Coldstream's mayor says it's not a time for Vernon and his municipality to get into a war of words over the water devolution issue. However, Jim Garlick (pictured) says there are points that need to be adressed from the city's latest statements. Atop of his list..Vernon's claim that it's subsidizing agricultural water to the tune of three million dollars. "The improvements we're paying for in the water system are all viewed to domestic use. Agricultural can get by wih a pipe buried at mimimal depth and a minimal water treatment process."
Garlick says the dispute, which is currently in arbitration, might be seen as a divorce. "In divorce at least you can move farther away from your partner. In this one, geographically we will be situated next to each other and have to live together from now on."Garlick says all the partners need to sit down, collect the data and make wise decisions which he says is not happening now.
1 comment:
Of the money that Administration with the COV says it will spend on the arbitration, how much was earmarked towards the ads taken out in the newspapers?
More good money after bad?
As far as I can remember the process of arbitration does not involve or depend on public opinion. So what does the Mayor of Vernon and administration hope to gain by buying these ads?
The answer, sadly lies in the fact that this is all about justifying a reckless, questionable act. Here's the deal, an arbitration will cost what it costs and requires all the money that a legal process will involve. The taxpayers of the City were doomed to whatever expense it was going to be as soon as Council voted in favour of starting this process. The ads will just add to that cost. More money to justify an action that ultimately depends on a legal roll of the dice to resolve.
Only in the end, if the arbitrator sees everything Vernon's way will there be any relief for the taxpayer. And there is a good chance the arbitrator might not see it that way. So why take the chance and why cough up all the money for it?
This is a poor decision and will not be good for all taxpayers. Way to go Vernon.
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