A question that is often asked of me as a candidate for city Council

Who would I like to see elected?  Of course the simple answer is Shawn Lee because I think he will be an excellent Councillor for the City of Vernon. I am sure the other nineteen candidates feel the same way about themselves. The same is true, I imagine of the mayoralty candidates.

With such a wide field of candidates the voters face a difficult challenge in making their selection. How do you get to know what each candidate is about? Social media will be a great help. Attending the various forums will also be useful. Do you go with the incumbents or give the new faces a chance?  Whichever way it goes, we will have this new council for four years which underlines the importance of the decision.

It may seem that I am ducking the question but it is still very early on in the campaign. Much is yet to be discovered. As time goes on my choices will become clearer and I may choose to share them. I believe that when men and women of good will are committed to well- informed honest open debate that good decisions will result. The task facing the voters of Vernon is to find those independent, inquiring minds and grant them the task, the burden and the privilege of serving on city council for the next four years. I hope to be granted such a privilege.

Please vote for Shawn lee for city council. Cheers

The Future of the Cannabis in Vernon Would Appear ........

The future of the cannabis industry in Vernon would appear to be …well… just a little blurry. Our most senior level government has charged ahead with its election promise to decriminalize the use of cannabis in Canada. If you talk to law enforcement, the legal profession and the medical profession, perhaps the federal government’s decision was premature.

There will still be enforcement because there will be regulation, and in large measure the cost of such enforcement will fall to the municipality (read Vernon RCMP). Things still appear a little hazy when it comes to judging when someone is driving under the influence (THC).

Will there be an economic benefit to our community? This too appears unclear with the licensing regulations of the Federal and Provincial Governments. Hopefully there would be a sharing of tax revenue with the municipalities to offset increased enforcement and possible social costs.

On a less murky note, those who suffer from nausea and chronic pain  will no longer have to rely the good will of a friend of a friend's cousin to find the relief they need. This is a good thing.

Finally let’s talk about “the four plants”. As far as I know the legislation still provides the option of growing four plants for personal use. I can’t shake the image of some future bylaw officer prowling around people’s backyards counting plants. Will it be four a season or four continuous? The difficulty of enforcing such laws boggles the mind, perhaps literally.

That being said we soon will be adding legitimacy to a very old and popular psycho-active substance.  The resulting ease of procurement could put many young minds at risk. Great caution needs to be exercised by responsible adults to avoid tragedy.

How will you vote in the Provincial Referendum on Electoral Reform?

This is a very good question. The result of the Oct 22 –Nov 30 referendum could fundamentally change how democracy functions in British Columbia. I am currently studying the pros and cons of the four systems; first past the post vs. dual member representation, mixed member proportional or rural-urban proportional. I urge all citizens to do the same. Thankfully we still have a couple of months.

Some questions I will consider are: which system best represents my ideal of representative democracy? which system is most responsive to its constituents? which system allows for more efficient government? what tax burden can we expect if we change from the present system? which system allows for more accountability?

Let’s study our options, share our ideas and all vote in November. 

The Referendum on the new Cultural Center: The vision of the few and the wisdom the many.

I support the borrowing referendum question that would permit the construction of a purpose built facility for the Art Gallery and the Museum; both having long found their current locations increasingly nonviable.

A new structure, built to current Museum and Art Gallery standards would allow the reception of world class touring exhibits which now cannot be even considered.  Greater space will allow both facilities to display more of their collections, most of which are now stored and rarely seen by the public.

The prospect of borrowing 25 million is daunting but it should be remembered that a yes vote is required in order to be eligible for addition grants envisioned to complete the project. It is also important that we are assured that a yes vote will not increase the tax burden.  

With the retirement of the debt for the Performing Arts Center, the timing is opportune to borrow for the new Cultural Center with no attendant tax increases. I believe a purpose built Cultural Center will provide life enriching experience for decades to come.

The new facility will also be a draw for visitors to our region just as Kal Tire Place, the Performing Arts Center and the recently completed Athletic field.  No one could argue that these public venues have not been of great benefit to our communities.  I am grateful for the vision of the few and wisdom of the many that in the past supported the borrowing that allowed for these facilities which have so enhanced our community. I hope that the wisdom of the many will allow this proposed facility to go forward. 

Please vote for Shawn Lee for Vernon City Council.

The Homeless in Vernon

What is the biggest issue facing the City of Vernon?

Earlier this year I attended an information session at the Schubert Center aimed at gathering public input regarding the challenges faced by both individuals and businesses stemming from actions and interactions with Vernon’s homeless. My eyes were opened. Feelings ran high and tempers were frayed. The frustration of those who spoke was almost palpable.  The task force which called the meeting took the information gathered and ultimately presented a series of recommendations to Vernon City Council. All this activity would lead one to believe this is our biggest problem. It certainty appears to be urgent.

The issue of the homeless is not new but appears to be cyclical in nature. Faced with this or any challenge as a Councillor I would return to the guiding principles of Vernon’s Official Community Plan:

Foster prosperity for people, business and government.

Protect and preserve green spaces and sensitive areas.

Ensure housing meets the needs of the whole community.

Create a culture of sustainability.

Create strong, compact and complete neighbourhoods.

Provide alternative transportation.

Revitalize the downtown.

Create a youth friendly city.

