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: Pietro Calendino
Current occupation: Councillor
Tell us about yourself.
Resident of Burnaby for 45 years, believe in volunteering and commitment to the community. As chair the Public Safety Committee I ensure that Burnaby stays a safe place to live, work, play. I like to keep property taxes low while ensuring services are maintained efficient and at best level.
I worked for managed growth in town centres while preserving family neighbourhoods. I will work to keep Burnaby a fiscal and environmental leader as well as an inclusive, welcoming and safe community. In my years of public service I have gained invaluable experience that makes me an effective and responsible Councillor.
What are the top three issues in Burnaby right now and what would you do to fix them?
Issue #1
The Trans Mountain pipeline and the flawed NEB process that puts all the risks onto Burnaby and no responsibility on Trans Mountain in case of spill or fire or earthquake. We are accessing all possible legal avenues to enforce our bylaws and stop the construction of the pipeline.
Issue #2
Road Safety. Distracted Driving is the No. 1 cause of accidents in spite of heavy fines and possible suspension. Aggressive driving & speeding are also of concern. I will work with RCMP to increase monitoring and enforcement for both distracted driving and speeding on major roads and on neighbourhood streets.
Issue #3
Rental housing is a concern. Heavy influx of people to Metro Vancouver and purpose rental eliminated by Ottawa some 30 years ago, has created a crisis. We are working with new Provincial regulations for developers to replace all units they tear down and encourage them to add even more.
If you have run for office before, what have you learned? If you have not, why are you running now?
Experience has taught me that people matter. My modus operandi is listening to citizens. While not always in agreement with certain opinions, I follow up on issues raised. I have learned that the public interest comes first above personal beliefs. As an inclusive society, we must be open to the needs and aspirations of all. An admirable accomplishment of Burnaby is that we tend to reflect the diversity of our community in policy and practice.
What is one achievement and one failure of Burnaby council in the last four years?
The most noticeable achievement of Burnaby Council is to have improved on the already enviable fiscal status of the city. Council has built up enough reserves to be able to replace our aging infrastructures and absorb the capital cost of new amenities such as Community Centres, pools, ice arenas, child care centres, etc., at no cost to property owners. Much of the capital comes from the density bonus in the town centres. We are also proud to have protected residential neighbourhoods and to have increased still the parks and green spaces.
Failure:
Not having been able to keep up with...[exceeded word limit]
What would make you a good councillor/mayor?
Experience is a strong quality of good councillor. One needs to know the community and understand the needs of the community. Listening to the citizens is paramount whether you agree with them or not. When one does not know the answer, ask for expert study and advise before taking action.
What movie is most relevant to your life and why?
I generally don’t go to movies, but one impressed in my memory is “On the Waterfront” with Marlon Brando. It’s the struggle of workers and their abject condition before unions. Today we owe the high standard of living we enjoy to the fight of unions carried out on our behalf.
How can voters reach you?
