By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 03, 2008
One of Vernon city hall’s most vocal critic could be on the ballot this November. Tony Stamboulieh is considering whether he will file papers for the municipal election before Friday’s deadline. “I am watching to see who else comes forward,” said Stamboulieh, spokesman for the Vernon Taxpayers Association. He is also garnering feedback on a possible campaign. “I am discussing it with various people and I will decide fairly soon.” Stamboulieh, who had previously stated he would not seek elected office, would not specify on whether he is considering running for mayor or a councillor’s seat. “All of the options are on the table,” he said.
Stamboulieh, who is a drama teacher and actor, is a founder of the Vernon Taxpayers Association and he has openly challenged the current council on numerous occasions. His most visible fight was over the proposed civic complex, which was shot down during a January referendum. With Stamboulieh at the helm, the association also collected 18,000 names on a petition demanding that the provincial government provide more resources for Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Stamboulieh says he is concerned about the direction council has taken the city. “Vernon is in a bad place in terms of governance and it needs to go in a different direction for the sake of the community,” he said. “If I serve, I will be serving the community and there won’t be any special interests.”
