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Port Hardy: Eric Ralph

Not at this time. In some areas we have water pipes that are over 40 years old which are conservatively losing 10 per cent of our water.
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Eric Ralph

1. Do you support the installation of water meters and if yes, who should pay for them?

2. Because Port Hardy has experienced a marked decline in population in recent years should we cut the number of councillors from six to four and why or why not?

3. More than 50 per cent of Port Hardy pool users are from outside the district yet we fund the entire operation. How can we recoup some of the costs?

4. Why should people vote for you?

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1. Not at this time. In some areas we have water pipes that are over 40 years old which are conservatively losing 10 per cent of our water. Replacing these pipes is a much higher priority. If in the future we decide to install meters, it should be done with grant funding.

2. If the 2011 census indicates the population is stabilizing then I believe we should stay at six councilors. One thing to consider is the total budget for Port Hardy is $13.3 million. The cost of two councilors is $24,000 or two-tenths of 1 per cent of the budget. I believe the value of broader based representation in the decision making process is worth the expenditure.

3. The residents of Port Hardy decided long ago to have a pool. The fact that many people outside the district use that facility helps with our operational costs. If there comes a time when we are faced with major capital costs, then I think it is only fair that we approach the regional district and the local Bands to share in that cost.

4. In my first term as councilor I have attended every regular council meeting. I have done my best to be informed and objective. I have been a council representative on several committees including: Operational Services, Legislative Review, Health Network Steering, Community Forest, Planning Harbour Commission and Tsulquatie Watershed. I will bring all that knowledge and experience to the next term.

I also bring 28 years experience in the forest industry, two years in the tourist industry and two years in the fishing industry. My wife, three grown children and grandchildren live in Port Hardy. I want to make this a better place to live.