Name: Daniel (Dan) Bue
Party affiliation (if any): None
Education: BA (Sociology & Economics, MA (Counselling)
Occupation: Clinical Counsellor, Part-time Professor, Former business owner
Previous political experience: None
Residency (city/neighbourhood): Abbotsford (31 years)
Community involvement: Director of MEI, Co-chair of Christian Leaders' Action Team, Co-chair of Sikh / Christian Initiative, Past director of Abbotsford Downtown Business Assoc'n, Past director of Alpha Family Services, 5 years on the leadership team of The Life Centre, 20 years work with local foster children and brain-injured persons both in our home and through a company which I directed.
Marital status/children: Married with 3 grown children
Email: danbue@gmail.com
Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, website: http://danbue.com
What do you feel are the three key issues Abbotsford voters should be considering in this civic election?
1. Homelessness - talk needs to be turned into action.
2. Environment - protecting our environment, which relates strongly to transportation issues.
3. Job creation through attracting environmentally responsible business.
What's your plan to deal with homelessness in Abbotsford?
Getting the key players to the table & encouraging the attitude of "How do we make this work?" We likely need to start with some low barrier housing, with counselling for their addictions and mental health needs. Some of the clients might also need some skills training to prepare them for re-entry. There should also be the opportunity for them to progress into more permanent housing through this process. Some examples of how this is already working are the Salvation Army's Centre of Hope in our own city, and the Gateway of Hope in Langley.
How would you make city hall more accountable and transparent?
I would start with making myself available to the constituents and work with them to find solutions to their problems. If we as councillors set the example, we can look to staff to do likewise.
Are changes required in local municipal spending? If so, what are they and how would you address them?
This year, I am happy to see that we had a zero tax increase which is a first time in many years. I think that City Hall should commit to not having tax increases exceed the rate of inflation.