The Richmond Chamber of Commerce released a survey of 28 candidates vying for mayor or city council in Richmond for the Nov. 15 municipal election.
The questions were oriented toward factors that impact business and the local commercial and industrial economy.
There was broad support for a mobile business license program for Metro Vancouver (instead of individual municipalities issuing them individually).
Many thought businesses should have a vote.
While many though a new bridge at the Massey Tunnel crossing would benefit Richmond it was unanimous that the city and its residents had not been properly consulted by the province.
After Richmond recently receiving the Canada Line, only about one quarter of respondents outright supported a $7.5 billion transportation plan for Metro Vancouver that would mean further fundraising through property taxes and/or vehicle levies and/or other taxing measures.
All but Alexa Loo and Malcolm Brodie supported "increased transparency" for public salaries and expenses.
Dave Semple and Michael Wolfe felt it wasn't important for Richmond to support the province's "resource economy."
There was little support to raise development cost charges (utilities, sewers etc.) but much support for more community amenity charges (money for things like community facilities).
Wolfe, Don Montgomery, Richard Lee and Andy Hobbs opposed any sort of increase to economic/industrial activity on the Fraser River.
Candidates were asked their occupations and how many years they have resided in Richmond. On respective ends, Dan Baxter has resided in Richmond for two years while Harold Steves has done so for all of his 77 years.
They were also asked to name their top three priorities for the city in the next four years.
The Chamber's manager of communications and policy analyst Matt Pitcairn is a school board trustee candidate for the Richmond Community Coalition.
Richmond Chamber of Commerce Candidates Survey Results
