Vote Susan Belford for Sooke

Imagine a Sooke that is…

Built in the public interest

With a vibrant economy

Safe, resilient and prepared

Connected communities

Let’s Make it Happen!

I am Susan Belford and I’m running for Sooke Council

I’m running because I believe in Sooke’s future as a thriving coastal town with a robust local economy; a town that lives up to its “compassionate town” designation, where everyone has a home; A town that is secure, prepared and resilient, where everyone feels safe and emergencies are answered quickly; A town where every development receives careful thought, and consistent rules are followed consistently.

A retired mediator and group facilitator, I have been a volunteer wherever I lived; starting a toy library in Vic West, furthering integrated pest management in View Royal, and conducting neighbourhood visioning engagements in Saanich. Since arriving in Sooke, I have served on the Land Use and Development Committee, and been involved with Transition Sooke, Sooke Arts Council, Zero Waste Sooke, Sooke Harbour Players, and Friends of Eagle Bluffs Forest Society. Want to learn more about me?

The previous Council has led the community in creating plans and pathways so that Sooke has an excellent foundation from which to grow and move forward. It needs leadership willing to work with the plans and represent ALL of Sooke.

As a senior on a low fixed income, I’m very motivated find ways to reduce the District’s dependence on residential property taxes, while ensuring that the service and infrastructure needs of our growing community are adequately met. One way to do this is by building our local economy– supporting our many unique business by providing needed space, zoning and other supports; welcoming new small businesses that will boost employment while keeping profits local; and by supporting our tourism and agriculture sectors.

I’m running with Steve Sorensen, Helen Ritts and Brian McHattie under the “Sooke Together” banner. We share values and a vision, and we are skilled, experienced, competent and ready to lead.

Our platform is simple:

Plan for the Public, not Private interest
Ensure public health and safety
Build the local economy
Connect neighbourhoods and improve transportation

Public Interest Decision-making

lobbyists represent private interests

Local government must serve the people and community of Sooke before private interests.

Consistent rules should be consistently applied.

All elements of a community– from housing to public health to environment — are connected and must be considered together.

Local Economic Development

businesses share the tax burden

Building our local economy will reduce the District’s dependance on residential property taxes to pay for services.

This means it is important to support local entrepreneurs and businesses, build our agricultural and tourism sector, and invite unique businesses and light industry to Sooke.

Healthy, Safe, Resilient Sooke

prepared and able to respond

A healthy, safe, resilient community starts with all people having homes that are free from pollutants and excessive heat or cold and protected from fire, flooding or landslides.