Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 09 November 2010 19:51 107.5 KISSFM
Two hours of talks failed to produce much progress on the future of the parks and rec service in Greater Vernon. Coldstream mayor Jim Garlick actually thinks the process went backwards, as he was surprised the city now wants to keep things as is. He tells KISS FM, "This is a completely different take on what was happening and I'm mystified by it. It gives me an uncomfortable feeling when you go to negotiate and you get these mixed messages." Vernon mayor Wayne Lippert had a different take. "I think there was progress because some lines are finally getting drawn for what we need to do and move things forward. Lippert says most of the issues can be solved by contracts and clear service agreements being drawn up by staff. "The politicians need to stay out of that part of it and look after policies and budgets. I think most of the stuff is you've got elected officials trying to do the staff's job."16 local politicians from Vernon and Coldstream councils and directors for Areas B and C along with staff members took part in the meeting with mediator Allan Neilson-Welch at the Rec Centre.
1 comment:
Having sat through a good part of this hearing, and having followed the issue in the press, I would agree with Garlick that things have gone backwards and a lot of dollars and good faith was lost in these 2 hours. You cannot have regional governance giving Vernon the hammer on all issues. If I were a politician in Coldstream or one of the districts, I would seriously consider pulling out of the parks service, now that it is evident that there was never good faith in trying to resolve what started out to be locals trying to simply run local parks! Lippert's actions are going to rack up the tax bill for Vernonites!
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