One of the departing members of Vernon council is concerned the new council won't continue to address social issues. An emotional Juliette Cunningham took part in her final meeting Monday after three years as councillor and a second place finish in the Nov 15 mayor's race. Cunningham says pushing for issues like affordable housing hasn't been easy, and she doesn't see anyone else picking up the torch. "I don't believe at this point and time there's anybody on council that will speak as strongly as I do about it. I fundamentally believe in social issues in a community.Without a good foundation in that area, you really don't succeed very well as a community."
Meantime, 12 year councillor Barry Beardsell used his final comments to implore the city to do some financial belt tightening in light of the world economic crisis, and to keep tax increases to zero or less. The retired accountant also wants the city to use reserve funds to continue with capital works projects, which create jobs and help the economy. "So it's a two fold effect. You have a zero increase in taxation or even a decrease, and you spend some of the funds from the reserves to create infrastructure projects."Mayor Wayne Lippert told KISS FM, he agrees with Beardsell on the need for no tax hike, or a decrease.
Councillor Pat Cochrane wished the new council the best, and thanked city staff and residents for their support over the last 12 years. He says council has been like a second family to him. Cochrane will become a new councillor in Coldstream next week.
-----------------------
Starlee Speers - Vernon 105.7 SUN FM :
Monday marked the last council meeting for three Vernon councillors. City council is losing nearly 30 years experience. Barry Beardsell,who retired, took the opportunity to criticize council for not doing enough to prepare for the 2009 budget. He also took the opportunity to offer advice to help the city weather the economic downturn and spend reserve money for infrastructure projects.
Juliette Cunningham, who ran for Mayor and lost by 365 votes, was emotional as she addressed council. She says she's not sure who will replace her on the new council as the advocate for social issues. Cunningham says she wished she'd been more outspoken about an economic development plan.
Pat Cochrane, who has spend 12 years on council, said his fellow councillors have been like his second family. The Four term councillor was elected to Coldstream council.
Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert says despite their differences, council worked well together and achieved a lot. He says while there's always someone who doesn't agree with council's decision, credit should be given where it's due. Lippert says he gives the outgoing councillors a lot of credit and despite appearances, council worked well together.
The inaugural meeting for Vernon's new council is December 1st.
No comments:
Post a Comment