War of words heats up

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Jul 20 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

The gloves are off among Greater Vernon politicians. Cliff Kanester and Stan Field, directors for Areas B and C, are lashing out at the City of Vernon, as well as Gary Corner, Greater Vernon Services Committee chairman. “The less I have to deal with Vernon council, the better I’d feel about it,” said Field. Field and Kanester have proposed that GVSC be dismantled and that each jurisdiction take over the parks, recreation and cultural facilities within its boundary. The proposal is largely based on the city wanting to handle its own water distribution instead of GVSC. “It appears that Vernon wants to be in control of everything in their boundary. We are giving them an opportunity to do that,” said Field. The proposal was the focus of a meeting between Vernon and Coldstream councils Monday, and Field is furious that he and Kanester were not invited. “Vernon council is not being upfront with its partners,” said Field.

Kanester is also upset with the city but he also targets Corner and his role as GVSC chairman.
“I don’t think there’s any leadership there,” said Kanester. If the proposal proceeds, Field says Areas B and C would pay for debt on the facilities and provide an operational grant. “We would continue to pay our fair share,” he said. Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor, dismisses Field’s accusations. “The city isn’t to blame for this because it’s their proposal that was given to us and Coldstream,” he said. In terms of Monday’s meeting, Lippert says it was simply a chance for both councils to discuss the proposal. “If they had shown any indication they wanted to be at the meeting, they’d have been welcome.” Corner was reluctant to respond to Kanester’s comments that he hasn’t provided leadership. “He’s entitled to his opinion. I’m a firm believer in Greater Vernon,” he said. Corner insists GVSC is the most efficient route for all taxpayers and he is not willing to give up on the agency. “I don’t like the idea of throwing up our hands. It requires effort from everyone to make it work,” he said. Despite the strong words, Lippert hopes the matter can be resolved. “As soon as you put all of the players in a room, it takes the personalities out of‑it. It’s easy to slam someone through the media,” he said.