I am disappointed that I was unable to run this year to continue the momentum of the Smart Cities Challenge.
There are quality candidates running that I trust will take care of Penticton. Andrew Jakubeit, to me, is the best choice for mayor. He genuinely cares, is humble, intelligent and has grown into a great mayor. I’ve had many conversations with him, he is balanced and listens. He is a great ambassador for Penticton.
One thing that concerns me about politics right now is the anger vote. “I’m angry about (issue) and everyone must go.” We had a polarizing issue in Penticton and it divided us. It was an opportunity for learning for everyone. Measures were taken to ensure it will not happen again. There was no CAO then and the previous left a mess.
During the Smart Cities Challenge, I saw immense improvements. CAO Peter Weeber has goal and task tracking systems that improved communications. Anthony Haddad returned two years ago, Development Services and Economic Development are closely linked. CFO Jim Bauer worked with the Government of Alberta for 12 years and is extremely talented. JoAnne Kleb and Jennifer Vincent (and more) were inspiring during the OCP and the Smart Cities Challenge. City hall is functioning better. There is a learning curve and Jakubeit, Watt, Sentes and Picton are needed to help.
I’ve met Vassilaki several times, he has not been willing to talk about issues outside of his demographic. He doesn’t understand the talent moving to Penticton, the economy that is vibrant and younger generations. Comments made during the forums, I don’t feel comfortable repeating.
Working closely with Cox with the chamber, in contrast with Andrew’s underpromising, overdelivering, approach, Cox overpromises and underdelivers. A mayor shows up for commitments.
Cox’s legacy includes the Children’s Festival disappearing, divisiveness with the PHA and tourism, and more. From my experience, missing committee meetings is the norm. Banned in 2014 for not filing expenses on time, missing a deadline for running for MP. I don’t have confidence, that with no experience, he can do the job.
If you’re thinking of voting only for change, please reconsider. Nobody will ever be perfect. Issues that are frustrating right now are not because of one person. Andrew and the incumbents learned and have the experience needed to lead our city. I don’t want to run in four years because we allowed a rookie mayor and council to disrupt the momentum.
Keith MacIntyre
Penticton