Retiring politician takes parting shots

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By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 30

A veteran Vernon councillor is calling it quits and he’s urging voters to turf his colleagues. Barry Beardsell, who was first elected in 1996, has decided not to seek a fifth term during November’s civic election. And one of the reasons for leaving, he says, is frustration with how city hall is being operated. “After 12 years on council, I have found the last three disastrous for Vernon with no leadership from the mayor and a majority of council uninspiring,” he said. “This is the worst council I’ve seen in 35 years.” Beardsell believes there is a need for a political change in November. “I hope a new mayor and council will be elected. Openness and transparency have been lacking as well as financial accountability,” he said, adding that spending continues despite current global economic uncertainty. “There’s no tightening of the belt and they think we’re immune to what’s going on in the world.”

Beardsell is also upset with the western bypass corridor being removed from the new official community plan, and he says nothing has been done to resolve the entire civic complex issue after a failed referendum earlier this year. But while he is not satisfied with the current state of city hall, Beardsell refutes suggestions that he should run for mayor instead of retiring. “It’s fair comment but I’ve been there 12 years, doing my best. I’m 68 years old and it’s time for new people and new ideas,” he said.

Mayor Wayne Lippert takes issue with Beardsell’s claims that this is the worst council since the early 1970s. “You have to compare this council to previous councils. The finance committee meets more regularly than it has before and it’s been open to the public,” said Lippert, who is seeking re-election. “When it comes to openness and transparency, this council has been one of the better ones.” Lippert also defends the role he has played as mayor, saying that he has made himself available to members of council and the public. “He may not appreciate my leadership style but I believe in building relationships,” he said. “We have a better rapport with senior government and we are working with the regional district.” While they have often opposed each other in council chambers, Lippert has praise for Beardsell. “Councillor Beardsell is very smart and knows a lot of the history (of city actions),” said Lippert. “When he’s thinking positively, he’s been a great asset to council.” “Love him or hate him, he’s been a big contributor to Vernon and the Greater Vernon area.”

Looking back on his tenure at city hall, Beardsell is proud of how a base level was established for capital expenditures and how increased money was put towards road improvements. “These are the bread and butter issues that were always chopped when budgets were done before,” he said, adding that he was also pleased to see the indoor soccer centre go ahead. “This facility was very important for the entire community.”

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Dr. No leaves swinging Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 30, 2008

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Barry Beardsell wouldn't ease into political retirement quietly. Beardsell has decided not to seek a fifth term on Vernon council in November, and as he made his announcement, he didn't mince words about his current colleagues at city hall. "After 12 years on council, I have found the last three disastrous for Vernon with no leadership from the mayor and the majority of council uninspiring," he said. "This is the worst council I've seen in 35 years." Talk about endearing himself to the other six individuals he has to continue to work with until the term officially ends. But, of course, Beardsell has never worried about what other people think of him or his views. He started off his political career as a loner and he ends it as a loner. It was only during the Sean Harvey era that Beardsell came close to being part of establishment and often served as a mentor for the young mayor.

It's not uncommon for people to say that Beardsell is too negative, and certainly his track record for opposing motions bears that out. He almost wears the titles of Dr. No and Grinch as badges of honour. But I maintain that Beardsell has played a significant and necessary role at city hall. There were many times where a watchdog was needed to keep an eye on the public purse, and who better than an accountant to take on that role. Unlike some politicians who seemed willing to rubber-stamp bureaucratic reports, Beardsell did research and asked questions. Earlier this year, it was just Beardsell against the rest of council over the civic complex issue but in the end, he was right and they were wrong. Sufficient planning and public consultation hadn't been done, and that was reinforced when a majority of voters refused to approve borrowing funds.

Beardsell was often portrayed as a hard-ass but there is a soft side to him. He supported efforts to get a homeless shelter established and years ago, he was among those who pushed to keep the Saturday street lunch from folding. Even his fight over increased slot machines was driven by a concern that some individuals and families suffer at the hands of gambling addiction. But Beardsell frequently was like a dog gnawing at a bone, not knowing when to give up. Case in point was his disdain for the North Okanagan Regional District and its disemboweling of Greater Vernon governance. Ultimately, NORD had the authority to do what it did, and all Beardsell achieved by constantly raising the issue was deepen a rift between city hall and its regional partners. Beardsell's comments could also occasionally go completely over the top. And for proof of that, one just has to consider his claim that "this is the worst council I've seen in 35 years." Has this current council — under the leadership of Mayor Wayne Lippert — made mistakes? Obviously. But as someone who has covered local politics for 18 years, I would be hard-pressed to describe this as the worst council ever. In fact, I can think of one in the mid-1990s that could win that title handily.

I am also left wondering why Beardsell is riding off into the sunset and not running for mayor himself if he thinks things at city hall are so bad? He claims he won't because of his age and because "it's time for new people and new ideas." For me, age is irrelevant as long as an individual is willing to serve the community, and what does his comment about "new ideas" say about those he has been putting forward for years? In the end, Beardsell has decided to retire and all Vernonites — whether they supported him or not — should acknowledge his commitment to the community over 12 years. He wouldn't have interrupted his career and home life if he didn't care about Vernon. And of course, he deserves praise for ensuring there was never a dull minute at city hall.