City council

Frank Everitt

For the past seven years I have had the privilege and honour of serving as a member of your city council. I have lived and worked in Prince George for nearly 40 years.

During that time I have been very active sitting on boards such as, Spruce Credit Union, CNC and CNIB.

I am past president of the United Steelworkers and Employment Action to name a few.

I am married, have four sons and six grandchildren.

Prince George is going through a period of steady growth with new hotels, motels restaurants, apartment blocks and homes.

As of the end of September, we have had $150 million invested in our city.

During the last four years we have reduced our debt by $40 million dollars.

I am proud of what I and my fellow colleagues have accomplished, but there is still more work to do.

We have shown that even with various different backgrounds and under the leadership of Mayor Hall, opinions can be shared and consensus reached for the benifits of all of Prince George.

Three priorities in my opinion are our infrastructure above ground and below ground, affordable housing and homelessness.

I would appreciate the opportunity to continue working for you. I will put my efforts, along with the new council, into dealing with these priorities over the next four years.

On Oct.20, I ask for your vote to re-elect Everitt for city council.

Viv Fox

My name is Viv Fox. I have lived in Prince George since 2012.

I am in my 13th year with the Canadian Armed Forces, Infantry Reserves.

I trained the first platoon through the newly re-instated Rocky Mountain Rangers, Bravo Company, here in P.G. in early 2012 and moved up in the fall of that year, to continue to build and train for the unit and also because I knew P.G. was where I belonged.

Outside of the military, since moving to P.G. I have worked with Northern Health as an outbreak software instructor in 2013 (I also taught a part-time teen fitness bootcamp at the Blackburn Community Centre); the 2015 Canada Winter Games as a security planner and venue coordinator and Geoterra as their corporate health and safety manager, from 2015 –2016.

From Oct. 2016 to present, I have been a regional manager with Emergency Management B.C.

Since moving here I have been a part of many clubs and organizations, as a member or volunteer, including the P.G. Toastmasters, the Caledonia Ramblers, the Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society, the Blizzards, the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, the Shaolin Boxing Club, the Prince George Brain Injured Group, the Groop Gallery art auctions, the Nechako Theatrics Society, the Salmon Valley Women’s Festival, UNBC Continuing Ed, CNC sciences, the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers, the White Spruce City Chorus, the inaugural Steps for Life Prince George walk in 2016, Saint Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving and CPAH Connect Week.

I am passionate about safety, sustainability, emergency preparedness, arts, music and multiculturalism and inclusion. I am also a huge book nerd (I own around 500 books), visual artist and animal lover (I have five SPCA rescues).

I also sometimes enjoy riding my motorcycle and jumping out of airplanes.

Garth Frizzell

I’m honoured that Prince George has elected me three times to serve our city. An effective elected official remembers that she or he is working for you.

You have a right to know how your money is spent. I have successfully brought forward motions for transparency to council that were years ahead of even the province, so that you can see any expenses claimed to the city.

You need to have councillors working for you who know to make budgets work for the city. I have consistently sought ways to offset the huge costs that we all saw coming a decade ago. By working with allies through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), we lobbied and ensured the federal government would commit money to fix ageing infrastructure. The current commitment is $180 billion across Canada.

My background as a tech entrepreneur and businessman set me on a path to being past-president of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and a six-year member of the Province of B.C. Small Business Roundtable. When you listen to networks like that, you hear that businesses need more (and better) supports, such as improved broadband. I have been a voice lobbying successfully for the redundant fibre link, which will break ground in spring of 2019. It will help level the playing field for our businesses and attract new high tech firms to Prince George.

I focus my experience and expertise on making Prince George better for you. I am effective on my own, but I’m very happy to collaborate as part of a team to make our city better.

This past term has seen the results of good, collaborative governance, confidence in the economy, record construction numbers, and business groups lauding Prince George as No. 1.

On Oct. 20, I ask for your vote so I can build on our successes with a strong council.

Dave Fuller

My name is Dave Fuller and I am running for city council for the first time.

Prince George has been home to me since 1970. I have a 30-year history of community involvement including creating jobs through my businesses, of being involved in public campaigns to clean up the air and water, of working with the less fortunate, and supporting community organizations as a board member, and coach for adults and children alike.

