Kiss' Self-Assessment

And District of Coldstream councillor Gyula Kiss passes his introspection.

Not surprising, as his introspection lacks external observation which Wikipedia states can be mistaken as testimony for knowledge.

First, his letter to the editor, published November 3, 2013, under "Councillor Responds":

"This letter is in response to the letter published in The Morning Star on Oct. 27 'Greater Vernon is over governed'.

It is very arrogant of a former city councillor to tell the taxpayers of Coldstream that they should give up their chosen form of governance and join the City of Vernon.

He should have learned from the debates of 2008 (website URL provided, but omitted here) that these debates do not work unless each one of the jurisdictions agree to proceed based on demonstrated, tangible benefits to each.

As a Coldstream resident I get the services I need:  water from GVW, sewer services for which I pay the going rate to the city of Vernon and the collection fees to Coldstream. I pay my share for recreation, culture etc. for which I pay the regional district.

My property taxes in 2013 were 10.25 per cent lower than it would have been had my property been located in the city (that's about $2.90 in real figures).

You may think Vernon is over governed and that you have to take up with your council.

Coldstream is not over governed and tries to keep taxes at a level its taxpayers can afford.

So do not covet our way of life from the outside.  If you wish to join Coldstream you may purchase a property and move to Coldstream.  Otherwise let us live as we please."

Gyula Kiss, Coldstream councillor

Apart from the initial surprise of Councillor Kiss using the word "arrogant" to reference a counterpart's opinion, Kiss' introspection is indeed false testimony for knowledge.

"Coldstream’s population grew 10 per cent between 2000 and 2010 but per capita spending...climbed 32 per cent...in Vernon, the population increased 13 per cent and spending per capita went up 53 per cent."

Society for the Future Governance of Greater Vernon

Councillor Kiss would rather circle the wagons.

And he'd rather gouge residents locally than admit provincial money is available --in the form of a one-time grant-- for the ever-increasing infrastructure deficit.

 "That grant is not available under the present local government structure."

Michael Tindall

Councillor Kiss won't tell you that he'd rather tax you locally--and/or reduce services--for the increasing infrastructure deficit than admit there is money available from the provincial government.

But the money is only available if the area forms a single regional municipality.   It's not available under the present local government structure.

"And covet our way of life?" asks Kia, adding "talk about arrogance!" 

Covet means yearning to possess...Coldstream's empire building?  We think not. 

 

We've all seen what Coldstream does to people they think can afford stuff.