Name: Bruce Banman
Party affiliation (if any): N/A
Education: Doctor of Chiropractic, Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon
Occupation: Mayor
Previous political experience: Mayor of Abbotsford
Residency (city/neighbourhood): Abbotsford
Community involvement: Former Abbotsford Rotary member, Character Council, Fraser Valley Musical Theatre Guild.
Marital status/children: Married, two children, three grandchildren.
Email: reelectbanman@gmail.com
Social media: Twitter: @MayorBanman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bruce-Banman/1562319613991319
Website: http://www.brucebanman.com/
What do you feel are the three key issues voters should consider in this election:
1. The first issue: taxes. In 2014 Abbotsford had a zero tax increase budget in 2014 in residential, business and commercial sectors.
2. Second issue: crime. Since becoming mayor crime is down 11% in Abbotsford.
3. True representation. The fact is, for the first time in decades, all of Abbotsford is represented at City Hall, not just an elite few. Let’s keep Abbotsford moving forward.
What’s your plan to deal with homelessness in Abbotsford?
This is a complex issue that requires cooperation from all three levels of government as well as not-for-profit agencies. I believe in calm, pragmatic approaches to issues that deal with human dignity, not politically expedient ‘quick fixes’ that do nothing to solve the problem long term. That is why council and I established the Homelessness Task Force that has reported back with a comprehensive action plan that will see the implementation of real, sustainable and long-term solutions to homelessness. I will continue to champion a multi agency approach that is focused on solutions, not quick fixes.
How would you make city hall more accountable and transparent?
We’ve come a long way in the past three years, but we have more to go. I’m in favor of continuing to increase our residents access to city hall, and I’m happy to say that every day I’m told that the changes in the past three years have resulted in city hall being accountable to the people of Abbotsford. In the past three years red tape has been reduced, public consultations have been increased, and I have made public the contracts of senior city staff.
Are changes required in local spending? If so what would they be and how would you address them?
Over the past three years I’ve fought hard for the fiscal restraint and accountability that has resulted in the first 0% tax increase budget in 18 years in Abbotsford, and I will continue to challenge every expenditure to ensure that Abbotsford taxpayers get the highest value possible for their tax dollars.