Currently as a business coach I works to help CEOs of big and small businesses as well as nonprofits to get their organizations running effectively to benefit their stakeholders.

My platform is grounded in three areas.

People – We need to do a better job of supporting those groups and individuals in our community that promote the city. The truth is that Prince George is really a best kept secret in most of the province. It’s that place up north. Without the ability to hire good talent that is going to stay in Prince George, our companies are limited.

There are neighborhoods, like the Hart and Pineview, where people are paying taxes but feel neglected, we need to do a better job of servicing them with bus service, sidewalks and RCMP support

We need to get serious about addressing the homelessness and opioid crisis and safety issues in the downtown core because talking about fixing it just isn’t cutting it with most people working downtown.

The environment – We have a problem with the sewage treatment plants that are stinking up Lower College Heights. Let’s fix it.

Also, let’s start supporting the forest industry and reduce our dependence on plastic bags and straws.

Economics – We need to make good decisions when it comes to using taxpayers’ money. Paying overtime for salaried employees doesn’t make sense.

I believe that the city needs to play an important role in ensuring that there is economic diversity. That we need to ensure that Prince George is once again known as a community that people want to come to work in. To raise their families, buy homes and settle down.

If elected I will use skills to ensure that the interests of the taxpayers and all parties interested in making Prince George a better community are considered

Please vote for me Dave Fuller to city council on Oct. 20.

Murry Krause

My name is

Murry Krause and I am seeking my seventh term on city council.

Currently I am the chair of the city’s Collective Impact

“Raise up Our

Kids” Committee, current past president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, and am a member of the provincial minister’s Forum on Poverty Reduction. I have chaired numerous committees for the City of Prince George over the years, including the Finance and Audit Committee, the 100th Anniversary Committee, Intercultural Committee and the Heritage Commission.

I am a city council representative on the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, where I chair the Regional Hospital District Board and the Cultural Services Advisory Committee.

I am a past chair of the city’s Homelessness and Affordable Housing Committee and I was a committee member for UBCM’s Special Committee on Affordable Housing, that looked at affordable housing in B.C. That final report helped inform the current provincial government housing strategy.

I am very passionate about poverty reduction, homelessness and affordable housing. A healthy community is important to and for everyone. My entire career has been dedicated to social service and health service provision.

I am hoping to be a member of a team that was effective as we have been over the past four years. The exemplary leadership of our current mayor and dedicated council colleagues have inspired me to put my name forward one more time. I truly believe that we all want Prince George to excel and be everything that it possibly can be.

For even more information on my community service and career history, please go to www.murrykrause.ca.

I am hoping that you will consider supporting Murry Krause on Oct. 20.

Terri McConnachie

The current council has accomplished a massive amount of work this last term including the prioritization of our infrastructure needs (both above and below ground, what we need, what we want and how much it’s going to cost); invested in city and neighbourhood parks and trail systems; encouraged the growth and beautification of our downtown by supporting the initiatives of existing organizations and groups, intrepid entrepreneurs and enforcing existing bylaws. We made it a priority to address paving and snow removal issues including fleet and maintenance programs, and expanded transit service hours. There is still an enormous amount of work to do.

We are experiencing an unprecedented amount of commercial and residential construction in our city demonstrating investor confidence and all this construction creates jobs and supports spin off industries.

Through policy and engaging with the industry, council has encouraged a diverse mix of housing options, suitable for all ages and demographics, and encouraged infill development. This saves untold dollars versus the realities and cost associated with sprawl.

Moving forward, we need to continue to work earnestly with Northern Health and our provincial and federal partners, local groups/organizations, to address social housing needs and in particular, low barrier housing. Everyone needs a place to live, and while it will not solve all social issues, it will certainly provide a solid foundation to build upon.

The decisions made and the direction set at the municipal level affect us all. It is where our homes are, where we run our businesses and raise our children, build careers and spend our leisure time and, increasingly, where we choose to spend our retirement years.

