Vernon needs a new library, office space for city workers and more room for the RCMP – simple as that right? Not quite. Trying to shove a $20-million loan for the project through via the counter-petition process doesn’t do justice to either citizens or the proposed library and the process deserved to be defeated. But not every one of the 6,000 people who signed the petition was opposed to the library. Many were likely dissatisfied with the process through which it was put forth. And, even if every one of the petition signatories was opposed to the notion of the new building, that still leaves quadruple their number who have not had their voices heard. Treating the counter-petition like a referendum with one option is ridiculous. Vernon boasts a significant cultural community and the library is a cornerstone to the education of thousands of children, teens and adults. Could they have mustered a similar number of signatures in favour of the borrowing process?Tne cannot say, because they never had a chance. To throw up one’s hands and try to wash themselves of the mess, as Mayor Wayne Lippert has, isn’t conducive to governance or maintaining the goodwill of the people. With the counter-petition finished, let every resident of Vernon express their opinion. Collect information on usage, and potential usage, of a new building. Determine exactly, to the penny, how much the building will cost taxpayers. Explain the benefits for the city and the RCMP and lay out other options that have not been explored. All we ask is for the city to let us express our informed opinion, whether for, or against.
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