Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Candidates' Last Words

In the last days of the campaign we asked our 24 candidates for mayor and council to answer the same question in 100 words or less
Mayoralty Candidates

Mike Brew

Vote for someone you can relate to. Vote for someone who relates to you. Vote because it’s the right choice, and not just to keep someone else from getting in. Remember that every vote counts. Vote for open communications. Vote for no hidden agendas. Vote for no conflicts of interest. Choose up to six councilors you feel represent you, but remember you only need to choose one. The people you choose are your voice and should always act in your best interest. Vote Brew, but please just vote (if you need or can offer a ride call me at 604-966-4409).

Nick Davies

I know our town. I am experienced – 14 boards and committees in two terms! I have produced more results than any other councillor. I have traveled to investigate the Olympics and sustainable energy. I am capable. I know the procedures, issues and solutions. I have well developed leadership and negotiating skills. One candidate apologizes for his leadership style. Another is a radical environmentalist. Both promise to change their stripes if elected! I am CONSISTENT. I promise to do exactly what I am already doing – working hard, analyzing, consulting and leading. Please vote for me for experience, capability and consistency.

Stacy Kohut

The people of Whistler should vote for me because I represent Generation X. It is my generation, through snowboarding, that saved the ski industry and helped build this municipality. Picture Whistler without Generation X or snowboarding. Scary huh? Let’s be proactive, let’s be smart, and let’s vote for a dynamic, open and globally-minded young adult for mayor. My generation and I know what’s next. Vote for Stacy Kohut.

Ken Melamed

Elect Melamed mayor because I am the best choice for Whistler. I have the integrity that Whistler deserves, and the experience to be a dignified ambassador. I have grown with the resort for 30 years, and am in touch with the past, present and future of the Resort Community. As your mayor I will be a leader, team builder and an advocate for all community members. I will champion Whistler2020, and will continue my hard work to provide economic prosperity, a strong community, and a healthy environment. I will listen, engage and communicate, to move Whistler to a bright, prosperous future.

Ted Nebbeling

Like many others who have lived here for a long time, I cannot ignore that Whistler is not the place it use to be. Where the Whistler experience was often exceeding expectations, today the Whistler experience is for many one of disappointment. But, where many have decided to leave, I have decided to stay and fight back. The most effective way for me to do that is to be in a strong leadership role. Hence my candidacy for mayor.

Brian Walker

The majority of voters in Whistler, by far, are Whistler service people.

1) If you are Canadian, 2) 18 years old by November 19 th , 3) have lived in British Columbia for six months, and 4) been in Whistler for 30 days prior to the election, then you can vote for a Service Mayor. Bring your passport/birth certificate and proof of current address to Myrtle Philip school and register right before you vote. Paying income and sales taxes bought you the right to vote. Service is a true and genuine special interest. Brian Walker will be your Service Mayor. Only if you vote.

Kristi Wells

Because you want to be proud of your mayor and to feel confident in your municipal government. Because you want the ability for families to stay here and call Whistler their hometown. Because you want a deep and diverse community – culturally, spiritually and socially. Because you want your business to be viable and Whistler’s economy to grow without selling our soul. Because you want to be good neighbours, with communities, locally and globally. Whistler knows what it wants. I am the most qualified and experienced candidate for mayor. Your choice is powerful. Use it to get what you want.

Council Candidates

Ken Achenbach

Throughout my life I’ve been told I’m always in the right place at the right time. Whistler needs my ideas, actions and solutions, now. All that being at the right place and time means is that someone has their senses open to the possibilities of how they can influence change and make life better. I’ll bring to Whistler a rebirth of livability through affordable housing, apartments and smaller housing lots, so we can recapture our almost lost residents and lifestyle. I’ll bring business rebirth with a surfpark/sports center, and most of all transparency and involvement for the people of Whistler.

Michael d’Artois

I am a 30-year Whistler resident. I have volunteered, sponsored, and supported many Whistler organizations. I am not unfamiliar with the relationship of municipal staff, proponents, community and council. I have seen every development and rezoning since 1975. I am also a Whistler business person. I came up through the ranks, paid my dues and understand the stresses and challenges Whistler businesses face every day. We are where we are today because there is a powerful and vocal local community sharing deep values for Whistler. I would like to continue being a part of this proud and effective voice.

McCaul Balmer

My education and experience in tourism, combined with my passion for the environment, would be a great asset for our municipal government. Whistler has some massive challenges ahead and I think my "big picture tourism" knowledge is needed on council. I will make intelligent decisions while looking out for our community’s best interests economically and environmentally through the positive implementation of helpful, well-planned public strategy. Why would we not want a young, educated, tourism specialist in municipal government? We need our Olympic legacies and capital expenditures from the municipality and Intrawest to improve our attractiveness as a resort destination and community.

Shane Bennett

Do we want a similar composition on the next council as we had for the last – Ken as mayor (hopefully ethical but naive), a lawyer (to protect us, did not work last time), a couple of do-gooders, a green guy maybe and a few self-serving hidden-agenda types? To stop a repeat we need a provocateur, someone that can and has ferreted out the causes of our problems and can offer innovative solutions – not just a patch for the effect. Honest, ethical, borderline genius, wannabe Councillor Shane Bennett – without him you will get more of the same.

Inge Flanagan

We talk about wanting a cohesive council, and that means councillors that respect each other and work together, often with differing opinions, for the good of the community. I have a proven track record of working well on boards of directors with many diverse and strong people. Whistler has been my family’s home for over 27 years. I am not here by accident. It’s a conscious choice to stay and embrace the Whistler lifestyle, and to work within the community to improve or add what might be missing. When I or the team I’m working with set an objective, I make sure we get the job done. If you look at my track record, you will find I get the job done on time!