Yes, there is still work to do and you get to choose who you trust to participate in the decisions made on your behalf. It has been a joy and an honour to represent you this last term. If re-elected I will continue to bring hard work, integrity and a solid voice to the council table on your behalf.

Cori Ramsay

I’m Cori Ramsay and I’m running for city council. Focusing on succession planning for council is crucial. With long term councillors starting to retire, it’s time to bring in young leaders who can gain the experience and mentorship to successfully lead our city in the future.

The core of my campaign is simple: people and Prince George. I want to see our city thrive and that means working together to tackle hard issues like poverty reduction, accessibility, and homelessness.

There are issues we’re all passionate about: a vibrant downtown, better infrastructure, city facilities, parking, public transportation, and bike lanes, healthcare, affordable housing, preservation of green spaces, cultural events, support for arts and other causes, profitable and thriving local businesses – and those are issues that I’m passionate about as well. Our council is making real progress on the issues that impact our community and I want to be a part of that change. I believe that the success of our community is dependent on us – the stakeholders – and I’m going to work hard, research, be informed on the issues, and make recommendations that the people of Prince George want.

I’m a young progressive voice and as a councillor for the City of Prince George, I will bring a fresh perspective to council and help strategize long term solutions for diversifying our economy and ensuring we remain sustainable. With a background in strategic communications, social work and advocacy, I hope to bring a wealth of knowledge to council tacking issues affecting both residents and business owners.

We are all stakeholders in our community and together, we can build the future we want. Together, we can build a better Prince George.

On Oct. 20, I ask for your support in electing a young progressive voice.

Kyle Sampson

My name is Kyle Sampson and I ask for your support in my candidacy for city council.

I am a longtime resident of Prince George. I volunteer in our community and I do business in our community. As a young professional, I look at Prince George being my home for many years to come. If elected, I will be looking ahead to the future of our city but not staying idle the important issues of today.

I believe a city council should reflect the entire makeup of a community. I will bring a fresh outlook and new perspective around to the council table. I offer passion, dedication, and different experiences to the council table mix.

My approach will be focused on proactively seeking ways to plan for our communities sustainable future and further development, but also on our people and their changing needs.

People, sustainability and community development are my key principles.

If elected, some areas I will focus on include:

• Maintaining a competitive and fair tax regime.

• Retaining our aging population by providing for them through initiatives like seniors housing, accessibility, affordability and more.

• Actively seeking investment and partnership in our community to further expand our industry base, and to not fall behind other comparable markets.

• Bringing balance to our aging demographics by attracting young families, professionals, and students to relocate to Prince George… and stay.

I am certainly not running as a candidate with all the answers to every issue – but I am 100 per cent committed to listening, finding the answers, and working toward a solution to the issues we face as a city.

If you have any further questions about me or my platform, please reach out via my website, www. KyleSampson.ca.

I ask for your support in my candidacy for city council. Vote Sampson on Oct. 20. Thank you!

Susan Scott

My name is Susan Scott. Prince George has been my home since I arrived in 1992. I am passionate about our city and want to contribute to building a better future for us all.

I spent 21 years in retail bookstores (including 10 years as a manager), and a further 10 years in transportation. Since 2002 I have been walking with families as an officiant at funerals and memorials in our community. My volunteer experience includes serving as the chaplain with the Prince George Fire Rescue Service; The Royal Canadian Legion; and the Rocky Mountain Rangers Army Cadets. Finally, I am on the board of RiverBend (a seniors-oriented housing complex), the Salvation Army Community Council, A Suicide Safer Community (an initiative to move the conversation and resources into mainstream consciousness), the Prince George Inter-Faith Council (a venue among all religions in our city) and the Remembrance Day Planning Committee.

I am seeking re-election because I believe that an effective city council strikes a balance between responsibility to its citizens and passion for service. It must pay its bills today and provide a vision for tomorrow.

Specifically, we must make sure we have as many tools as possible for locals to retrain for new roles, help firms attract specialized skill sets we do not have enough of locally, ensure that we have sufficient amounts of affordable, accessible housing for our seniors and most vulnerable residents and build a future based on collaboration and inclusion, where we work together to ensure that all can access opportunities.

