Sandy Hickman is a candidate for Councillor-at-Large in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Why did you decide to run for this office?

I initially ran for office many years ago because I had always been involved in the community in several roles, primarily in sport organizations and the school board, and wanted to get myself into a position where I could have a greater impact. After all these years on council, I still have that enthusiasm and desire to see my community develop and prosper.

What are the three main issues you’d wish to tackle if elected and why?

Not sure there are only three main issues but some of them are; affordable housing, which the City can play a role as a facilitator mostly; development- we have to provide a supportive, more streamlined process for planning and development. Development has been slow over the past two terms, for many reasons, but we have to be flexible, nimble and efficient in working with the development community; a fair tax regime - this is partially influenced by development as the City needs to find millions of dollars each fiscal year to just cover inflation. Expanding the tax base is the best way to do this rather than increase taxes.

How do you intend to work with your colleagues at City Council to tackle these issues?

I will continue to be a team player with council colleagues and senior staff while, at the same time, always bringing an independent, measured point of view to the table.

Where do you see St. John’s in four years?

St. John's is on the cusp of another fast-paced development phase, influenced, of course, by resource development throughout the province. As the capital and largest city, we will always have people and companies of influence in the city and consequent industrial/ commercial spin- off. We have to be prepared for this with planning and policies that will allow for growth and prosperity.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Contact Information

• Phone: 709-576-8045
• Email: shickman@stjohns.ca
• Facebook: Click Here
• Linkedin: Click Here