Click to jump to respective section of the survey:

• Personal Info
• Multiple Choice Section
• Long(er) Answer Section:
• Arts and Culture
• By-laws and Enforcement
• Crime
• Development and Urban Renewal
• Electoral Reform
• Heritage
• Housing Affordability
• Immigration
• Intergovernmental Relationships
• Municipal Pensions
• Public Spaces and Walkability
• Regulations and Red Tape
• Seniors
• Snow Clearing
• Stormwater Management and Flooding
• Tax Policy
• Transportation
• Free Space

Personal Info

1. What special skills or expertise do you possess that may be relevant to voters?

Bernard Davis: My wife Sebrina (Cooper) and I are lifelong residents of St. John’s. I received my early education at St. Patrick’s Hall School and Brother Rice High School, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-Op) degree from Memorial University in 2002. I have been a committed volunteer for the majority of my life and enjoy giving back to the programs that make this city such a great place to live. I have had the honour of serving on many boards and volunteer organizations over the years.

Lou Puddister: I am a first-time Council candidate, so I offer a fresh perspective. I bring to the table a business background, balanced with a lifelong sense of social responsibility through community involvement. I have extensive experience in government relations, industry and board-governed organizations. Of particular note in the area of government relations, I played a key role in bringing the new Electronics Recycling program to NL. Having worked in human resources for a decade, I have dealt with a broad range of “people issues” over the years. As a result of these experiences, I am well-suited to serve on Council. I take a logical approach to addressing issues, considering the potential impact and implications of decisions from all sides. Given my diverse background, I am prepared to effectively address the concerns of Ward 4 residents while working cooperatively with City staff and Council colleagues.

2. What community organizations are you or have you been a member of?

Bernard Davis: Navy League Cadet movement where I steadily progressed through the ranks, ultimately achieving the position of Commanding Officer for #81 N.L.C.C. Polynia in St. John’s; Church Lads Brigade with 22 years of continuous volunteer service and having attained the rank of Captain; Member of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of St. Pius X Parish; Coached numerous minor baseball teams at the house league and all-star levels, has had the pleasure of coaching the St. John’s Junior Capitals for four national tournaments, and has coached the St. John’s senior team for a number of seasons. Also head coach of the Feildian’s senior baseball team and was involved with the Guards Athletic Association for 19 years; Chair for Newfoundland & Labrador’s Volunteer Week, a position I have held for the past three years; Community Representative on the Roncalli Elementary School Council; MacMorran Community Centre Board of Directors as Secretary; Executive positions with the Guards Athletic Association, the St. John’s Amateur and Minor Baseball Associations, the C.L.B. Regimental Staff, and the C.L.B. Officer’s Mess Executive; Served on organizing committees for the 2014 Senior Men’s National Baseball Championships bid, the RCMP’s Klondike Night and the 2007 Senior Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championships.

Lou Puddister: I began serving the St. John’s community at age 15 when I collected food bank donations door-to-door. There began a lifelong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to serve. Organizational involvement is highlighted below:

• Rotary Club of St. John’s: current member (20yrs), past president, and recognized by Rotary International as an honourary life member (Paul Harris Fellow)
• Crime Stoppers of Newfoundland & Labrador: provincial board member, past interim president of the Northeast Avalon branch
• City of St. John’s Cruise Ship Committee: citizens representative
• GoodLife Kids Foundation: Spin4Kids event host and volunteer
• St. John’s Jaycees: past president, and recognized by Junior Chamber International as an honourary life member (JCI Senator)
• The Gathering Place: past volunteer cook
• St. John’s Board of Trade: past director small business, past director international business
• Canadian Red Cross: 9/11 disaster relief volunteer
• Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee: past committee member (12yrs)
• Countless fund raising and community projects over the past three decades … too many to list!

In addition, I have been involved in several industry organizations including:

• NOIA
• NL Employers’ Council
• WHSCC

3. When and where have you run for public office before, and what public offices have you held?

Bernard Davis: Candidate City of St. John’s:

• By-Election 2008 – Ward 4
• Municipal Election – 2009 At Large

Lou Puddister: This is my first time running for public office.

