Manager announces council seat bid

Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star  Published: September 04, 2011 1:00 AM
After eight years in Vernon, Kelly Fehr feels it’s time to give back to the community.  The manager of shelter services for the John Howard Society has announced his intention to seek a seat on Vernon city council in the November municipal elections.  “My youngest daughter is 13, and growing up in Vernon,  and I want to do my best to make sure that it’s a place that she can be proud to live as she moves forward in her life,” said Fehr, 34, married and a father of two girls.  Since arriving in Vernon, Fehr, a Surrey native, has thrown himself into working with groups specializing in complex issues. He serves with Vernon Partners in Action Committee, a group of agencies addressing poverty as a whole, and directly assisted with implementing the Centerville Neighbourhood Council, Camp Okanagan Outreach Liaisons (COOL) team, gaps in services for marginalized women committee, North Okanagan poverty outreach team and women’s supported housing action team. Fehr is also involved with B.C. Housing, Violence Against Women in Relationships committee, Vernon Sexual Assault Services program, male abuse awareness, and suicide prevention committee. “I’m proud of the individuals I’ve had the opportunity to tackle complex issues with, both within the non-profit sector and within government,” said Fehr. “Vernon has had many worthy causes and has had many noteworthy champions.”  He has no political experience, but Fehr believes running for a council seat will be a great learning opportunity.  “Vernon’s a great place and my experience over the years with the John Howard Society makes me aware of a lot of issues that are present, and will be present, in Vernon,” he said. “I think I can contribute. I’m an honest person and I genuinely care about the community.” People interested in running for a seat on council, or for the mayor’s position, can start the process of taking out nomination papers. The filing deadline is from Oct. 4 to 14. The municipal elections are slated for Saturday, Nov. 19.