By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 10, 2008
The race for Vernon mayor is crowded. Six people are competing for the mayor’s chair Nov. 15, possibly the most candidates in the city’s history. “One had only filed papers as of Friday morning so it’s a bit of a surprise,” said Patti Bridal, chief elections officer. The candidates are Steve Campbell, Juliette Cunningham, Floyd Edwards, Wayne Lippert, Tony Stamboulieh and Rick Thorburn.
Cunningham, 57, is nearing the end of her first term as councillor and she says people asked her to run for mayor. “They believe I have the leadership skills to do the job,” she said. “I did not see myself as running for mayor when I became a councillor but people have seen that I can be forceful when I need to be and compassionate when I need to be.” Among the issues Cunningham wants to focus on are preserving agricultural land and ensuring the city’s financial house remains in order during an economic downturn. She also wants to move ahead with the new official community plan. “I look forward to creating the policies to implement the OCP. It’s the community’s document,” she said. Cunningham has lived in Vernon since 1966 and owns a clothing store.
Edwards decided to run for mayor because he says city hall needs to be more transparent and responsive to the public. “Mayor and council keep too many secrets from the people,” he said. “They need to be more open to the people and listen to the people.” Edwards is a 59-year-old contractor who has lived in Vernon since 1969.
Stamboulieh, 68, also has not been impressed with how city hall has operated. “I believe that Vernon needs a different direction from what’s been dished out,” he said. “It’s time there was a voice for the voiceless majority.” Stamboulieh said he will get into specific issues during the campaign, but he says there is a need for more openness at city hall. “There is a disconnection between those elected to serve and those who voted them in. I will be a mayor that will explain in detail how I will remain connected to the people I serve. I will not be in some ivory tower.” Stamboulieh is an actor, drama instructor and boxing coach, and he has been in Vernon since 1975.
According to Lippert, he welcomes the competition for the mayor’s job. “Everyone has their own reasons for running for mayor,” he said, adding that he doesn’t believe it reflects on his term as mayor. In fact, Lippert stands by his record since he was first elected in 2005. “We started with a vision to make council more open and accountable and to keep the character of Vernon. It’s all about building a good community,” he said. Lippert points out that the city has worked with the RCMP to make the downtown core safer during the last three years, and efforts have been launched so Vernon is a more sustainable place to live. “We need to implement the strategies of the official community plan and continue with the vision.” he said. Lippert, a 53-year-old businessman, has lived in Vernon for 18 years.
Campbell and Thorburn could not be reached by deadline. Candidates have until Friday to withdraw from the election.
