Penticton Citizens First decided to vet candidates for the mayor’s chair and council.
Because of a large number of candidates, we had to be a little selective. We have noticed presently, and in the past, a strong influence that the chamber of commerce, Downtown Penticton Association and hotel/motel association has had on the mayors and councils to the point of uneven financial disposition.
We have listened carefully to the 300 plus citizens who have attended the forums to assess their priorities. Here is our assessment of the priorities asked for; respect from those voted into office, financial responsibility, protecting our parks from commercialization, the involvement of some younger people to represent us and all arts and culture.
We have selected only five. For mayor, John Vassilaki. Councillors: Frank Regehr, Jesse Martin, Isaac Gilbert and Marie Prior.
So how will they fit the requests of the citizens who were at the forums?
John’s experience as a councillor, a member of Protect our Parks, identified the deficiencies related to the hockey dorm and that financial disaster, in his personal construction business he has supplied Main Street with lower cost residential and commercial space.
Frank is a CGA; as a hobby and a citizen he has been examining financial statements and budgets from the city; follows the excitement of our creek improvements related to fish habitat.
Jesse, one of the best speakers and a teacher, spends time with his charges after school, passionate about his responsibilities, his link to the PIB, very necessary for the future.
Isaac, another good speaker, park warden, a key person to look after our natural parks as well as the manicured parks, active in the arts, travels without a car.
Marie’s financial background is in management banking, an experienced counsellor, involved and active in the arts.
There were others who were very qualified. However, we felt there must be room for some younger candidates.
We know there are many more issues to address but we think the five candidates mentioned were the best for the information which came out of the forums.
The attendees at the two forums voiced their lack of trust in the present mayor and council. They seem to want a council which is more versatile. We have addressed this by our choice of candidates. We want to thank you all for taking the time to read the proposed choices. Vote!
Lori Meikle-Cole, Ron Barillaro and Peter Osborne
Penticton Citizens First executive