Learn more about Sooke Together’s candidates & issues

Over the last few months, we’ve been sharing a variety of information about the Sooke Together candidates – who they are, their experience, their vision for Sooke and why they brought their four independent voices together.

They’ve knocked on doors, met residents, volunteers and business owners in local neighourhoods and attended community events, all to hear your questions, your concerns and your ideas. From those conversations, Helen Ritts, Steve Sorensen, Susan Belford and Brian McHattie created their 36 Action Items – a practical plan for a safe, connected, thriving Sooke.

Notably, Item 36 recognizes that being elected to Sooke Council is just the first step. The real work comes next, and the conversations don’t stop. Item 36 reads “Tell us what we’re missing. Council’s role is to listen, be guided by community plans and make decisions in the best interest of the overall community. Tell us what priorities need to be updated or added to.”

Of course, our platform isn’t the only opportunity to learn about the issues and candidates this election. Sooke is fortunate to include many thoughtful, engaged individuals and organizations invested in this place we call home. Below, you’ll find conversations with Sooke Radio and participation at the Oct. 6 All Candidates Forum.

Sooke Radio’s Sue Elrington’s conversations with council candidates

Susan Belford

Brian McHattie

Helen Ritts.

(Sooke Together’s Steve Sorensen was out of town during the interview window).

Sooke Together also supports independent mayoral candidate Al Beddows – hear his Sooke Radio interview with fellow candidate Kevin Pearson here.

Sooke All Candidates Forum

For those unable to attend this week’s all candidates forum hosted by the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce and the Sooke Multi-Belief Initiative, you can view the full YouTube video below or jump to learn more from Sooke Together’s candidates:

Susan Belford

Hear & view her Introduction.

Question 1 response: Supporting local business and employment.

Question 2 response: Transportation and infrastructure priorities.

Question 3 response: Wildfire preparedness and climate resilience.

Question 4 response: Affordable and attainable housing.

Audience question: Balancing values, ethics, morals, and opinion against community needs.

Closing remarks.

Brian McHattie

Hear & view his Introduction.

Question 1 response: Supporting local business and employment.

Question 2 response: Transportation and infrastructure priorities.

Question 3 response: Wildfire preparedness and climate resilience.

Question 4 response: Affordable and attainable housing.

Audience question: Balancing values, ethics, morals, and opinion against community needs.

Closing remarks.

Helen Ritts

Hear & view her Introduction.

Question 1 response: Supporting local business and employment.

Question 2 response: Transportation and infrastructure priorities.

Question 3 response: Wildfire preparedness and climate resilience.

Question 4 response: Affordable and attainable housing.

Audience question: Balancing values, ethics, morals, and opinion against community needs.

Closing remarks.

Steve Sorensen

Hear & view his Introduction.

Question 1 response: Supporting local business and employment.

Question 2 response: Transportation and infrastructure priorities.

Question 3 response: Wildfire preparedness and climate resilience.

Question 4 response: Affordable and attainable housing.

Audience question: Balancing values, ethics, morals, and opinion against community needs.

Closing remarks.