Derrick Hoping Third Time’s the Charm
A local businessman, the 39 year old, considers his garden his “zen place” where he goes to relax.
What would he do to change city operations? “Its a complex question” says Derrick, who says there needs to be more engagement with employees “They are the ones who have their feet on the ground doing the work for us”. He says employees feel “disengaged” he says “if you are going to lead you need to listen to the citizens.”
Derrick says he has learned from his previous efforts, when he was criticized for being too blunt and honest . “You can still be a team player but you have to be the voice of the constituents.”
On the question of the new $2.5 million dollar entrance project for the Public Library, Derrick says he would support that expenditure, “It’s a safety issue for the City of Prince George, and there is liability, so it’s something that could cost us a lot down the road.”
Derrick says he will not run from making unpopular decisions, and would like to have more townhall meetings, plus offer an opportunity for people to have “coffee with a councillor” and discuss the issues of the day.
He says any development, must have beautification as a part of it. “Quesnel does it well, you drive into Quesnel and say ‘this is a warm and inviting place'”.
He says no to the Performing Arts centre saying there are other more pressing needs.
The storm water utility is not something he supports “If we are going to tax our citizens, we need to call it what it is, I think that’s part of the problem” .
As for the downtown, he says there are too many social agencies in one location, and says landlords need to be brought to task to keep their buildings in proper condition. He says the first step must be taken by the businesses already there and those who own the buildings.
Comments
New people on the council can only help us. No to PAC is a great start Trent. As for the library.. waste of money.. put up a few warning signs if there is a concern of law suits until a much cheaper alternative can be had.. Like shut it down. Go the CNC or UNBC if you are in need of all a library has to offer.. ( then again most of us have that already and more..its called in internet ;)
Not a bad interview, I liked most of his answers.
I like his answers minus the library. He’s got my vote.
@P Val. Do you even have a clue what the library offers?? Shut it down?
What an embarassing comment. The library offers literally hundreds of programs PER YEAR, from technology information sessions, to book clubs, to story time for children, the Gay-Straight Allance, etc. More people use the library BY FAR than any other civic facility. Certainly we an debate the merits of a new entrance, but educate yourself about libraries making such an ignorant comment about their utility.
Great interview. Likely one of the better choices to make this election. Good luck Trent!
Too many social agencies in one location , too many in one City we need to share with other places like Quesnel, Is easy to fix up the downtown , move the needle exchange to 1st. ave, get rid of the government funded Fire Pit Drop in Centre, move Native Health into the Native Friendship Centre.
head into the library on most days and the place is extremely busy. we have a great municipal library and a very proactive board that is keeping the facility relevant. i agree that 2.5 million is excessive, but to suggest closing down the library? i suppose p val would want to close down any facility that he personally doesn’t use.
Trent makes more sense than the others in my book. New blood is badly needed as is younger thinking. Got my vote
Yes I know what the museum offers.. So does the %98 of the people who DIDNT sign the petition.
sorry if my opinion upset you.. But it’s my opinion .. That’s why 250 has the opinion section. Shut it down. Close the doors,or make it the new safe injection site..
whats it cost a year to heat that monstrosity ?
fiftianten
@P Val. Do you even have a clue what the library offers?? Shut it down?
What an embarassing comment. The library offers literally hundreds of programs PER YEAR, from technology information sessions, to book clubs, to story time for children, the Gay-Straight Allance, etc. More people use the library BY FAR than any other civic facility. Certainly we an debate the merits of a new entrance, but educate yourself about libraries making such an ignorant comment about their utility.
I see it as a go between hang out spot for the homeless. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to supply them with barrels and firewood while waiting for someone to cook their next meal?
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