Why public input now?

The recent request for public input by Vernon City Council comes at a very late stage in the development of the new recreation and programing MOU. If this group of politicians were really interested in what the public had to say on how things had been run I feel they should have been approached much earlier in the process in the process. That said, it is good agreement which clearly defines an efficient management model. The price of that efficiency is the burden future financial liabilities of these facilities falling to the Vernon taxpayer alone. This would occur if for some reason Coldstream , B and C were to withdraw from funding model. These protracted negotiations could have been avoided altogether in there were one municipal government for Greater Vernon.

This desire for public input was not demonstrated in the case of the Parks MOU which involved the city trading away Kal Beach for lower valued Kin Beach lots. Why the difference in attitude? Just the kind of thing that  make this blogger scratch his head.

Not talking to anyone

The air is getting crisp in the morning reminding us that autumn is here. Another sure sign of fall is the annual migration of local politicians to the Union of British Columbian Municipalities convention. Though the trip is sometimes criticized as political junket of little value I disagree. The provincial ministers and their staff also come to roost at UBCM convention. Their presence provides the opportunity for astute local officials to get the ear of a particular minister on subjects of local concern. There is often a very frank exchange of opinions which prove useful to both levels of government. Though brief these meetings are to the point and often result in the help sought.

As reported by Richard Rolke in the Morning Star no meetings with ministers were scheduled by our members of council in attendance.

This was a lost opportunity. Surely there must be a few items worthy of discussion. Perhaps the redesign of the 43^rd avenue and Highway 97 could have been broached? Maybe the inequitable burden born by Vernon taxpayers for the civilian employees at our RCMP detachment could have been underlined? A question regarding the apparent delay of approval Parks MOU could have been asked? Could the onerous water upgrades imposed by the Interior Health Authority been have appealed? The ministers were there ready to listen but apparently our elected officials had nothing to ask or say. I find this a disappointing state of affairs.

It is not as if there hasn’t been anything of note happening that might be of interest to the provincial officials. The recent successful launch of the Greater Vernon Governance Society Petition with the goal of a single municipal government for greater Vernon could well be the single most important issue that could have been discussed with provincial officials in recent memory. Too bad no one thought to schedule a meeting with a minister.

We were conspicuous in our absence from the appointment lists. The ministers expect to be talked to and look forward to meeting with local officials. From personal experience I know these discussions to be productive. Relationships with any given municipality and the provincial government can be warm or cold. Vernon may be in for a cold spell.

Disappointed

Shawn Lee