FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Neighbourhoods for a Sustainable Vancouver (NSV) enters 2011 civic election race with five candidates (Randy Helten for Mayor)
(Vancouver, October 20, 2011) Elector organization Neighbourhoods for a Sustainable Vancouver (NSV) announced today that it will be running five candidates in the November 19 civic election. Randy Helten runs for mayor, and Elizabeth Murphy, Terry Martin, Marie Kerchum, and Nicole Benson, for councillor positions.
Media Briefing
Monday, October 24, 2011, 9:15 a.m. (for 15 minutes)
Vancouver City Hall (south steps, at 453 West 12th Ave)
NSV is an organization of individual electors from neighbourhoods across Vancouver that pledges to restore “real democracy” to City Council. With real democracy, our City can handle all of its challenges better. We believe municipal government, which has exclusive control over land use and development, should operate in the interest of all residents and stakeholders in Vancouver. Those who regulate development should not be politically funded by the interests they regulate. NSV only accepts donations from individuals, not special interests.
NSV supports sustainable development in a scale, pace and form that protects affordable rental housing, heritage buildings and neighbourhood character, implemented through genuine grassroots neighbourhood-based planning processes. Decision-making at City Hall must be fixed to eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure that communities have genuine opportunities and a greater say in determining their future composition and character. Vancouver deserves a new alternative to the entrenched political parties in this City.
NSV is endorsing a diverse team of individuals—not career politicians, but committed, capable residents – who want to serve the public interest and are committed to the principles outlined on our website www.nsvancouver.ca
Randy Helten, NSV candidate for mayor, envisions Vancouver as a leading twenty-first century city—sustainable in every way, including socially, environmentally and economically. He founded CityHallWatch and MetroVanWatch to help empower citizens to engage our civic and regional governments and hold them accountable.
Elizabeth Murphy, a proponent for neighbourhood-based planning processes, has experience with CityPlan Community Visions program and community groups. A businesswoman with a professional background in the private and public sectors, she will bring a balanced approach to City Hall.
Terry Martin has a diverse background, including being former Chair of the Vancouver Board of Variance. With experience in small business and mental health work, he has in-depth knowledge of many civic issues and the ability to be an effective and knowledgeable advocate for all people and neighbourhoods of Vancouver.
Marie Kerchum served in an executive capacity as Registrar and Deputy Registrar for the BC College of Teachers for more than 17 years. Her experience with that regulatory body for the teaching profession, gave her a thorough understanding of issues of good governance in the public interest.
Nicole Benson is an activist for both social and environmental justice, and is involved in several non-profit organizations and community groups. She believes in transparency and accountability at all levels of government and advocates for greater citizen participation in the political process.
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Contact: Terry Martin — Mobile 778-316-8993 — nsvancouver@hotmail.com
Twitter @nsvancouver
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