The race for Vernon’s top job is underway. Rob Sawatzky, a local physician for 21 years, announced
Tuesday he will challenge incumbent Mayor Wayne Lippert during
November’s civic election. “I’ll launch the ship and see how far it goes,” said Sawatzky, who is 59 and retired from his practice. “Democracy works best if voters have good choices and I am running to give voters another good choice.” Sawatzky describes himself as having strong communication skills. “I believe I offer qualities that could fix some of the
dysfunction in the governance process. The Greater Vernon process
appears to have broken down,” he said. “I think I’m a proven facilitator with the ability to
help people with diverse opinions work effectively together for the
common good. My career has involved advocating for patients and I would
utilize those skills for the community.” Sawatzky says there is also a need for council to focus on finances and if residents are getting value for their tax dollars. “Part of the mayor’s job is to also get involved in bigger valley-wide issues like transportation and water.” Born in Saskatchewan, Sawatzky had a medical practice
in New Brunswick, served on the New Brunswick Medical Society’s finance
committee and was a clinical instructor at McGill University in
Montreal. In Vernon, he is a former president of the Ribbons of
Green Trails Society and was on the city’s transportation demand
management committee. He has also volunteered with Vernon Winter
Carnival, the Vernon Vipers and sports events. He says running for mayor is a natural progression of wanting to be involved in the community. “The community has supported me and offered programs to
my children,” said Sawatzky, who has been married for 27 years and has
two children at university. Leading up to November, Sawatzky says his goal will be to increase his profile among residents. “Any time you are doing something new, there is always a
worry about how to do it effectively. I am sure it will be a learning
process,” he said. Lippert announced earlier this year that he would pursue a third term as mayor Nov. 19. As of Tuesday, city hall has given out two nomination packages for potential mayoralty candidates and four for councillors.Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Doctor seeks mayor's chair
The race for Vernon’s top job is underway. Rob Sawatzky, a local physician for 21 years, announced
Tuesday he will challenge incumbent Mayor Wayne Lippert during
November’s civic election. “I’ll launch the ship and see how far it goes,” said Sawatzky, who is 59 and retired from his practice. “Democracy works best if voters have good choices and I am running to give voters another good choice.” Sawatzky describes himself as having strong communication skills. “I believe I offer qualities that could fix some of the
dysfunction in the governance process. The Greater Vernon process
appears to have broken down,” he said. “I think I’m a proven facilitator with the ability to
help people with diverse opinions work effectively together for the
common good. My career has involved advocating for patients and I would
utilize those skills for the community.” Sawatzky says there is also a need for council to focus on finances and if residents are getting value for their tax dollars. “Part of the mayor’s job is to also get involved in bigger valley-wide issues like transportation and water.” Born in Saskatchewan, Sawatzky had a medical practice
in New Brunswick, served on the New Brunswick Medical Society’s finance
committee and was a clinical instructor at McGill University in
Montreal. In Vernon, he is a former president of the Ribbons of
Green Trails Society and was on the city’s transportation demand
management committee. He has also volunteered with Vernon Winter
Carnival, the Vernon Vipers and sports events. He says running for mayor is a natural progression of wanting to be involved in the community. “The community has supported me and offered programs to
my children,” said Sawatzky, who has been married for 27 years and has
two children at university. Leading up to November, Sawatzky says his goal will be to increase his profile among residents. “Any time you are doing something new, there is always a
worry about how to do it effectively. I am sure it will be a learning
process,” he said. Lippert announced earlier this year that he would pursue a third term as mayor Nov. 19. As of Tuesday, city hall has given out two nomination packages for potential mayoralty candidates and four for councillors.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Right on! All of a sudden Mr. Lippert is going to become one of the nicest guys you ever met at the RDNO and GVAC meetings.
sounds like things are heating up, and I for one look forward to changes in city hall
Post a Comment