Jeff Hill

I was born and raised in rural Eastern Ontario, grew up in a family business environment and have been dealing with the public from a very young age. At 15, I moved to British Columbia and lived in the Cowichan and Okanagan valleys for many years before once again venturing out east. I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of acid rain on the lakes in my area growing up, and concern for this situation introduced me to the environmental movement.

I'm particularly concerned with the gang violence in the lower mainland. If we continue the drug prohibition, like alcohol prohibition did generations ago, it can only bring escalating violence, police corruption, a loss of all our civil rights, filled-up jails and gun toting gangsters.

The only way to stop this increasing violence is to directly cut off the gangs' funding - by ending drug prohibition. Once marijuana is regulated and taxed, and other drugs are dealt with accordingly, we will be able to deal with drugs as a social issue instead of a criminal one. This will free up police resources to deal with more serious crimes, including alcohol-induced violence.

The BC Green Party proposes to re-prioritize spending to reflect a diminished preoccupation with futile and expensive "wars". The principles of non-violence, diversity, sustainability and decentralized governance are paramount to the policies of the BC Green Party. If we are to find extra revenue for transportation improvements, better housing for the homeless, and more resources for education, government has to get out of its pointless endeavors that chew up resources for no public benefit.

More must be done to prioritize walking, cycling and transit as the preferred modes of transportation in our urban centres. Sustainable development, responsible transit planning and giving more incentive for people to use transit over private automobiles are three transportation-related issues that are dear to me.

Having worked in the restaurant industry, I have seen firsthand the total disregard for the environment that most businesses seem to have. Simply recycling cardboard and fryer oil is just not enough and more needs to be done. I have yet to work in one restaurant that composts, or separates their garbage at all. Yet, I have brought this issue up at each place of employment and always get the response "no one will pick it up" or "it would be too difficult". The sheer volume of garbage that restaurants generate must be dealt with, we should look to Prince Edward Island for inspiration, the 3-compartment garbage can is an everyday item in that province. The BC government needs to do more so apartment residents and businesses have opportunities and incentives for urban composting and recycling.

I believe that it is time for fresh minds, fresh ideas, and honest, open and accountable representation in Victoria. May 12th vote for the Green Party and say yes to BC-STV.