Sue Zacharias's Election Platform

Interested in what a re-elected Sue Zacharias would do for you - the voter?

You can read her platform/goals on her Facebook page here

Update - Editor's Note: for sake of convenience, find below Ms. Zacharias Goals if re-elected:

Platforms and Issues Sue Will Work On:

1. Encourage new and secondary industry to settle in Williams Lake. We have now provided a, thoughtful, Permissive Tax Exemption to strategic industrial areas in Williams Lake. Tax incentives to businesses and industry, whether primary or secondary, whether looking to invest or diversify in Williams Lake, are necessary so we can generate more industrial and commercial tax revenue to help offset rising residential tax rates. I would like to work for you as a member of Council to engage local industry leaders within our community to continue to find innovative ways to do this.

2. Endeavour to work with the Provincial and Federal Governments to bring our tax dollars back into our region. We need new roads, more infrastructure, clean water, and proper sewer for many areas. We must continue to Reduce, Re-use and Recycle in order to bring down our soaring solid waste costs. The City of Williams Lake has now embarked on a modern, innovative recycling and solid waste program which began last year. I had the honour of sitting on the CRD Solid Waste Committee this past year and we will be setting into motion, soon, the results of the committee’s recommendations on how to aggressively begin a new and improved decade of Solid Waste management.

‎3. Crime and vandalism is still the number one issue on everyone’s minds today. This issue affects the well being of the whole community. With Councils support, I will continue to work with the Provincial and Federal governments to bring funding into place to help create programs for youth who are at-risk. We need Community Groups, such as Firemen, RCMP, Sea Cadets, and Scouts, to work together to form mentoring groups for at-risk youth. Prolific offenders must continue be incarcerated for the appropriate amount of time. All citizens need to be doing everything they can to protect their property and be vigilant by reporting any suspicious activity. We need to continue the positive steps that have already been started by our 2008-2011 council. I would also like to work with Interior Health, with Councils support, for a Detoxification Center in our area that would service the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region. Addiction is a disease. We need to show compassion and care for the addict who has this disease, as we would for the person who has the disease of cancer or diabetes. I am also very interested in the Community Court concept. With Councils support, I would like to see a Pilot Program initiated in Williams Lake and surrounding areas. As a Council and working with other partners in the community we have begun to address the issue of low-income housing and homelessness. We have fewer people living on the streets.

4. I enjoyed working with the CRD, with the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition [CCBAC] in 2007. That experience has given me an overview and regional perspective on the Pine Beetle Mitigation Strategy. We will continue to work very closely with all levels of government over the next 5 years regarding this major event and the transitioning of our economy. There is much to be done in trades training and re-training workers to support a diversified economy in our resource driven region. We lobbied the Provincial government last year and received 3 million dollars for the Cariboo region to help set in motion, actions to help generate economic growth.

5. I have been an active partner in fostering a “Team Spirit” between the City of Williams Lake and the C.R.D over the years. We have achieved some important goals in the last 3 years by partnering with each other.

6. I will continue to work hard for residents to:

-- Promote tourism as a prime economic generator for the community.
--Reduce negative effects of the Provincial Carbon Tax for Northern Residents in our region.
--Increase the ability to process our timber locally.
--Amend Legislation as to who can vote in municipal elections regarding corporate votes.
--Continue to work hard toward a vital, healthy, busy Downtown Core. The downtown core is an extremely important asset to the City of Williams Lake. I believe with the right actions and strategies we can keep the downtown attractive, thriving and an important economic generator for the community.
--Advocate for seniors in our community is another high priority. My mother, Shirley McMillan, has lived in Williams Lake for 50 years. As a councillor I would have an open door policy, at all times, to listen to the issues affecting seniors. I would like to work with Council in attracting more retirees to our region. We offer a uniquely safe and economical community to retire in when compared to other larger centers.
--As a business leader in the community I have a proven track record as someone who can make decisions, think strategically, and act fairly. I will continue to bring those strengths and leadership abilities to Council. In times such as these, we will require strong, committed leaders to take us through the challenges ahead. I want to make a positive impact on this community so that our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren may have the option to live, work, and play in Williams Lake.