Ralph Forsyth

I offer a new voice and a positive vision for Whistler’s future where young families can look forward to owning a home, employees have meaningful career opportunities and entrepreneurs share in the success of our resort. This vision is reinforced by a sound decision making process that can address any issue confidently. The qualities that differentiate me include my proven tourism industry and local governance expertise, and a commitment to Whistler; as illustrated by the many organizations I contribute to, and demonstrated by raising my young family here. Finally, I have worked hard and prepared myself to assume this leadership role.

Stephen Jiu

I am running for council to represent myself and friends that are owners, managers and employees of businesses that are directly affected by our declining tourism economy and infrastructure. I plan to strengthen Whistler through world-class, international, celebrity, and multicultural events. This will unite us as a community, in a celebration for families to witness culture, traditions and holidays. Affordable housing is a priority for me, to operate Whistler as efficiently as possible with qualified people instead of them leaving. On Nov. 19th a vote for Steve Jiu will guarantee that you have someone that will work hard to increase tourism in Whistler throughout all levels of its infrastructure.

Jamey Kramer

I will make economic decisions in the best interests of the vast majority (the working class), while doing everything in my power to protect the quality of your life in Whistler.

Bob Lorriman

I am educated and informed on many of the issues and opportunities facing our community through the various boards, committees and task forces I sit on. I have been a consistent critic of the status quo which has failed to deliver meaningful public participation, transparency and accountability. The mismanagement of the sledge hockey decision highlights the need for meaningful public participation. I strongly believe that democracy depends on knowledgeable citizens whose access to a range of information enables them to participate. I will spearhead the change from this "command and control" leadership to a more engaged, learning-based approach.

Doug Lundgren

Fiscal responsibility. We live in a town where homeowners pay to haul their own garbage, do not have sidewalks or street lights and are still asked to pay some of the highest taxes in the province to subsidize a tourism company and a bloated, over-managed municipal bureaucracy. Three-hour free parking will immediately stimulate the village centre and relieve another hidden resident tax. Please vote for Doug Lundgren. I will remember that tax money is your money for your community!

Gordon McKeever

The eight most important words an incumbent seeking re-election can say are "I did what I said I would do." Three years ago I campaigned by talking about my values, my concerns and my priorities. The candidate presented to you became the councillor you elected. I have just spent the last three years expressing those values, acting on those concerns and working towards those priorities. To validate this statement, as part of this current campaign I have included my 2002 campaign website, complete and unedited, so all can compare. I did what I said I would do, but I'm not done yet.

Sonya McCarthy

I have lived here for 25 years and have served on the boards of 22 local organizations. I am known as a life long volunteer and an exceptional fundraiser. I was elected to council in 1986. I was voted Citizen of the Year in 1991. I work very hard. I do my homework. I get the job done. I am a good listener and I would like to be the voice of the average citizen at municipal hall. I really care about Whistler. Let’s bring the fun back!

Chris Quinlan

One word: engagement, with the community and the issues. I am an active member of WORCA, two local theatre groups, director of the Whistler Health Care Foundation, a volunteer for WAG and the CFOW. I have logged countless hours at council meetings, participated in non-cost housing, business readiness, and housing needs assessment committees. I am up to speed on Class 1/6, hotel tax, Rainbow, and senior’s housing. I respect the ability of municipal staff and will give them clearly defined and achievable directions/goals. We will achieve successful community engagement and manage the Olympic opportunities to the best benefit of our community.

Marianne Wade

On November 19, 2005 vote for Marianne Wade because I am committed to Whistler. My four priorities are to: build affordable and seniors housing, diversify the tourism economy, maximize the Olympics, and transparent government. Our success is dependant upon our ability to retain our local residents. This can be accomplished through developing inclusive housing policy and utilizing financial tools available through senior governments. The Whistler experience is the soul of our residents, that familiar face and same standard of service they experience the last visit. Thank you for listening to me and I look forward to listening to you!

Tim Wake

Experience: I have been at the table for many municipal issues (Transportation, Housing, Healthy Communities, Whistler 2020, Chamber) in the past 11 years. A Positive Approach: I will help build a functioning team in municipal hall. Housing: After eight years at the Whistler Housing Authority, I will be a champion for housing on council. Engaging Our Community: We are not doing this. And we must do it. Transparency: You have a right to know what council is doing. Fiscal Responsibility: Municipal spending can be more efficient. Business Experience: 25 years of it.

Nancy Wilhelm-Morden

You may agree or disagree with me or other candidates on a particular issue. Please do not base your vote on that – issues come and go. Look at the person asking for your vote – is that person knowledgeable about the community and the issues, ethical, a clear thinker and decision-maker? There are important opportunities and challenges facing Whistler – the run-up to the Olympics, managing growth we are already committed to, affordable housing. I have lived here since 1973, served on council three times, and am a practicing lawyer. I have the skills to serve you well over the next three years.

Eckhard Zeidler

Think there's a Green Chair at council that needs to be occupied by a candidate with a proven track record and dedication to environmental issues? Then vote for Eckhard Zeidler. With 25 years as an investment banker I bring a business approach to environmental issues. Concerned about ever more growth at a time when the tourism market is telling us to take a breather? Think Whistler and taxpayers should be informed and defended against debt and costs associated with the Olympics and "quick-fix" economic solutions? Want someone proactive and imaginative on council? Then please vote for Eckhard Zeidler.



Comments