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Comox council candidate Davis points to affordable housing, core infrastructure, as priorities

Don Davis is one of four candidates running in the Comox byelection for the vacated seat on council. The Record has offered each candidate the opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and explain why they chose to run in the byelection.
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Don Davis is one of four candidates running in the Comox byelection for the vacated seat on council. The Record has offered each candidate the opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and explain why they chose to run in the byelection.

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I was born and raised in Alberta and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1966. I served on a number of bases as an AFP/MP and in the Construction Engineering Branch. I retired and returned to Comox in 1990.

In 1992, I was appointed to the town’s Advisory Design Panel at its inception. This piqued an interest in the workings of local politics, and I regularly attended council meetings, learning the ins and outs of the town until elected.

I became a town councillor in 1999 and served two terms. I served on the Harbour Commission, Community Justice Society, Economic Development, Vancouver Island Regional Library, Chamber of Commerce and Sewer Commission. My wife Judi and I live in Comox.

My mandate from the beginning is core infrastructure. Our roads and sewers need to be upgraded to serve our growing population. Priorities are better inter-community co-operation including First Nations, affordable housing, and sustainability.

The main problems in our community are a lack of affordable housing, mental health issues including drug and alcohol abuse, and crime. These issues must be addressed while making every effort to protect our environment. We must continue to replace aging infrastructure. A recent sewage leak may have been avoided with regular inspection and maintenance. Aging sidewalks, better traffic controls, and lack of downtown parking need to be considered. My proudest accomplishment was to make the motion that led to the construction of a new library, which provided much-needed space and better location for the Comox Archives and Museum.

I believe that a fair, open and transparent process will get a valid outcome, and never enter deliberations over any issue with a preconceived solution. I always listen to all input and try to make the best decision for the entire community. I will advocate for greater opportunity for members of the public to speak at council meetings, making agendas available earlier and simplifying the process for becoming a delegation.

I have faithfully attended council meetings for the last 30 years and during the recent pandemic have kept up with the issues. My vision for Comox is that it continues to be a beautiful, safe and affordable community, for all segments of society. We must ensure that everyone in our community has a roof over their heads. If there are questions, my website is dondavis.ca and on Facebook at Don Davis for Comox Council.