On Oct. 20, I ask for your support.

— See more Prince George city council candidates on page 7; the School District 57 board candidates are featured on

Paul Serup

I’m Paul Serup. I was born here and have lived here for some five decades. Happily married, my wonderful wife and I are thankful to God for our young son. I am a renovation contractor and an independent historical researcher and author.

I am hoping to serve as councillor to slow and stop tax increases, instead hopefully having lower city taxes and a lighter burden on citizens. One important way of achieving this would be by reducing government waste. A very good, current, example of this is the purchase of a perfectly good hotel, the Days Inn. It is to be demolished, to put a pool on the site, costing millions. Last year’s referendum provided no legal or moral reason to do this, despite claims to the contrary. This hotel should be sold or turned into low income housing, not rubble to be trucked to our near full dump. The new pool could be located beside the Y, or on the Hart, and operated in partnership with the Y, saving millions more. The Massey Drive sink hole is one example of hidden damage to city infrastructure. The city should not waste money but ensure it has funds for this. I want to reduce bureaucracy, to streamline approval processes, such as obtaining building permits and reduce needless regulations, red tape, making, for example, building a house, less expensive and faster. Residents should expect excellence from government. For example, the city traffic system should be improved so traffic flows allow citizens to move around safely and efficiently. Governments should allow citizens’ legitimate entrepreneurial passions and ideas’ free course so they may succeed, helping the city through more jobs, outside interest, revenues etc. More information is available on my Facebook page Paul Serup for city council. On Oct. 20, please vote for me.

Brian Skakun

My name is Brian

Skakun and I am seeking re-election to P.G. city council. It has been an honour and privilege to have served for the last 16 years on city council. I am so proud to call Prince George home. As a 50year resident of this great city I know what many of the important issues are. I am down to earth and approachable and have been able to help individuals and groups when called on. I have a reputation for standing up for what I feel is in the best interest of the community.

I also feel it’s important as an elected official to work with your council colleagues in a respectful and transparent manner. However, I feel it is important to retain your independence of thought and action as a city councillor. You need to work together but simply cannot go with the flow for the sake of political harmony. The values and beliefs of the community are critical to the decision making process at city hall. Open and transparent communication is a key to a fair and democratic process. There are a number of issues that I feel need to be continually worked on including:

• Promoting the positive aspects of P.G.

• Review of senior staff job performance and compensation.

• Community safety.

• Expanding our parkland.

• Infrastructure re-investment.

• Low-cost housing.

• Illegal dumping.

I have worked hard as your elected representative and will stand up for what I feel is in the best interest of the community.

Cameron Stolz

MY FAMILY

It’s amazing how much difference having the right person in your life can make.

I was exceptionally fortunate to have met Terresa five years ago. This February we ran off and eloped, much to the chagrin of our families. We really are the Brady Bunch having seven children between us.

Our family also includes Tank, our SPCA rescue dog and Great White’s mascot. SMALL BUSINESS OWNER

I started Great White Toys – Comics – Games 28 years ago. I am fortunate to have great staff who have been instrumental in helping me grow my business. In the past two years alone, we have expanded from six to 16 staff.

BETTER ROADS

When I was first elected in 2008, I championed better roads. It took five years but council finally approved proper funding, increasing the annual budget from $3 million to $7 million.

It ensured every area in our city would see roads improved. Unfortunately, in 2017 just as city was about to make progress on our residential and rural roads, this council slashed the roads budget by $2 million. I will work tirelessly to restore that funding. SIDEWALKS

For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, we need sidewalks repaired and new ones built.

The current council, like their predecessors, dumped extra onetime funds into sidewalks. Unfortunately, this council cut the annual sidewalk budget by five per cent to $1 million, just half of what should be spent annually. I will speak up and find solutions for properly funding our sidewalks. TRANSIT

Our transit system needs to match the lifestyle of its user. Hours of operation and routes should be expanded in the evening and on weekends. This would allow people to attend events at CN Centre, enjoy downtown entertainment, visit friends, and be able to get home safely – especially at night.

Chris Wood

Editor’s Note: Chris Wood did not respond to an email request for a photo and submission for this election feature.