Campobello Island Ward 2 Candidate: Fanina R. Kodre Alexander
1. As candidates, what would be your key priorities over the next four years in your community?
To address the unique challenges our community faces and to help secure a sustainable future for our island. Our economy relies heavily on fishing and tourism, industries that are deeply rooted in our culture and heritage and intricately connected to our natural environment.
- Improve transportation links, advocating for year-round reliable ferry service and permanent infrastructure to support residents and visitors.
- Support sustainable fishing practices and promote eco-friendly tourism that respects our natural environment and local heritage.
- Enhance community services and infrastructure without compromising the environment or fiscal stability.
2. How would you achieve those priorities within your mandate?
I hope to fill the current gap on the Council team and will work collaboratively within Council to seek funding and implement policies that strengthen our transportation and economic stability. I will be actively lobbying both provincial and federal governments to secure a year-round ferry for Campobello. We are the only Canadians who do not have direct access to the rest of our own country, mainland Canada, relying on a bridge to the USA and a seasonal ferry that operates only from June to September. This limits year-round access to essential services, contactors, goods, visitors, etc. affecting both residents and local businesses. Our population is declining and our economy is suffering. The current global political situation makes travel through the USA increasingly challenging and highly undesirable. Further, I will engage with the local community, stakeholders, and businesses to better understand their needs and ensure our initiatives encompass them.
3. How will you ensure transparency and accountability in council decisions and communication with residents?
I have always advocated for open communication through regular updates, accessible and open public meetings, and timely responses to any concerns raised. I will continue to maintain transparency in all decisions and build trust. I hope to increase community participation.
4. What is your approach to managing growth and development while preserving the character of the community?
As a UN staff member I have extensive experience in dealing with governments, sustainable development, environmental security, nature and wildlife conservation. Growth will be managed in a thoughtful balanced way, ensuring development can continue without affecting the resilience of our ecosystem. I will continue to advocate for the preservation of Campobello’s rural charm and natural beauty. I will support future planning that respects our environment and cultural identity.
5. What is your position on property taxes, and how would you balance affordability with maintaining services?
Property taxes are one the biggest expenses our community faces. Council is responsible to keep taxes as affordable as possible, while providing the best services as possible. I will not support unnecessary tax increases, but I will also not allow degradation of our services. In this regard a balance can be achieved by prioritizing spending (essential services come first), careful and resourceful long-term planning, seeking additional funding from provincial and federal governments, anticipating change, reducing waste and increasing efficiency, and keeping our community involved and engage.
6. Why are you the best candidate to represent your ward, and what experience do you bring to the role?
As a proud resident of Campobello Island, I am running for Councillor of Ward 2 to address the unique challenges our community faces and to help secure a sustainable future for our island. I understand the island’s needs and values. I am fair, just, dedicated, approachable, and prepared to represent Ward 2 with integrity and vision.
Together, we can build a resilient community that thrives while preserving the natural beauty and spirit of Campobello Island. I ask for your support to represent Ward 2 with enthusiasm, dedication and vision. Your support will help us build a stronger, sustainable, and vibrant Campobello Island.
Each candidate was provided with the same six questions and equal limits on response length and time. Candidates who did not have publicly available contact information through Elections New Brunswick were required to contact The Courier in accordance with its Municipal Election Coverage Fairness Policy. Candidates who did not respond or declined to participate are noted. Failure to participate will not result in additional coverage elsewhere in the newspaper.
