Mitchell, Jo
Despite setbacks such as the tragic death of Councillor John Webb, I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this cooperative and productive Council. Much has been accomplished. Much remains to be done.
I am particularly proud of the restructuring of the municipal office by replacing full-time junior professionals with highly qualified part-time consultants to ensure quality services while saving administrative costs. We have also reduced our legal expenses to an average of $6,400 per annum, compared with the average of $58,000 per annum over the previous two Councils. Our reserves, which are invested in Municipal Bonds, have risen from $3.7M in 2005 to $5M in 2008. Metchosin is one of a handful of debt-free BC Municipalities. Our municipal residential taxes per capita remain among the lowest.
I would like to see modest revisions to our existing Official Community Plan (1996). This excellent document requires only limited modifications to include an updated plan for the Village Core, Secondary Suite review, and the Green/Blue Spaces Strategy.
If residents vote on November 15 to proceed to Phase II of the Metchosin/East Sooke Boundary Restructure study (to review financial and governance issues), I will work to see that residents’ concerns are fully identified, discussed and addressed before a amalgamation referendum.
I will also work with residents on environmentally friendly projects, such as cycling pathways alongside major roads, a local composting facility and improved environmental criteria for soil removal and deposit, as well as more consistent enforcement of our bylaws.
My more than 15 years in a variety of volunteer roles in Metchosin has enabled me to appreciate the strong commitment of residents to our unique community. I would be honoured to continue to serve for a second term. Please feel free to call me with any queries you have.
