My name is Harold Long, and I’m running for mayor of the City of Courtenay.
I was born and raised in Courtenay, and this is where we’ve raised our three children. We have five grandchildren that may decide to stay and enjoy our area.
I served three terms on Courtenay council, with the excellent leadership of Mayor George Cochrane.
After high school graduation, I took an apprenticeship in plumbing and pipefitting, then later formed my own company. That led to the working on numerous commercial and industrial projects on the North Island.
With prudent financial management of my business, I was in a position to invest in the Comox Valley. Having confidence in Courtenay’s future, I purchased land in the late 1980s and over the years developed it into Valley View Estates.
I went on to other projects in our Valley, which has given me the title of ‘developer.’ As a developer, I certainly don’t apologize for the jobs created, the wealth created or the affordable homes provided.
I have not purchased development land in Courtenay for over five years, and have no intention to, with my retirement pending.
As a 28-year member of the Courtenay Rotary club, I have had the privilege of managing construction on many projects. With the community’s support we have built the Water Park, Martin Park Play Centre, Puntledge Nature Trail, and the Simms Pavilion.
With time available to serve the City of Courtenay in a fiscally responsible manner, I will work hard to earn the confidence and support of the Courtenay voters.
I believe it is the mayor’s responsibility to bring the elected councillors into a functioning body to run the city.
What is my platform as mayor ?
1) Put a lid on tax increases
2) Balance the budget without drawing down reserve funds
3) Repair and upgrade infrastructure – roads, water and sewer systems
4) Facilitate the densification of the downtown core with residential units, this will revive and enhance the downtown businesses
5) Resolve our traffic congestion over the river. We do not need another bridge. What we need to do is, improve traffic flows to and from the bridge, without red lights on the exits. The bridges have a lot more capacity than we are presently using, and will serve us well into the future.
I am running as an independent citizen for mayor. I will work to lead Courtenay council with the best interests of our residents at heart.
And I would appreciate the support of those that want to keep our jewel intact, as we move into the future.
Thank you for considering me, for the position of mayor of Courtenay,