Lippert Backlash

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM Monday, 21 November 2011 18:54

Very few political pundits foresaw the major voter backlash that took place Saturday against Vernon mayor Wayne Lippert.  The two term politician received 28 percent of the votes, while a combined 72 percent voted for his challengers, Rob Sawatzky and Patrick Davies.  Lippert says growing City Hall staff levels seemed to be a sore spot, even though he feels the new hirings were justified.  He told Kiss FM after the election, "I think the biggest thing when you look at councillors that got back on, they were pushing on a core service review and budgets, and I think that was a big thing when people looked at what we had done."  Re-elected councillor Patrick Nicol feels the so called Road Diet also was a factor in the change.  "I think the 43rd Avenue issue resonated with people. That's what I heard when I went door to door." A number of businesses along 43rd were upset with the city's plan to turn the four lane road into three lanes with a centre turning lane, and  the extra space used for bike lanes. They held a protest, and delivered a 1,000 name petition to Lippert at City Hall.  Council put off a decision on the proposal to allow for more input from staff, leaving the decision up to the new council. Lippert says he's ready to start a new chapter in his life, and is honoured to have served as mayor for six years. "I get to spend a lot more time with my wife Carol and my family. It's always hard on them, the families, whether you win or lose. This is a very public life, and you're under a microscope." Lippert owned an auto repair business before becoming mayor. New mayor Rob Sawatzky and the new council will be sworn in on December 5th.