By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 07, 2008
The list of people interested in sitting on Vernon council is growing, albeit slowly. As of deadline Tuesday, Peter Greening and Bob Spiers had filed papers for councillor in the Nov. 15 civic election. Nomination papers were submitted last week for Brian Quiring and Jack Gilroy as councillor candidates and Wayne Lippert, who is seeking re-elected as mayor. Coun. Buffy Baumbrough has announced she will seek re-election, but her nomination papers have not been filed yet. “On Monday, I had six people come in, picking up papers and getting information. They are looking at what the position involves,” said Patti Bridal, chief elections officer.The deadline for submitting nomination papers is Friday at 4 p.m. “I’ve given out 16 or 17 packages I expect more nominations will be coming in,” said Bridal.
Spiers has lived in Vernon since 1991 and ran for council in 2005.“Somebody needs to keep an eye on the tax dollars,” said the retired brokerage manager and vice-president of why he is letting his name stand this time. “I have an interest in how the city operates and there are a few things I’d like to accomplish. I’d like to look at the budget, line by line, and see where we can save dollars and provide the same, if not better, service.” In terms of tackling crime, he believes there is a need for tax incentives to encourage housing to be constructed downtown. “With more people living downtown, it will be a better area and the less policing we will need.” Spiers is a longtime observer of city hall, attending most meetings and writing about local politics on his blog. Spiers said he has had some positive impact on the city as a resident by pushing for policy changes on utility tax ratios, development cost charges and RCMP reserves.“I have lobbied for many of the important accomplishments that have happened over the last three years.”
Greening could not be reached for comment by press time.
