Time for politicians to grow up

Morning Star Editorial Published: June 13, 2009 12:00 PM

All of the players in Greater Vernon are adamant their stance is truly correct when it comes to water distribution. But it appears like they are more interested in a peeing match than actually representing the needs of the public. Three City of Vernon representatives agreed to a session to try and work out their concerns internally as a way of preventing the city from withdrawing from water distribution. But not even a week later, the city backed out of that process, angering officials in Coldstream and Areas B and C. And who can blame them for being upset. What Vernon did was a flagrant breach of trust and nothing more than a bullying tactic. But Coldstream shouldn’t get too high up on its soap box. It claims that its position on resolving any outstanding issues is clear, but the fact that the city keeps asking for more information, means that Coldstream hasn’t done a good job of representing itself. It should also be noted that while Coldstream Coun. Pat Cochrane is quick to lash out at the city, he was a member of the Vernon council that initiated the process to withdraw from distribution.These current antics are indicative of the dark ages when Coldstream and Vernon were at each other’s throats for much of the 1990s. Nothing was accomplished then by the fighting and nothing will be accomplished now. While they are separate communities, Coldstream, Vernon and Areas B and C share a number of common bonds and services, and serving the needs of the public must be the bottom line.

All sides have agreed to get together in August – unless Vernon changes its mind again – and hopefully common sense will prevail. Millions of taxpayers’ dollars have been pumped into the water utility and allowing the system to crumble now would be unfortunate. But a positive outcome will depend on all politicians keeping open minds and actually working together. It’s time to check the egos at the door.