The Burnaby NOW asked every candidate running for office in the Oct. 20 civic election to fill out a questionnaire. We hope this helps you make an informed decision at the ballot box.
Candidates were given strict word limits and a deadline to submit their answers. Those who missed the deadline will not have their questionnaires posted and answers exceeding word limits will be cut off.
More candidate questionnaires can be found here and more of our election coverage can be found here.
Name: Joe Keithley
Current occupation: Musician, activist, business owner and entrepreneur
Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in Burnaby and coached youth baseball and soccer while raising three children with my wife. I’m best known as leader of the band D.O.A. I’ve been inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame.
At the age of 16, I became a Greenpeace activist and spent my entire adult life fighting for people’s rights. I’ve organized and performed at over 300 rallies for women’s rights, environmental issues, as well as events against war and racism. As a business owner, I’ve negotiated hundreds of contracts; I would use these skills to help the people of Burnaby.
What are the top three issues in Burnaby right now and what would you do to fix them?
1. Affordability: The BCA has raised taxes year after year. Seniors, the young, and the middle class continue to struggle. We would ensure a two year property tax freeze and would facilitate affordable housing, more co-ops and affordable rentals. Housing is a right, not a privilege. Promote a living wage.
2. Daycare: Burnaby has become a daycare desert (Post Media). The BCA promised 12 new daycare units in 2014; now, four years later, they have two barely approved. We will accommodate and help seniors’ needs by combining space and services for young and old.
3. Sustainability and Environment: Stop Kinder Morgan expansion. 2020: no plastic bags and straws. All schools become community schools, to accommodate daycare, seniors, etc. 2025: all Burnaby vehicles will run on renewable energy.
If you have run for office before, what have you learned? If you have not, why are you running now?
In the last elections, I’ve canvassed over 10,000 voters and learned the prerequisite for a politician is to listen to voters, but few do. I will promote grassroots democracy, where everybody has a say, not just friends of politicians. We need honesty and compassion; I currently see very little.
What is one achievement and one failure of Burnaby council in the last four years?
The one achievement of the BCA was to stand up against the KM pipeline; but, it must be said that it looks like this was really just a move of political expediency. The Greens have always been against endangering our environment and against subsidizing the fossil fuel industry.
Clearly, the biggest failure has been the lack of compassion the BCA council has shown when it comes to demovictions. The BCA has had years of opportunities to eliminate donations from developers and help the people of Burnaby. It looks like they have forgotten who Tommy Douglas was.
What would make you a good councillor/mayor?
We are in a critical time where division, racism, poverty, and homelessness are rising. All positive change starts on the street, in your neighbourhood. Part of being Canadian is helping your neighbours, because it’s the right thing to do. I believe in sustainability, grassroots democracy, and the human spirit.
What movie is most relevant to your life and why?
On The Waterfront (1954) with Marlon Brando. This movie epitomizes one man’s struggles against unbridled corruption and greed. He fights the power and is bullied and almost killed, but stands up again on his own two feet. In the end, the corrupt antagonist shows his true avarice and cowardliness.
How can voters reach you?
604 777 6972 [email protected] BurnabyGreenParty.com
