Prince George

James Mangan & Suin Lee
Team Member & Publisher

oO" October 30, the students of UNBC had
an opportunity to meet local politicians
and discuss various issues concerning student
life. At a Meet and Greet hosted by the PSSA,
the candidates for the upcoming municipal
election were questioned on six prominent
issues relating to student interests.

The PSSA provided an excellent setting
to better understand how the councillors
view the major issues that have so far
characterized this election, including
downtown revitalization, Prince

George pride and reputation, public
health, the transit service, and student
housing in downtown Prince George.

The first question regarded the revitalization
of Prince George’s downtown. Councillor
Dave Wilbur, first elected in 2008, supported
incentivizing grocery stores and pharmacies
downtown. He also expressed his wish

for more exterior dining options and
increased transportation to downtown.
Susan Scott, who is currently seeking

a first term in council, suggested the
creation of city guides, who could direct
tourists to the specific downtown hubs.

The second question regarded Prince
George’s image. In 2011, Macleans magazine
declared Prince George Canada’s most
dangerous city. Monica Peacock, seeking a
first term in council, suggested the need to
build a legacy in Prince George surrounding
the Canada Winter Games to. Her counterpart
at the table, Jeffery Cumin, also seeking a first
term in council, emphasized the need to push
Prince George’s recreational capabilities.

Over the Edge’s next question regarded
the poor air quality in Prince George.
Councillor Albert Koehler discussed at
length his belief that the Prince George
City Council should put pressure on the
BC Ministry of Environment to improve

Prince George’s air quality. Koehler
referenced the ministry’s role in determining
environmental regulations on the local mills.

Candidates were then asked whether

they would abide by the outcome of the
upcoming referendum regardless of their
personal beliefs on the issue. Greg Kauk,
seeking a first term in council, said “yes,”
and voiced his concern over why this is
still an issue. He emphasized how Prince
George is lucky enough to have some of the
cleanest water in the world, and that the
outcome of the referendum should put the
matter to rest until further data emerges
from the appropriate scientific community.
Ravi Saxena, also seeking a first term in
council, stated his belief that fluoridation
is a waste of money, but that he’d abide

by the outcome of the referendum.

Councillor Cameron Stolz, emphasized his
identity as a Prince George small business
owner. When questioned on issues regarding
students and downtown revitalization, Stolz
expressed his wish to not only increase

bus hours, but also have the city research
popular online applications that would
message students and non-students alike
when their buses will next be at the nearest
stops. He also detailed his belief in public-
private partnerships regarding downtown
revitalization, as well as his ideas regarding
financially incentivizing new businesses that
intend to open in downtown Prince George.

The candidates were then asked about
their support for student housing
in downtown Prince George.
Councillor Cameron Stolz
stated his support for
more residences in
the downtown
region for

all

11

meet the candidates

citizens, not just students. He suggested,
however, that the establishment of
student residences downtown could be
incentivised if UNBC offered courses out of
some of the current established buildings
downtown. Bryon Mix, seeking a first
term in council, countered this argument,
claiming that the university experience,
including housing, should remain on
campus. He stated that residence lifestyle
should remain solely a university issue.

common goal alongside the community.

This student-led event was a great
opportunity to let the council of the future
to be mindful of student issues. As youth
voter apathy increases, politicians and
community leaders feel increasingly relaxed
when making promises to the Canadian
youth, Events that bring students into
contact with their elected representatives,
such as those sponsored by the UNBC PSSA,
allow students to hold their representatives
Finally, candidates were asked about their accountable for their promises.
future visions for Prince George. Councillor
Garth Frizzell discussed how residents of
Prince George prefer the small-town feel

this city has to offer. He pointed to the rising
of the UN and Pride flags at City Hall as
examples of Prince George’s inclusive nature,
and how groups such as the Facebook page
Hell Yeah Prince George are attempting to
give the city a positive face. Murry Krause,
first voted into council in 2002, added that
Mr. Frizzell and he had worked towards their
visions of social justice here in Prince

George during their years in City
Hall. He further emphasized

the need for City Hall to
encourage the various
institutions in Prince
George to work
towards a

Election Day is November 15.
We'll see you there!

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