4. What business or commercial operations have you or your family members engaged in within the last five years that may put you into a conflict of interest in matters of municipal governance?

5. In which ward and neighbourhood is your principal residence located?

 

Multiple Choice Questions

 

1. Of the following list of municipal issues, choose up to six that you consider priorities for improvement:

• Public Transit
• Snow Clearing
• Lower Taxes for Residents
• Lower Taxes for Businesses
• Affordable Housing
• Controlling Spending
• Promoting Tourism
• Crime Prevention
• Roads
• Parks and Recreation
• Transparency and Public Engagement
• Arts and Culture
• Fiscal Relationship with the Province
• Electoral Reform
• Traffic
• Parking
• Stormwater Management
• Urban Sprawl
• Regional Cooperation
• Water and Sewer Infrastructure
• Garbage, Recycling and Composting

Bernard Davis:

Lou Puddister: 

• Lower Taxes for Residents
• Roads
• Transparency and Public Engagement
• Fiscal Relationship with the Province
• Traffic
• Regional Cooperation

2. For the following list of statements, indicate whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, neither agree nor disagree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree:

a) The City of St. John’s should invest more in public services (water and sewer, public transit, snow clearing, etc.), even if this means raising taxes.

Bernard Davis:  Somewhat agree.

Lou Puddister: Somewhat disagree.

b) The City of St. John’s should reduce taxes, even if this means cuts to public services.

Bernard Davis: Strongly disagree.

Lou Puddister: Somewhat agree.

c) The City of St. John’s should design regulations to encourage high density development in the city core and discourage urban sprawl.

Bernard Davis: Somewhat agree.

Lou Puddister: Somewhat agree.

d) Metrobus service could benefit from minor improvements, but large additional investments are not a good use of taxpayers money.

Bernard Davis: Neither agree nor disagree.

Lou Puddister: Somewhat agree.

e) The St. John’s Harbour Authority should be pressured to restore public access to sections of the waterfront that are being fenced off.

Bernard Davis: Neither agree nor disagree.

Lou Puddister: Strongly disagree.

f) The bylaw governing the use of mobile signs should be made more strict to discourage their use.

Bernard Davis: Strongly agree.

Lou Puddister: Strongly agree.

g) New developments should be held to a zero net-runoff increase policy for stormwater, in order to protect watersheds and reduce the risk of flooding.

Bernard Davis: Strongly agree.

Lou Puddister: Neither agree nor disagree.

h) Regulations to protect heritage areas in the city should be relaxed in order to encourage new development.

Bernard Davis: Neither agree nor disagree.

Lou Puddister: Strongly disagree.

i) The city should take a harder line with people who park illegally in fire lanes.

Bernard Davis: Strongly agree.

Lou Puddister: Strongly agree.

j) Sidewalk snow clearing could benefit from minor improvements, but large additional investments are not a good use of taxpayers money.

Bernard Davis: Somewhat agree.

Lou Puddister: Somewhat agree.

k) The senior citizens tax reduction should be extended to all low income homeowners.

Bernard Davis: Strongly agree.

Lou Puddister: Neither agree nor disagree.

l) The City of St. John’s should implement a municipal composting program.

Bernard Davis: Somewhat agree.

Lou Puddister: Strongly agree.

m) Political donations to municipal candidates should be published in a public report and posted on the City of St. John’s website.

Bernard Davis: Strongly agree.

Lou Puddister: Strongly agree.

n) City parks could benefit from minor improvements, but large additional investments are not a good use of taxpayers money.

Bernard Davis: Somewhat disagree.

Lou Puddister: Somewhat disagree.

o) Traffic calming measures, including speed bumps and lower speed limits, should be expanded.

Bernard Davis: Strongly agree.

Lou Puddister: Strongly agree.

p) St. John’s should pursue amalgamation with neighbouring communities.

Bernard Davis: Somewhat agree.

