At YkOnline.ca, we’re trying to keep you informed and connected to the people who would like to have a hand in the building and operation of Yellowknife but in a light-hearted way. We sent around the following questions to each of the candidates for mayor and council asking for a written or video response. As each candidate responds we’ll post their answers. You can follow all the 2012 Municipal Election posts with the tag “yzfelec2012“.
Bob Brooks
Where do you volunteer and why?
I volunteer with the Rotary Club of Yellowknife (active since 1994), primarily because they do what I consider to be “important” work, not only for the community, but nationally and internationally as well.
I am also a regular volunteer and performer for Ptarmigan Ptheatrics, on and off stage. I really enjoy doing the Spring Musicals – Everyone needs to sing and dance sometimes!
What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve done in public?
Probably when I was hauled up on stage with Rick Poltaruk to do an impromptu dog skit (where Rick spends 10 minutes making fun of me). Got him back though… Since I was supposed to be a “dog”, I used him as a “fire hydrant” at the end of the skit!!!
How will you communicate with residents, how will that be better than what is available now?
City Council, and myself in particular, have been lobbying for a full-time Communications person for many, many, years. Finally, that person started on September 1, 2012. Why? Missed, Inappropriate, Ineffective, or Non-timely messaging on City issues and consultations.
In addition to more effective messaging out of City Hall, I along with many others, would also like to utilize the Social Medias as a regular form of contact, to help attract a larger audience, as well as getting many of our meetings televised to the community on the community channel, so people can see the whole story.
What do you have in your fridge?
Lots of milk! I drink almost two litres per day. Lots of fruits, vegetables, eggs, diet pop, cheese slices, meat slices, the occasional leftovers, and I love macaroni salads. Typically the fridge is almost empty every Friday and I do the groceries on Saturdays.
How do people know you around town?
Since I’ve been on Council (almost continuously) since 1991; people know me as a Yellowknife City Councillor. I’m also well known on the street and the grocery stores, etc. because of my many appearances on NACC (just a song and dance man). My daughter once commented when we were walking down the street; “do you know everyone?” Having been here for 32 years, I definitely have come to know many, many Yellowknifers (works out to be a great asset in this job).
Where can you be found most often during the endless days in the summer?
Working in the yard! My wife and I try to spend as much time as possible out-of-doors. Summer is too short to waste.
Describe what the Harbour Plan is in plain English and why it is, or isn’t important.
The Harbour Plan brings together the thoughts and aspirations of the residents of the City of Yellowknife on how best to use/develop our waterfront, and presents a plan on how best to make it accessible and usable for everyone. It’s always much easier to implement ‘anything’ if you’ve involved the community in the consultations and have gained their buy-in!
Have you worked with any of the other Councillor candidates before?
I have a practice of offering my assistance to ‘any’ Councillor candidates that would like to know more about City Council, what to expect, what some of the issues are and their background, and basically give then a forum to ask what-ever questions they have. I feel that any Councillor candidate that is willing to do extra homework to better realize what they are getting into; will ultimately benefit the City with someone who is better prepared. This election, I have had separate meetings with four of the new candidates.
What is your favourite winter activity?
Having been here for 32 years, I think I appreciate the cool air, the crisp mornings and the glint off the new snow that falls. For exercise during the winter though, I play squash at the Racquet Club, and last year for the first time, played in the indoor golf league at After-Eight (It definitely helped me improve my summer game as well).
Are you a first generation Yellowknifer?
Yes – first arrived in Yellowknife in 1980. My extended family lives in BC’s lower mainland, while my relatives mostly live in the Maritimes. However, with two daughters, 18 foster daughters, and 14 grandchildren (and counting); there are now many more generations!
Have you worked on Councils or Committee before?
Yes – I am now vying for my 7th term on Yellowknife City Council. Also sit or have sat on almost every City Committee there is (with a few exceptions); and am currently the Chair of the City’s ‘Smart Growth Implementation Committee’ and the ‘Core and Special Grants Committee’.
For more information on how to follow each of the candidates visit our Election 2012 Page.
