Sunday, October 30, 2011

Former councillors back in the running

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star  Published: October 30, 2011 1:00 AM
 A couple of familiar faces are hoping to round up enough support to land them back in the political forum.  Among those seeking one of the eight councillor seats in Coldstream are former councillors Glen Taylor and Peter McClean.  Taylor served two-terms as councillor and also ran for mayor in the 2008 election against Jim Garlick.  “I want to get back on council and help move the community forward,” said the 51-year-old entrepreneur, husband, father and grandfather.  “I have the community at heart, I’m dedicated to what I do and my job allows me to get involved at more of an in-depth level.” With the district experiencing some of the lowest housing starts in history, Taylor would like to focus on growth in the community and managed development.  McClean has the experience of four terms on council and after a couple terms away working, he is ready to get back in the ring.  “Though there were a few times when I wondered why, I have always enjoyed the time I spent working with others on projects and developing strategies that would provide a well-planned and manageable template that would guide Coldstream’s inevitable growth and future,” said the 56-year-old, retired orchardist and well site consultant who now runs a seasonal contracting company.  The proposed agricultural plan, treatment of residential building permit applications, the loss of Antwerp springs and current legal action are a few items on McClean’s radar.  “I am concerned that council has perhaps forgotten that the most important obligation they have is to protect the rights of the Coldstream residents while ensuring that all of us are treated fairly and equally.” McClean and Taylor are among eight candidates seeking election Nov. 19. The other candidates include resident John Hegler and current councillors Gyula Kiss, Richard Enns, Doug Dirk, Pat Cochrane and Maria Besso.  There is also a race for mayor in Coldstream between Dave Hrabchuk and incumbent Jim Garlick.
Residents have ample opportunity to hear the candidates at the following forums:
  • Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Coldstream Elementary.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Schubert Centre (Vernon and Coldstream mayoralty candidates only)
  • Monday, Nov. 7, from 7 to 9:45 p.m. at Okanagan College in the lecture theatre (room D310).
  • Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.
Coldstream’s election will also include a referendum to borrow funds for a new mechanics shop.

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