Lou Puddister: Strongly agree.

q) Loud motorcycles are a problem and bylaws should be enacted to restrict them.

Bernard Davis: Somewhat agree.

Lou Puddister: Somewhat disagree.

r) The city should encourage more mixing of commercial and residential development.

Bernard Davis: Somewhat agree.

Lou Puddister: Neither agree nor disagree.

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Long(er) Answer Questions

Arts and Culture

1. What specific initiatives would you undertake to support arts and artists in the city?

Bernard Davis: I would commit to working with the arts community and all stakeholders involved ensuring our city is able to take advantage of all opportunities.

Lou Puddister: Formalize the process of engaging the arts community, to determine where support would be most beneficial. This could take the form of a consultation group, or perhaps a regularly scheduled arts & culture forum.

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By-laws and enforcement

2. What should be done to discourage illegal parking in fire lanes and other parking violations?

Bernard Davis: We must ensure that there is adequate enforcement put in place and I would look into possibly placing stiffer fines on people that break these laws.

Lou Puddister: Increase fines.

3. Would you support a volunteer group of concerned citizens to monitor parking lots and issue tickets and/or report violations?

Bernard Davis: Although it is important for our citizen to be involved in many aspects of our city I don’t feel this is an area where we can have residents monitoring parking lots as it would be too difficult for the control.

Lou Puddister: Issue tickets? No. Monitor and report? Definitely worth exploring.

4. What should be done to improve the enforcement of traffic laws?

 Bernard Davis: The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is responsible in ensuring that traffic laws are followed. It is important for our city council to work with the RNC to ensure that any issues are resolved and to ensure that problematic areas have increased monitoring.

Lou Puddister: Invest in automated camera/speed sensor systems on main arteries.

5. What can be done to reduce the number of parking tickets issued for parking on snow removal and street cleaning days?

Bernard Davis: It is very important that we notify residents of the areas that will be affected in a timely manner. We must ensure that signage is visible in these areas.

Lou Puddister: Provide more advance notice for snow removal and street clearing days. Issue “warning tickets” for a first offense.

6. What would you do to reduce illegal garbage dumping in the city?

Bernard Davis: It is very important that we educate the residents and advise them that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated. Any we must levy stiffer fines for those in violation of the law. Cameras are already in the city plan for areas of concern.

Lou Puddister: Support the installation of video camera surveillance.  Collaborate with the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) and Crime Stoppers. Implement much stiffer fines for convictions.

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Crime

7. What is your take on crime in St. John’s and what should the city do about it?

Bernard Davis: The city must continue to work with members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to ensure the safety of our residents is at the fore front. We also should form committees to look at ways to improve problematic areas.

Lou Puddister: The City must work in collaboration with all enforcement agencies and Crime Stoppers to encourage citizens to report crimes, which will result in more convictions and ultimately safer streets. Wherever possible, the City should contribute to solution-oriented dialogue and initiatives toward crime prevention.

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Development and Urban Renewal

8. The St. John’s Board of Trade argues that the city needs more high density residential development and less urban sprawl. Do you support the Board’s position, and if so what policies would you implement to achieve it?

Bernard Davis: I do support more high density residential development, however, we must ensure that we allow smart, well planned developments that keep our green spaces as well as our heritage and traffic in mind. We must ensure that there is open communication with all stakeholders involved.

Lou Puddister: I support high density living in areas where it has already been customary such as downtown; and new developments could certainly be designed upfront to facilitate high density living. However, I do not support the conversion of historic low density neighbourhoods into high density residences. Taxpayers who purchase a residence in a low density area should have the comfort of knowing that there will not be sudden or erratic changes to their neighbourhood — such as rezoning residential to commercial, or sub-dividing large residential lots.

9. What should be done with vacant properties (e.g. abandoned grocery stores and soon-to-be-closed schools), and what should the city be doing to ensure that these spaces are put to good use?

Bernard Davis: As a council we must work with the property owners to try and redevelop these vacant properties. If a property is left vacant and the owner has no intentions of allowing another development we must explore the options of increasing taxes on these vacant properties. It is important that the city council has regulations put in place to curb these situations. For example, the residents and businesses in Churchill Park are trying to revitalize the area and there is a vacant, dilapidated building that is hindering this revitalization.

