Hurd resigns from Peachland council

Elisha Dacey - Jun 6, 2010 / 5:00 am CASTANET:
Peachland councillor Ernie Hurd resigned his seat Thursday, saying after the referendum defeat, it wasn't worth his time anymore. Hurd, arguably council's most outspoken councillor, says he was fed up with the tactics of the group leading the campaign against the now-defunct multi-use facility. "I don't appreciate deception and I don't appreciate lies, I'm going to be frank with you," says Hurd. "People here know that all you have to do is spread a little misinformation among the seniors, create some hysteria and you can vote down anything." Peachland residents voted May 15 in a legislative-mandated referendum on whether to borrow $1.3 million to construct a curling club and multi-purpose facility. Two-thirds of voters said no. With the "no" vote came a requirement that Peachland turn down $2.6 million in grant money to go towards the facility. Hurd says after the referendum results, he was initially determined to stay on and "make life a little harder" for local groups and facilities who also enjoy municipal taxpayer support, but quickly changed his mind. "I didn't want to become vindictive. For me to go in there and become, pardon my language here, a complete asshole, it wasn't worth it for me and it's not fair for anyone else." Hurd says he also works two jobs, including running his own construction company, and has an 8-month-old grandson. "Council was like my third or fourth priority. It's time for someone else to go in there now." Hurd says he may get back into local politics eventually, but for now will concentrate on his business and his family.