Demands to scrap a referendum are creating divisions among Vernon council.On Tuesday, 80 people attended a Vernon Taxpayers Association meeting. They adopted a motion asking the city to cancel the Jan. 26 referendum so the proposed civic complex can be reviewed by the city and a citizens’ committee.“We want a referendum but we want it delayed until all of the questions have been answered,” said Rose Pollock, an association member.But the association’s request isn’t going over well with Coun. Jack Gilroy.“The citizens of Vernon elected us to make decisions and we can’t let special interest groups run city hall,” he said.Gilroy added that council is involving the public by having a referendum.“If the citizens don’t want the project, we will hear about it.”That is also the view of Coun. Patrick Nicol.“A referendum gives people a chance to have their say in a democratic way,” he said.Coun. Buffy Baumbrough also refutes suggestions that the referendum should be scrapped.“Information will be put forward to the community at large and a decision will be made,” she said.According to Mayor Wayne Lippert, postponing a referendum until next fall could force construction costs on the $31 million project to rise by $1.2 million.“Citizens will have an opportunity to speak to it at open houses before the referendum,” he said.Coun. Juliette Cunningham points to this summer’s alternate approval petition and says many people were opposed to the process and not necessarily the project.“Six thousand people signed the petition and 80 people were there (at the meeting), so can they speak for all those people who signed the petition?” she said.But Coun. Barry Beardsell supports cancelling the referendum so the proposal can be reviewed.“It’s ill-thought out and they need to go back to the drawing board,” he said, adding he supports a group of residents being part of a review.“After all, it’s citizens’ money that will be used.”Coun. Pat Cochrane also wants a review, but he suggests appointing residents to such a review could be problematic.“Who do you put on the committee?” he said.For those at the taxpayers association meeting, the concerns about the proposed civic complex range from the location to the cost.“As you know, $31 million becomes $50 million quickly,” said Tony Stamboulieh, association spokesman.They also want the city to hold off until the current official community plan review is done.“They are tinkering with our vision and desires by messing around with spot zoning on downtown properties,” said Stamboulieh.Others questioned the actual need for the complex.“It’s not a top priority for citizens. Their priorities are clean water, affordable housing and sewer in Okanagan Landing,” said Kay Stamboulieh, an association member.
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Editorial: Group doesn’t speak for all Morningstar Nov 9
After collecting 6,000 names on a petition this summer, the Vernon Taxpayers Association may believe it has the legitimacy required to speak on behalf of rank-and-file citizens.But purely based on figures, this is far from the whole truth.Yes the association collected 6,000 names, far more than the 2,777 needed to keep the city from borrowing $20 million. But that 6,000 pales in comparison to the 27,772 voters in Vernon.And on Tuesday, about 80 people attended an association meeting. Certainly that is a good turnout mid-week, but is that enough to officially become the city’s watchdog?There is nothing wrong with the association’s recommendation that a citizens’ committee look at the proposed civic complex issue and the role of bylaw enforcement officers. But if the Vernon Taxpayers Association thinks it should form that committee, what separates them from any other resident or organization in town?Some of the association’s members may have the skills and knowledge to competently review these issues but there are other residents who could also contribute.If the association is correct on one thing, though, that is the need for the city to delay a referendum until outstanding questions about the location of a civic complex, possible tenants and the costs are addressed.Ultimately, the association deserves praise for actively getting involved in the community and challenging our elected officials — which is the democratic way.But the association must realize that it only represents its membership and not the entire community at large.
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