues with water quality and conservation, but that they vary from acute in some areas to of lesser concern in other areas. I've also heard that many islanders attended a workshop and embraced the concept of increased education and a move towards community-based solutions as initial first steps prior to more regulation.
My position regarding water conservation and protection would be consistent with the views above. First, focus should be placed on the most problematic areas. Water conservation education and alternative systems should be explored, preferably with the assistance of the Trust. The Trust could expand upon the initiative of island organizations in seeking "carrots" for conservation (rebates for collection systems, reduced permitting fees, etc) preferably prior to, but at minimum in conjunction with any "sticks", such as the passing of bylaws. And in the event bylaws are passed, they should be targeted to those areas that require it, and not applied broad-brush across the island.
A third issue to which I have heard from islanders is the role that they will have
in shaping the policies of the Island Trust, at least as how they apply to the island. The Trust has various controversial initiatives, be they protecting riparian areas, Green Shores bylaw language to protect and remediate the impact of residential housing on the foreshore, ensuring food security, reducing carbon emissions, etc.
I've heard from many residents and property owners that they would like input as to how these initiatives are applied to the unique community that is Saturna Island. For example, Saturna is dramatically different than Bowen Island or Salt Spring Island, having a much, much lower population, significantly different economies and radically different park-to-total-land ratio. One-size-fits-all application of policies is not appropriate, and will require a vigorous dialogue with islanders to ensure that unique amenities of Saturna Island are reflected in how Trust applies its initiatives on this precious island.
4. What is your view on community (resident and non-resident) consultation on policy development?
See my candidate statement and answer to Question #2 and the third portion of Question 3. Clearly, this is a core responsibility of a trustee and an integral, if not the first step in policy development.
Like all Saturna Islanders, I feel a special connection with this island and want to ensure that my children and grandchildren will have an opportunity to experience the uniqueness of Saturna. As I wind down my regular employment, I have the time to give back to the community. And as a result of my employment and life experience, I believe I will bring value, and a different perspective, to the community as a trustee.