Lou Puddister: We need to create disincentives for commercial property owners so they are less likely to maintain vacant space. For example, the tax break for vacant commercial property should be eliminated.  In terms of what should be done with vacant properties, the City can work with various parties to facilitate dialogue. Could a vacant store serve the needs of an entrepreneur who wants to establish an indoor playground or activity centre for young families? Could an abandoned school be converted into a community centre with offices and meeting space for non-profit organizations? Let’s engage the relevant people in meaningful dialogue, and let’s facilitate good planning practices that meet the needs of a wide range of parties.

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Electoral reform

10. The City of Toronto is planning to move to a ranked ballot system for municipal elections. This system reduces the problem of vote splitting in races with more than two candidates. Would you support a similar reform in St. John’s? Would you support some other kind of reform?

Bernard Davis: If our current system is working why would we change it?

Lou Puddister: I believe in researching best practices from other jurisdictions, studying their merits, and implementing those best suited to our needs. I will take the time to review the proposed ranked ballot system and will post a response to this question on my campaign website.

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Heritage

11. How do we balance real estate development with the preservation of heritage in historic St. John’s?

Bernard Davis: We must continue to work with developers to ensure that newly developed buildings will fit well into the area in which they are going. Our downtown core is so beautiful and historic. We must ensure that restoration of older buildings as well as new developments meet all requirements. We need a plan put in place that must be followed for everyone.

Lou Puddister: The answer to this question is stakeholder engagement. The City should bring developers and heritage organizations together. Facilitate solution-oriented discussions with a solid foundation of mutual respect for each other’s diverse perspectives. The answers to the tough questions facing our “old meets new” city will result from that process.

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Housing affordability

12. What initiatives would you support or undertake to address the following issues?

• a shortage of available rental housing
• rising costs of rental housing
• rising house prices

Bernard Davis: I would lobby the province and the federal government to work together to bring forward options to help address the growing shortage of affordable housing available in St. John’s. With a growing population and increased economic growth, low income individuals and families are finding it more difficult to afford housing. The price of buying a new house or renting an apartment continues to rise which is resulting in people having to choose between housing costs and other needs such as food. Partnerships are needed between all levels of government and developers to make sure affordable housing options are available for residents.

Lou Puddister: Housing affordability is a critical issue in St. John’s. I am very concerned with all three matters noted, especially rising rental costs as they affect low income families. The City needs to work with relevant partners to create a framework that ensures all citizens of St. John’s have a residence they can afford.  We must make St. John’s a livable city for ALL citizens. Are there other Canadian cities that have successfully addressed the issue of housing affordability? Let’s do our homework and find out how they did it.

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Immigration

13. What initiatives have you been involved with, or would you implement, to promote a welcoming and supportive environment for immigrants and refugees in our community?

Bernard Davis: It is very important that the city engages all stakeholders. The city can work with many groups to ensure that their needs are being fulfilled. By opening up the lines communication we will be able to better explore their needs to ensure that they feel welcomed and feel a part of this beautiful city we call home.

Lou Puddister: Associations operate programs that promote a welcoming and supportive environment for immigrants and refugees. The City could, as an example, work in partnership with them to offer a Welcome To The City orientation program.

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Intergovernmental relationships

14. What are two specific initiatives/issues at the federal or provincial level that you would commit to advocating for if you were elected?

Bernard Davis: We must Lobby the Provincial and Federal governments for commitments to help cost share for repairs and replacement of our current infrastructure. Our infrastructure is aging and some areas are in desperate need of repair and or replacement. The city of St. John’s will need these commitments from both levels of government in order to get this done.

Lou Puddister: 

1. Allocate a portion of the gasoline tax to the City of St. John’s.
2. Improve the fiscal arrangement with the province, so that there is greater revenue sharing for the City.

