We invite you to attend and witness a formal presentation by the Citizens of Vernon of a Counter Petition to Vernon City Council's attempt to borrow $20 million through the back door without a referendum in order to build themselves new offices.The Mayor and Council have stated that they would disregard a successful petition and proceed with their plans regardless. This Council has shown a brazen contempt for the legislative and democratic process with the result that the Citizens of Vernon have come out in droves to sign the Counter Petition. We suggest that all major borrowing by local councils should be put to a democratic referendum.
The present crisis in Vernon highlights the undemocratic nature of the Alternate Approval Process, brought in by the present Provincial Government. Citizens must print their names, sign their names and give their address. This process goes against a voter's inherent right to a secret ballot. The question arises: 'How many other communities have been or will be saddled by further debt against their wishes by 'special interest' activity?' We believe that this issue needs to be examined on a Provincial basis.On Wednesday, August 15 2007, at 10:00 am a delegation of Vernon Citizens shall be presenting the results of the Counter Petition formally at Vernon City Hall. We urge you to attend and report on this very important issue. The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that local municipal councils must be "open, transparent and accountable". We suggest our Vernon City Council is not meeting those benchmarks.
Vernon and Districts Taxpayers' Association
Contact:Antony Stambouliehantonystam@shaw.ca
Tel: 250-260-1082Cell: 250-309-7488
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