Each of these principles is elaborated in the community plan.  When these principles are neglected in decision making we experience crises. The most visible of which recently has been our street population. Space will not allow me to expand their detail. These principles outline the big picture. If, as a councillor, I can keep the big picture in mind, solutions pursued to solve challenges will serve all residents with fairness and compassion. Here is the link

www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5470-official-community,-plan-bylaw.pdf

So Many Candidates: How do you choose?

A politically conscious friend of mine recently wondered aloud how to select from so many candidates. It does seem over whelming. For the motivated voter, and dare I say candidate, there are many ways to  find the information sought.
There is the traditional forum attendance.You will get to shake the candidates hand and look them in the eye. This takes courage on the part of the shaker and the "shakee"Most politicians however relish the chance of this close contact . Take advantage the hand shake to gauge your sense for comfort with the candidate. Listen to them speak and judge their degree of calm in the stress of the forum. Listen for content. Are they informed?. Do you trust what they say? You can also read whatever they publish.
Nothing ever dies online so a quick search of the candidates name may reveal a website campaign or other wise which may offer you  insight and help you to decide. This does take a bit of work. You can also interact online with most candidates. Thhis could be fun and revealing.
Lastly do you know someone who knows the candidate? Ask their opinion. Remember that every vote counts.The candidates are facing the same challenges as the voters when they are deciding for whom to vote.
Remember please vote for Shawn Lee for Vernon City Council. Cheers Shawn

Experience matters: Vote for Shawn Lee Vernon City Council 2018

I believe that voters should cast their ballot for me on October 20th for following reasons.

I have previously served on Vernon City Council and am familiar with procedures and budgets and the cycle of governance in involved in local government. I would be able to hit the ground running.  I am able to read and understand the technical terms and issues involved in the large Council agenda packages. (Sometimes over 700 pages)

I am a Vernon resident. I love this community where Jocelyn, my wife and I have raised our six children, involved in both sports and arts.  I would like to give back to this city that has been so good to us.

I am a quick study and read quickly with understanding and retention; skills and talents that are invaluable to a Councillor.

I will always come prepared to discuss the issues and to debate in public the questions as an independent voice on Vernon City Council

I will answer all inquiries directed me as a councilor as quickly as possible.

I will carefully examine all budgets set before Council with great care.  I will never forget tax dollars come from you and me.

I have served in executive and board positions in the Dental Profession both locally and provincially. These positions dealt with protection of the public, quality assurance in dentistry, regulatory matters and budgets. I became familiar with the rules of such governing councils.

I served both as a board member and later as President of the Arts Council of the North Okanagan. I became aware of the challenges faced by passionate volunteer organisations. More importantly I became acquainted with the value that the arts contribute to any community.

I will promise to serve honestly and with integrity.

Please vote for Shawn Lee for Council.

Jurassic Park Vernon style (continued).

I support the orderly maintenance of the city's infrastructure. I sat on Vernon city council when initially sizable portions of the conservative tax increases were dedicated to infrastructure renewal. Happiily this practice has continued with subsequent councils. The increased attention to infrastructure can pose problems This past summer has been and continues to be challenging for  businesses and residents in the north east of the downtown core. Major road construction and intersection redesign at times presented an almost impossible labyrinth to negotiate both for local residents and for clients of area professionals. We are two months beyond the promised completion date and the work goes on and on.  The resultant loss of on street parking and the recent closing of the large city parking lot to accommodate the decommissioning of the Civic Arena has created a parking crisis in our end of downtown. I would support the more careful planning and timing of these renewal projects and negotiate guaranteed completion dates in order to lessen the amount of disruption to both residents and businesses . Please vote for Shawn Lee for Vernon City Council Cheers!

Greyhound Gone in October

The corporate decision of Greyhound to discontinue its passenger service in Western Canada will present a transportation challenge for many in our community. Perhaps the BC transit service between Vernon and Kelowna could be enhanced. It should be noted that the increasing use of these publicly funded systems were cited by Greyhound executives as one of the factors contributing to their falling ridership woes. There may need to be increased frequency added to the existing service.
Please vote for Shawn Lee for Vernon City Council

Seeking Solutions for the Homeless in Vernon

The current council  has attempted to a dress some of the issues attendant with the city's homeless. This was commendable. I believe that a continuing effort focusing on harm reduction and preserving public safety will be necessary for the foreseeable future. There are no quick fixes for this very complicated issue and it should involve cooperation between government and private agencies. All residents of our little city deserve to feel safe and secure. I will support initiatives that are aimed achieving this goal. A detailed look at past measures taken may also prove helpful.
Please vote for Shawn Lee for Vernon City Council

Vernon Civic Election 2018

As the current election season approached many of my acquaintance asked if I was considering letting my name stand for election. I wasn't. I have been down that road before and  recall the emotional trauma that running for public office often brings. However there was and still is a strong desire in me to serve my community as a Councillor for the City of Vernon. A sense of unfinished business a clock that is still not working.
And so today I filed the necessary documents and the race is on. I am grateful to those who so willing signed my nomination papers and to my wife Jocelyn for her abiding support of her would be politician husband.
My hope is to blog daily as well as manage my face book page and maybe tweet a little. I get the sense this election may well be won online. Stay tuned . Cheers Shawn Lee Vernon Taxpayer