15. What opportunities for regional cooperation with neighbouring communities do you think should be pursued?

Bernard Davis: Every municipality should look at the services which they currently provide on their own to explore ways to ways to get economies of scale, in turn this would reduce operating costs for each municipality.

Lou Puddister: I’m sure there are many, but the key opportunity that comes to mind is the establishment of a regional public transit system.

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Municipal pensions

16. A recent submission from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business called for reforming the pensions of public sector workers. Their recommendations include:

1. Converting from ‘defined benefit’ to ‘defined contribution’ pensions
2. Ending incentives to retire early
3. Fully disclosing pension liabilities using a consistent methodology

Where do you stand on this issue?

Bernard Davis:

Lou Puddister: I agree with the recommendations of the CFIB.

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Public spaces and walkability

17. How would you foster community spaces and walkability in the city?

Bernard Davis: It is important that we continue to provide walking trails, parks and green spaces for residents to enjoy. If we are to be considered a Healthy City then we must give our residents every opportunity to enjoy or environment to the fullest.

Lou Puddister: St. John’s has an excellent system of walking trails. I would recommend improved and increased green spaces, particularly in newer developments. I would also suggest that we research best options for multi-use trails that facilitate alternative transportation methods such as bicycles, rollerblades, scooters and so on.

18. Do you support the harbour fence initiative? What would you do about it if elected?

Bernard Davis: We should definitely look at ways to simplify this process for all parties involved. It is important that we ensure the safety of residents and some of the regulations are put in place for these reasons. However we must find ways to make the process more efficient.

Lou Puddister: With respect to the harbour fence, we must be mindful of the fact that the harbourfront area is, first and foremost, a commercial port. Approximately 3,500 jobs are dependent upon the safe and efficient operation of the various port facilities. In light of this, safety and security of the public and of those working in the port must come first. The barrier is, quite simply, a requirement to maintain the commercial operations of the port. We still have access to unobstructed views of the ocean from other locations in and around the City such as Signal Hill, the various areas of the East Coast Trail and so on.

19. A commonly used walking trail between Cowan Heights and Sobey’s Square has been cut off by the Team Gushue Highway extension. Would you support the installation of a culvert tunnel so that pedestrians would not be forced to cross the highway?

Bernard Davis: It is very important that we talk to our seniors and find out what we can do to make our city more accessible and safer. This can be done by reaching out to them to ensure their needs are met where possible.

Lou Puddister: Would a culvert tunnel cause other concerns? We need to be certain that we don’t solve one problem and create another. In order for me to consider supporting this, all safety-related concerns would have to be thoroughly investigated and satisfactorily addressed.

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Regulations and red tape

20. How would you increase the speed of regulatory approvals for new business operations in the city (i.e. certification for restaurants, cafes, etc.)?

Bernard Davis: It is important that we concentrate on sidewalks in schools zones as well as hospitals. Ideally it would be great if we were able to have the sidewalks cleared on one side of every street throughout the city. We also must look at the best practices from other municipalities to explore equipment and processes to clean sidewalks as well as roadways.

Lou Puddister: I look forward to delving into the intricacies of doing business with the City of St. John’s and determining where improved efficiencies can be implemented, while maintaining the integrity of the regulatory framework. I would also research best practices in other municipalities. Who does it well? What cities have the most efficient systems? It’s worth exploring; then let’s discuss what we should consider implementing here.

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Seniors

21. What initiatives would you support to make the city safer and more accessible for our seniors?

Bernard Davis: It is very important that we talk to our seniors and find out what we can do to make our city more accessible and safer. This can be done by reaching out to them to ensure their needs are met where possible.

Lou Puddister: I’m sure there are others, but the key feedback I have received thus far from seniors in Ward 4 is the need for improved sidewalk snow clearing.

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Snow clearing

22. How do you propose to improve road and sidewalk snow clearing in St. John’s? Please address both and provide specific details.

Bernard Davis: It is important that we concentrate on sidewalks in schools zones as well as hospitals. Ideally it would be great if we were able to have the sidewalks cleared on one side of every street throughout the city. We also must look at the best practices from other municipalities to explore equipment and processes to clean sidewalks as well as roadways.

