Area politicians have consistently and continuously expressed negative opinions regarding the Vernon area's push for amalgamation (recently rephrased as "unification").
"The very politicians against unification are featured in news articles that actually support the unification cause." Blog
Never more so than with the latest impetus to unify three administrations by the Society for the Future Governance of Greater Vernon.
We called it fear-mongering.
Everything from "it'd cost a million dollars alone to look after Silver Star Road" from a regional district director, "taxes would go up" from a mayor, "we're rural; we don't want curbs and streetlights" from another director, and on and on.
Yet one need only look at the very topics covered by local Morning Star newspaper and an enigma presents itself:: The very politicians against unification are quoted in articles, and their comments actually support the unification cause.
"...there is a need for the jurisdictions to sit down and fix boundaries and
if annexations do occur, there should be mitigation for lost tax
revenue." Mike McNabb, BX-Silver Star director
The irony isn't lost on residents.
Examples of that irony are found in every issue of the newspaper...these from November 10th, 2013:
- Annex policy sought: "a formal process is being demanded when it comes to Vernon absorbing rural properties."
Crying foul, one director is quoted: "there is a need for the jurisdictions to sit down and fix boundaries and if annexations do occur, there should be mitigation for lost tax revenue." The same director states "Vernon accepting annexation applications from property owners is impacting the relationship with the electoral areas."
"We are good neighbours so stop doing this to us.
Show some respect." Mike McNabb
- Greater Vernon Advisory Committee: "...spending $30,000 on an engineering assessment of Vernon's Civic Arena." Yet another study commissioned by people we elect to make decisions on our behalf. Elected officials simply turn everything over to consultants.
- Kin Race Track changes hands: "Ownership of a contentious piece of property is being streamlined," begins the story, justifying the change by saying that it's part of "parks restructuring". Land titles for the track are being transferred to the City of Vernon from the Regional District of North Okanagan.
- Similar jostling a while ago where Coldstream now owns Kalamalka Beach, thanks to Vernon's bequest. Turns out under Vernon's ownership, the beach was zoned R2 Residential. (Gasp! says a resident). So Coldstream, not one minute after receiving ownership of the beach, immediately rezoned the Beach to parks and open spaces. And Coldstream now gets to look after its own parks, i.e. Lavington Park. Whew!
All the huffing and puffing and chest-pounding.
"From the outset, the Society believed that the minimum
requirement, for a substantial and credible representation of the
citizens of Greater Vernon, we required at least 10% of the voter
turnout from the 2011 Municipal election. We are very pleased that we
have surpassed 20% of that threshold in ALL jurisdictions. (and
still counting)." Society
It's not just residents, either, who want unification and a streamlined, smaller government.
The unification plan has also received the endorsement of the 650-plus businesses within the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.
No small feat. If 650 business owners and ~3,000 residents actually "see" the unification benefit, why are bureaucrats and elected officials immune to that clarity?
"Because they're not looking ahead," offers Kia.
They're looking down at where they've shot themselves in the foot."
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| ...from the internet |
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