March 07, 2008 EDITORIAL Morning Star
At long last, there is some positive news involving the City of Vernon and the Vernon Taxpayers Association. The two sides had a face-to-face encounter this week to discuss local issues, instead of, as is usually the case, battling with each other over such issues in the media. Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert invited association president Tony Stamboulieh and three other members of his group to discuss items. Also sitting in on the talks was Coun. Jack Gilroy. Up for discussion were such topics as the recent failed civic complex referendum, which the association vehemently opposed, and so did the constituents who voted in the referendum, overwhelmingly rejecting the city’s plan. The proposed western bypass for the city was brought up. So was Okanagan Landing sewer services, the city possibly getting out of the Greater Vernon water utility and future development. Both sides agreed the meeting was welcome and productive.
That being the case, then, these types of meetings between the two sides should be scheduled on a regular basis. Perhaps quarterly, or even bi-monthly. Short of having someone from the taxpayers association running in the municipal elections in November, and winning a seat, these meetings will help keep Vernon’s unofficial watchdogs appeased and abreast of goings-on in the city. Lippert says his door is always open for the taxpayers association. Stamboulieh called having a politician who decides to have dialogue with his constituents “a good thing.” Amen.
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