Who's hot, who's not on city council

– Managing editor Scott Neufeld.reporter Jordan Nicurity

EDITORIAL Wed. July 11 http://www.dailycourier.ca/

This week’s hot list is handing out bonus points to all city councillors for making some real progress on the issue of affordable housing. Although locating houses next to a sewer plant may not be ideal, at least it’s a step in the right direction.

Slipping on to the cold list this week is Coun. Barry Beardsell who seems to be getting more disagreeable with each meeting. While Beardsell brings up good points and speaks when others are silent, he needs to do so with a little more tact and decorum.

Coun. Patrick Nicol is on the hot list for his aptitude for respectful criticism. His ability to ask questions without stepping on any toes is an example to the rest of council. A hot rating goes to Coun. Juliette Cunningham, one of several councillors taking a more sophisticated position on halfway houses. While most people agree that halfway houses are necessary there’s no reason to rush one back into Vernon.

A special cold rating goes out to Corrections officials and the RCMP who continue to misinform the public. The argument that Vernon needs a halfway house because of the parolees that are here, is completely invalid. The reason they are already here is because they are not eligible for a halfway house. A new house for parolees would only bring in more parolees who would not otherwise be here. Corrections and the RCMP need to get this point straight or they will never win over the public’s trust.

Cold ratings go to two council spectators: Mayor Wayne Lippert and Coun. Jack Gilroy. The mayor seems to be growing into his role as the master of ceremonies at council meetings but too often does not make his opinions known. He’s hasn’t yet mastered the ability to ask the tough questions.

Coun. Pat Cochrane earns a hot rating this week for tempering the discussion on the new affordable housing project. Cochrane warned that although the project is a good idea, it’s too close to the sewage plant. The city has other lands that would be suitable for low cost housing. The sewer site should only be used if other ones are unsuitable.

Also on the hot list is Coun. Buffy Baumbrough for speaking up for the lake life that may be swept up in the mysis fishery on Okanagan Lake. Council should be cautious in supporting this program. The shrimp problem was created due to bad science. The Ministry of Environment needs to ensure that large-scale harvesting of the shrimp does not cause more harm
to the lake.