Standing Together for Sooke
As a dedicated community leader and second-term Councillor for the District of Sooke, I am committed to responsible leadership, transparent decision-making, and building a strong, inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Throughout my time in public service, I have worked to strengthen local infrastructure, support sustainable growth, and ensure that community voices are heard. My experience includes serving as:
• Second-Term Councillor, District of Sooke
• Chair, Sooke Electoral Area Parks & Recreation (SEAPARC)
• Member, Land Use and Development Committee
• Member, Community Economic Development Committee
• Trustee, Vancouver Island Regional Library
• President, Sooke Lions Club
• Director, BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities (Easter Seals)
• Volunteer, Sooke Food Bank
• Volunteer, Sooke Hospice Society
I believe that strong communities are built through collaboration, respect, and service. I value the diverse people, perspectives, and cultures that make Sooke such a vibrant place to live. My commitment is to listen, lead with integrity, and make decisions that reflect the needs of residents while planning responsibly for the future.
Together, we can continue building a welcoming, resilient, and prosperous Sooke for current and future generations.
Seniors & Youth Center
• Issue: Both seniors and youth require a dedicated space to gather and thrive. Youth campaigns through SEAPARC have highlighted the urgent need for an after-school drop-in hub.
• Possible Solution: Utilize Lot A for the site and secure up to $5 million in funding to finally establish this essential community facility.
Infrastructure
• Issue: Gridlock and aging roads are too costly for local taxpayers to handle alone, requiring inter-governmental cooperation.
• Possible Solutions:
• Construct a third lane on Highway 14 from the bridge to Charters to provide a downtown bypass.
• Only pursue the $25 million Throup Road extension if major grants are secured. If costs remain high, this decision should go to a public referendum.
Unhoused & Security
• Issue: Our community is seeing a rise in the unhoused population, presenting a complex challenge for local safety.
• Possible Solutions:
• Seek unified action between Federal, Provincial, and Municipal governments.
• Launch a "Citizen on Patrol Initiative" to increase community oversight during late-night hours.
Taxes
• Issue: Police and Fire services consume 60% of our budget. Growing pains from housing mandates require expensive upgrades to sewers and roads that shouldn't fall solely on residents.
• Possible Solutions:
• Move 911 costs to cell phone service charges to save taxpayers $600,000 (roughly 4% in tax savings).
• Lobby the Province to pay for non-fire emergency calls to save an additional 2%.
• Demand the B.C. Government pay fair property taxes on subsidized housing projects to save another 2%.
What Needs to Be Done
Why I am running for Mayor of Sooke:
1. Navigating Sooke’s future with strong, proven leadership during these pressured times.
2. Creating a diverse, independent council free from any hidden agendas or biases.
3. Maintaining independence from developers while collaborating for the town's benefit.
4. Leveraging 8 years of council experience and deep roots in community service.
5. Protecting the safety and prosperity of Sooke for my children and grandchildren.
Learn more about voting in Sooke.
Leadership for Sooke
Integrity Above All
Al leads with honesty and transparency, ensuring every decision is made in the open for the benefit of Sooke.
Inclusive Values
Building a supportive community where every voice is heard and every resident feels respected and valued.
Grounded Vision
A practical approach to leadership that balances modern growth with the character that makes Sooke unique.