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Finn Saarinen

Candidate profile
68895_l

Hockey Card:

Occupation: Geologist, carpenter, photographer, retail sales, Roundhouse ski storage guy and unofficial ambassador of Whistler for 40 years, because I love Whistler!

Furthest place travelled: To the Himalayas. I survived a 30-day expedition to photograph Mount Everest.

Describe yourself using in five words or less: Strong. Attentive. Kind. Clear. Committed.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I won the Canadian telemark ski championships 30 years ago with skinny skis, leather boots, Byron Gracie's oyster-shucking goggles and a big pompom on my toque.

Profile Questions:

What do you see as the top election issues? The number one issue is the pay parking because it relates to everything - no parking, no customers, stores go bankrupt, no jobs, no tenants and mortgage foreclosures all lead to visitors and locals leaving Whistler and never coming back. Second, the current administration is completely ignoring the voice of voters on the issues of high taxes, the asphalt plant's nasty pollution, over-spending and municipal managers' high salaries in this dismal economy.

How would you address the budget shortfall? It is time for a reality check. Time to slow down on frivolous capital spending. How about a zero-based operating budget? What do we really need? We can do better.

What do you think is the RMOW's role in boosting tourism? Continue to provide professional maintenance of our world-class resort and work with other agencies and groups on marketing in order to avoid duplication and save on expenses.

What would you do to enhance the environment for business? Revoke pay parking in Lots 3, 4 and 5 immediately. Bring in the media with headlines: "New mayor and council announce 'Free Parking, We are Open for Business!'" Also freeze on taxes before the village becomes a ghost town.

Give an example of a difficult situation you have overcome: Up in the Yukon, I just barely survived a devastating helicopter crash that killed the pilot. The experience gave me an incredible appreciation for each moment of life and for how lucky I am to be alive and living the dream in Whistler.

Where can people go to get your election platform? Contact "Da Finn" on Facebook with any questions.



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