Lou Puddister: It would be prudent to consult with the City’s management staff who run both systems. I’m a citizen who has experienced frustration with the service, but I’m not in a position to provide detailed solutions on such a high priority issue until I can have discussions and get to the core of the problem. That being said, I am committed to working with City staff to find solutions to improve this key service.

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Stormwater management and flooding

23. Last year, a City Commissioner’s report found that watersheds, bridges, and culverts are unable to handle any additional stormwater runoff from planned developments above the 190m contour (such as Dannyville). The report recommends a zero-net increase runoff policy for new developments. Would you require developers to submit a blueprint that clearly incorporates a zero-net increase stormwater management plan prior to any land clearance or developmental phase? If so, how would you ensure that developers follow this policy?

Bernard Davis: I fully support the Zero net increase policy. We must ensure the residents downstream from any future developments are not impacted from any additional run off. Developers should have an engineering study completed before any development is approved.

Lou Puddister: This question requires further study and adequate time to thoroughly read the relevant documents. Comments will be posted to my website.

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Tax policy

24. Tell us your position on tax policy, addressing some or all of the following questions:

1. How important is it to keep taxes low?
2. Do businesses pay too much or too little tax relative to residences?
3. Should tax breaks be provided to low income people who are not old enough to qualify for the seniors reduction? What about to senior citizens whose income is too high to qualify?
4. How do you feel about the recent decision to blend the business occupancy tax and the business realty tax into a single tax?
5. Would you consider blending the water rate into the residential realty tax to encourage more basement apartments?
6. Would you consider introducing residential water metering so that households are charged for the amount of water used rather than a flat rate per unit?
7. Would you consider a tax on land value as opposed to property value as a way to encourage more efficient use of land?
8. Should the tax break for vacant commercial property be eliminated?

Bernard Davis: 

Lou Puddister: Comments will be posted to my website on matters relating to tax policy.

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Transportation

25. In 2011, a transit study was released that made a number of recommendations for improving public transit in the City of St. John’s, including:

1.  Increase service between Downtown and the MUN/HSC/Avalon Mall corridor.
2. Negotiate a deal to provide Metrobus passes to all students at MUN/CNA for a mandatory fee.
3. Allow city employees to trade free parking at work for cash or a Metrobus pass.
4. Establish a park-and-ride program for commuters.
5. Increase the price of parking in the west end of Downtown.
6. Develop a regional transit plan involving Mount Pearl, Paradise, Conception Bay South, and Torbay.

What is your vision for public transit, with specific reference to some or all of the recommendations above?

 Bernard Davis: 

Lou Puddister: At first glance, the six recommendations appear to encourage increased ridership, which I certainly support. However, I will be able to provide more meaningful commentary on this vitally important issue over the coming weeks.

26. What initiatives would you undertake with respect to transportation infrastructure in and around the city?

Bernard Davis: This should be a major priority for our council. Deficiencies need to be addressed and dealt with in a timely manner. I would also look into the process of conducting road work on off peak hours to ensure residents are not experiencing unnecessary delays.

Lou Puddister: Additional infrastructure is needed in a number of areas. As an example, an off-ramp from the Outer Ring Road to the back of Airport Heights would divert traffic from Portugal Cove Road and ease access in and out of this neighbourhood.

27. What should be done about painted road markings that fade away for much of the year?

Bernard Davis: We must ensure the markings are put on the roads as early as possible and we must make certain that our resident’s safety is of the up most importance. Furthermore, we should look in to the process to explore better alternatives to the current method used to try and increase longevity of these markings.

Lou Puddister: They need to be re-painted more frequently.

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Free Space

If there any other important issues you would like to address, please do so here:

Lou Puddister: This questionnaire provided an excellent opportunity to share viewpoints on the issues affecting not only Ward 4 residents but also those across the entire City. I look forward to reviewing documents relating to a number of questions, and will provide further commentary on those through my campaign website (www.loupuddister.com).