GRAEME JAMES

I supported the continuation of the North End Connector Spall Road to Hwy. 33 when on Council and will do so once again if elected. As part of this process I would actively lobby the provincial and federal governments for funding to help defray the costs necessary to complete this project.

Realistically, a second crossing is something for future consideration and the immediate focus should be on improving the existing local roads. Our population continues to grow. Bicycle commuting and public transit are growing alternatives and should be supported and encouraged but are not enough to absorb the increasing pressure on our roadways.

There isn’t one, easy answer to any of these problems. However, statistics show that creating a more visible police presence in troubled areas can reduce crime. Also, having police identify and interact with high-rate offenders has shown to be an effective method of crime reduction in other cities.

With this in mind, I would advocate for more bike patrols and the instigation of police foot patrols in Kelowna’s high risk areas. Foot patrols would be targeted and planned with officers patrolling high crime rate areas and focusing on information gathering, becoming familiar with the street population of the area, and interacting with business owners.

The provincial health employers’ tax has just downloaded the cost of health premiums on employers and businesses which is unfair. Again, I believe that the provincial government must be lobbied to review this decision and create a more equitable solution.

A: No. Personally, I pride myself on the honest, direct, inclusive way I treat everyone I meet. I’ve worked alongside people from the LGBQT+ community and have acquaintances from the same community. I’m satisfied that they know my commitment to diversity and inclusion.

I find it interesting that political candidates who never marched before being elected suddenly start doing so once elected. I also find it curious that candidates state that they haven’t marched in the past, but will if elected. I prefer to let my actions 365 days/year speak for me, rather than attendance (or not) at a parade.

A: When I was on Council (2008-2011) and on the Joint Water Committee, we had an excellent working relationship with all of the irrigation districts. As an agricultural, residential, and commercial water user in the GEID, I fully support retaining the irrigation district because we have reasonable rates and excellent service. 

The water systems in most of Kelowna were built by agricultural users and my fear is that City will forget the historical background and water rates for agricultural users will rise to an unacceptable level.

I was President of the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market and was a vendor at the market for 10 years (Glenmore Valley Greenhouses). During this time, I worked tirelessly to uphold the values of the market (locally grown produce only) and helped grow the Market from its original handful of vendors to the success it is today. I continue to support local growers by shopping weekly at the market.