Community Roots, Vision for the Future
My family's connection to Victoria goes back to the 1880s when my great-grandfather John Murker Murdoch arrived from Scotland. My paternal grandfather, George Murdoch, built his family home in Oak Bay, served as Oak Bay Councillor, Reeve (the equivalent of today's Mayor), and authored "The History of Oak Bay." My father grew up here and both he and I attended Oak Bay High and the University of Victoria. My parents now live in the old family home and I and my family have a house on King George Terrace.
​
That connection to the history of our community, to know the impact of his work and the opportunity to contribute myself have guided my role on Council. I am grateful to have been granted the opportunity to help build our Community.
​
Council and Community
In the area of local government I serve on the Boards of the Greater Victoria Public Library (four years as Vice-Chair and Chair) and the Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association (current Chair); I presently chair the Heritage Conservation Area working group and serve as Council liaison to the Oak Bay Heritage Commission, Heritage Foundation, and Oak Bay Archives. I also serve as alternate Oak Bay representative on the CRD Board, CRD Hospital District, Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee, and the Regional Housing Fund Trust Commission. I recently authored and promoted the UBCM motion which led to the Province's implementation of Municipal campaign finance reform.
I have in the past served as Council liaison to the Oak Bay Environmental Committee, and as a Director of the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, Oak Bay High School Alumni Association, and St. Christopher's Montessori School. I still serve with the Oak Bay Volunteer Society and coach for Bays United Football Club.
Professional Career
For the past quarter century I have worked within the IT industry in engineering, technical design and project management. For the last two decades I've been in leadership roles, in technical and business management roles and starting an online streaming media business; I bring financial, staffing, technical, and project leadership experience to the role of Mayor. During my years on Council I have learned a great deal about infrastructure issues, land use planning, and the legislation affecting municipalities, and I have developed good working relationships with both municipal and Provincial politicians. My approach to issues has been to analyse the details and to search for ways to maximize the benefit to our community.
Private Life
I can not give so much time to the community without the help of my family and friends. My wife Elizabeth Swiggum (a Cardiologist at Royal Jubilee Hospital) has encouraged me in all my endeavors. My parents and children, ages 8 and 10, continuously offer love and support. You all know how much I love you.