Morning Star Published: October 30, 2011 1:00 AM
It’s increasingly obvious that the conflict between Vernon and its
neighbours will play a role in the campaign leading up to Nov. 19’s
election. The relationship, or the lack thereof, was mentioned
several times during the first forum Thursday, and it has previously
been raised in media interviews, particularly by Patrick Davies and Rob
Sawatzky who are challenging incumbent Wayne Lippert for the mayor’s
job. Some members of current council have tried to portray
the city as the innocent party in the dispute and it’s been Coldstream
and the Regional District of North Okanagan who have been stirring the
pot. While obviously the other jurisdictions have performed less than
admirably, Vernon cannot claim to be the complete victim. It was the city that decided to leave water
distribution. Its position on parks and recreation governance has
bounced around more than a volleyball in play. Vernon’s withdrawal from
fire dispatch forced RDNO to consider its service options. Yes Vernon has the largest population and is the
biggest contributor to functions, but funds from the other jurisdictions
means city taxpayers don’t have to pay the full shot. Some candidates have also been right to point out that
Vernon’s economic development strategy depends on the other communities
because they have the land base for industry. It is time for Lippert and the other council members
seeking re-election to be transparent about their relationship with the
other communities, and reveal a willingness to show some flexibility. If
they don’t the issue will only become bigger as the campaign marches
towards Nov. 19.
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