The Other Parties & their Candidates have made their 2006 promises.  Are they GENUINE or FLUFF ?

My calls & visits to Yukoners resulted in a quite different list of concerns.  You wanted REAL problems solved.  Not FLUFF!

Please Compare.  Then vote for me if you agree that I listened a tad better!

Kluane Issues:

ü        Fostering co-operative promotion of Kluane as a Resource & Tourist “Region” … strength in numbers.

ü        Encourage inclusion of Haines Road (south to Klukshu) within regional planning particularly in addressing availability timeline for extension of electrical service and consequent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.  It is an emission embarrassment.  400,000 tons of carbon dioxide per month.

ü        Forestry – Promote discussion of the merits of Controlled Burns and/or Harvesting of Spruce Beetle Kill

ü        Crime & Justice – Develop bold Initiatives that end the Conspiracy of Silence that protects the perpetrators and prolongs the hurt of victims amid a sense of constant fear.

Yukon wide Issues:

ü        Advocate Coverage expansion of the Yukon Health Card to include Dental Care & Eyecare for adults.

ü        Expansion of Blue Box Recycling & financial assistance to Raven

ü        Fixed Election Date

ü        Electoral & Legislature Reform:  Restore decorum, reduce partisan-based dysfunction & consider “at large” MLA’s

ü        The Day After:  Disclosure & Planning for Potential Taxpayer Impact when Umbrella Agreement Funding ends in 2009 for First Nation early adopters (CAFN et al)

ü        Climate Change mitigation, adaption & Budget financial reserves

ü        Demand the Inclusion of an Economic Statement in Future Budgets that addresses impacts on Yukon GDP, Unemployment Rate, Inflation & Social Issues.

Sept 28th:  My constituents in Kluane are concerned about crime & justice, having real jobs, developing a resource based prosperity in the Region & seeing tourism flourish.  While i am promoting these issues on their behalf, i have some pet projects that i would like to crusade for them or myself.  Some are specific for my Electoral District & some have Yukon wide ramifications.

Promotion of the Kluane Region - Last year at Yukon College, i taught entrepreneurship skills to a First Nations guiding class.  In one segment, i attempt to promote the concept of looking at one's competition as peers;  that in today's economy, there is merit in cooperating with businesses with like market share.  To not look at them as the enemy.  To be able to share equipment or lean on each other when another is in need.  Strategic alliances and shared marketing.  I would like to expand on this in Kluane.  Our Chamber of Commerce, Village Council, CAFN, WRFN, KFN, D-Bay, Beaver Creek, Burwash, Champagne & "even Haines Alaska" should be promoting ourselves as a Region.  An economic region and a tourism destination region.  This ain't rocket science.  We have seen cooperation in the Southern Lakes Region give its communities a boost in awareness by common initiatives.

Promotion of a Regional Plan for Haines Road - This important artery receives only passive attention from YTG Departments.  A 20-year Development Plan for future permitted uses should be developed for present and future stakeholders in co-operation with bordering interests.  It should be integrated with current regional plan underway; and acknowledge the environmental effect of diesel burning by its local residents and businesses amid the economic realities; and address the realistic timeline for extension of electricity services to Klukshu.

 Promotion of common goals in Forestry - Kluane residents will face difficult decisions in 2007 and beyond.  While the beetle kill lands will be better served ecologically with controlled burns, this practice can be somewhat dangerous given our micro climates and changing weather conditions.  On the other hand we have a camp that proposes harvesting of these areas for both the employment and economic value factors.  It is likely the fix will be a blend of both, but Kluane residents should be at the decision table providing Input and local knowledge.

Forward thinking at Haines Junction Village Council last week is starting us on that path as they approved in principle their body joining as a participant in a new regional forestry body.

Promotion of the Blue Box - Most of my career was in Kitchener-Waterloo, the birthplace of the Blue Box.  I wish to see Yukon communities make the crossover to emphasis on collection of recyclables rather than garbage.  Raven conducts an awesome service for a large population dedicated to recycling, especially our youth.  This Society should be recognized for their efforts and rewarded with increased funding.  Their light staff and volunteers are overwhelmed by their successes.

Promotion of Dental Care & Eye Care within the Yukon Health Card - I am a baby boomer.  Far too many of my friends and acquaintances are evidently postponing needed dental care due to affordability issues.  The Yukon is another jurisdiction that has two tier health care.  While the efforts to help kids is laudable, there must be more access for such measures as filling repairs and root canals via the Yukon Health Card.  Similarly, we have drivers on the road that cannot afford to update their glasses or contact prescriptions.  It's time for change.  It's time to expand coverage on a predetermined schedule that taxpayers can afford.

Promotion of Electoral & Legislative Reform - The circus atmosphere of Question Period and dysfunction of committees must stop.  We need to look at proportional representation and it is time to reform the processes in the Legislature that currently promote dysfunction and partisanship.  One concept that i would like to pursue is fixed Election Dates.  Another is "at-large" candidates. Candidates that want to work on the big picture items rather than be limited to their constituency. This works well in Municipal electoral systems. I have promoted this in the Yukon and this summer i similarly promoted that idea for the new LAC being formed in the Carcross/Tagish region. I was very pleased to see YTG allow "at-large" candidates to run in next month's LAC Election there.

Kluane Issues:

ü        Fostering co-operative promotion of Kluane as a Resource & Tourist “Region” … strength in numbers.

ü        Promotion of a Regional Development Plan for Haines Road (including timeline for Electricity service)

ü        Forestry – Promote discussion of the merits of Controlled Burns and/or Harvesting of Spruce Beetle Kill

ü        Crime & Justice – Develop bold Initiatives that end the Conspiracy of Silence that protects the perpetrators and prolongs the hurt of victims amid a sense of constant fear.

Yukon wide Issues:

ü        Advocate Coverage expansion of the Yukon Health Card to include Dental Care & Eyecare for adults.

ü        Expansion of Blue Box Recycling & financial assistance to Raven

ü        Fixed Election Date

ü        Electoral & Legislature Reform:  Restore decorum, reduce partisan-based dysfunction & consider “at large” MLA’s

ü        The Day After:  Disclosure & Planning for Potential Taxpayer Impact when Umbrella Agreement Funding ends in 2009 for First Nation early adopters (CAFN et al)

ü        Climate Change mitigation, adaption & Budget financial reserves

ü        Demand the Inclusion of an Economic Statement in Future Budgets that addresses impacts on Yukon GDP, Unemployment Rate, Inflation & Social Issues.

Freddy H>  634.2266