Time for this ride to stop

http://www.dailycourier.ca/ EDITORIAL AUG 25 by Scott Neufeld
The merry-go-round that is the debate on local government issues is set for another go-round. On the agenda at Monday’s Vernon city council meeting is the North Okanagan Regional District’s bylaw amendment to clip the wings of the Greater Vernon Services Commission. The debate stems from whether or not the sub-regional commission, which looks after water and parks, has scampered out of the yard and needs to be put on a shorter leash. If the issue sounds a little bit familiar it should. Most local politicians at this point are on the verge of losing track of how many times they’ve had to eyeball the amendment. The last time city council debated the proposed bylaw change was on June 26 where local leaders voted down the bylaw. This thumbs down came shortly after the regional district, including its three Vernon members, had unanimously given the changes their seal of approval. Earlier this month, the district sent out amendments to the proposed bylaw amendments for each local council to consider. These recommended alterations to the recommended alterations are what Vernon councillors will discuss on Monday. If tracing the history of the bylaw amendments is tough, try plotting the positions of Vernon’s politicians. While Coun. Barry Beardsell has been steadfast in his opposition to any changes to the mandate of Greater Vernon Services, Mayor Wayne Lippert seems to have bounced back and forth on the issue. At both regional district meetings and city council meetings the mayor seems to follow the air current and vote with the general consensus. However, rather than highlight a weakness, Lippert’s movement on the issue shows a real willingness to compromise and find a common ground.In the past the mayor has stated that he would be willing to give up some ground if it meant finding an agreement that works for everyone. Butmoments later he will let slip that Vernon is still ready to pull out of Greater Vernon Services if the body no longer suits the city. These statements appear to be contradictory but they may show that there are limits to Lippert’s and Vernon council’s willingness to bend.What has become clear as the future of Greater Vernon Services is debated, is that the municipalities outside of Greater Vernon are tired of dealing with the issues surrounding the commission. This latest debate has dragged on far too long with no compromise yet in sight. What is needed at this point are politicians with ideas on how to break the stalemate rather than those who base their actions on past grievances and take a hard line stance.There are far more important issues that are being pushed to the side as each municipality in the district discusses the issue of Greater Vernon Services. Let’s hope those issues can take their rightful place on the council agenda because this merry-go-round isn’t fun anymore.