Royce’s Vision for the Future
I believe in a strong future for America’s Vancouver. This campaign is not just about what we’ve accomplished. It’s about continuing to work together in this changing world to build on our successes.
Together we are creating the kind of community our children and our children’s children will be proud to call HOME!
Jobs and a Sustainable Economy
We need to keep Vancouver moving forward supporting local business and developing new jobs. I will continue to work with business to eliminate roadblocks in the permitting area and reducing their cost of doing business to improve their ability to succeed and expand. We can make Vancouver a hub for sustainable business in green energy opportunities and locally grown agriculture and products. The City must and will be a good partner supporting local options and changing green economic options. I’ll go anywhere anytime to encourage new businesses to relocate, expand, or build in America’s Vancouver.
Rebuilding the I-5 Bridge
It’s time to build a new, safe and affordable bridge. Our economy is depending on this, and this is no time for a lack of leadership or firm conviction. The decisions regarding this bridge are going to be tough and will require collaborative, honest and principled leadership. I will continue to fight for the best interests of Vancouver residents ensuring that we build a new 21st Century bridge—a major West Coast arterial that business and future generations can depend on.
A Community for our Children
No single quality in our City is more important than whether or not it fosters a safe environment for our children. I’ll continue to advocate for children and families making sure our City is a safe place with educational and recreational opportunities.
Supporting a Healthy Environment
We’ve done much to build a healthy environmental framework of parks, trails and good stewardship. Working with our schools, neighborhoods and community leadership, Vancouver must do more. I will work to ensure that people of all ages and abilities have safe access to a regional system of transportation -- options that are friendly to bicycle riders, walkers and wheels. I will do all I can to ensure clean water and preservation of our natural resources and quality of life.
Transportation for the Future
We have a unique opportunity to add Vancouver to an already established regional light rail network. Let me be clear, light rail must be safe and affordable to meet our local needs. With anticipated federal funding the local costs to build a light rail connection into Vancouver will likely never be lower. In fact, 100% of construction costs could be fully funded by the federal government, and I am fighting for that. Light rail will reduce automobile congestion, help address the impacts of climate change, and give Vancouver residents ready access to an already established regional light rail network. I support providing our community with this critical transportation option.
Fiscal Responsibility and the Bottom Line
Vancouver must continue to meet the needs of our citizens and provide critical city services. I have worked hard to keep taxes down, yet it is essential to ensure resources for the key city services, especially the public safety services of fire and police. We will continue to implement performance based accountability systems to help keep costs under control.