Council watchdog/ active volunteer Lynn Kelsey
Lynn Kelsey is a retired transition house worker with the South Okanagan Women in Need Society. Born and raised in New Westminster, she graduated from college as a registered nurse and with a diploma in music.
A three-time candidate for Penticton City Council, she attends nearly all public meetings as a member of the gallery.
Her list of volunteer work includes the City’s Official Community Plan task force, church musician, Boundary Similkameen Labour Council, Unity House, Diabetes Canada and Patient Voices Network.
She spoke with Herald editor James Miller this week on a wide range of topics.
HERALD: You’ve been an active volunteer in elections for years with the NDP. Are you pleased that an NDP premier was sworn in this week in Victoria?
KELSEY: As with many people I was confused and hopeful during the limbo period. I have met with John Horgan on a number of occasions and have the confidence that he will make an excellent premier. He cares about the people.
HERALD: Where do you personally stand on the Site C dam? There’s a lot of jobs that will be lost if the project is cancelled.
KELSEY: Loaded question. I believe it was ill conceived from the start, but unfortunately we are probably beyond the point of no return. I feel we can have responsible environmental growth while encouraging good green jobs. It is important to carefully consider the ramifications of any decision made.
HERALD: You have an extensive resume of volunteer work. What’s been your most enjoyable time during all of your years of volunteering?
KELSEY: My music gives me so much joy. I also get a lot of satisfaction out of the Diabetes Canada education I provide throughout the community and for healthcare providers. Teaching invigorates me.
HERALD: As a child, what was your first volunteer project that you can recall?
KELSEY: Collecting bottles for the New Westminster and District Concert Band. I played clarinet and bass clarinet in the band and piano in the jazz band.
HERALD: We hear a lot about the fentanyl crisis and homelessness. What do you consider to be the most important social issue that’s not receiving a lot of attention?
KELSEY: The lack of respect for others is a leading cause for many social issues. Homelessness for me is a key issue. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs states that first we must have food and shelter before we can tackle any of the higher level needs. We, as a community, must help provide safe and affordable housing and a safe and sustainable food source in order to tackle things like addiction, mental health and crime.
HERALD: You’ve watched the present council now for what’s now been nearly three years. Collectively, what do they do well?
KELSEY: Follow the leader. The majority of council members do get out into the community for events. It is nice to see them out for community functions. HERALD: Where could they improve? KELSEY: Independent thinking and taking a stand on their principles. Each council member is only one voice but it is important for that voice to be principled. It is OK to stand up for the citizens of Penticton.
HERALD: What is your personal opinion on the licensing issue for medical marijuana?
KELSEY: I know many people who are in need of medical marijuana just to function. I believe the city should do their due diligence in seeing that those dispensing cannabis are reliable, knowledgeable and professional. If a reliable source of marijuana is not available through this method, then we have the moral dilemma of people suffering great physical pain or mental and emotional anguish. HERALD: Skaha Lake Park? KELSEY: Park land is park land. The whole fiasco of Skaha Park came because the council refused to listen to the people of Penticton. As much as I have tried to get them to take time for sober thought after a public hearing, they continue to plow through. At the public hearing on Bambino field hotel, I warned the council that they did not have all the information to make a responsible decision. I also stated that they were being disrespectful to those that showed up and spoke by pushing ahead with their decision (in my mind already decided). Needless to say, a week later when they found out they couldn’t do what they decided to do due to a covenant on the land, I felt my point was made.
HERALD: Shortly after the election, council voted itself a pay raise in the form of extended medical and dental benefits which were never available to previous councils. Did you agree with this?
KELSEY: When I ran in 2014 for city council, I knew full well what the remuneration was. I was disgusted that they voted in benefits for themselves. Not all councillors availed themselves of them, but they were all part of voting them in.
HERALD: Over the past seven years, which municipal councillor have you been most impressed with and why?
KELSEY: Campbell Watt. He has shown principles by standing by his decisions. He will often ask for time for further information on subjects so that a responsible decision can be made. He listens.
HERALD: As someone who has run for council before, what advice do you give a person interested in seeking public office?
KELSEY: Educate yourself on the issues of the people of Penticton. Don’t focus on one issue. Attend council meetings on a regular basis. Learn what happens at the council table and how the business of Penticton is conducted. Start early and fundraise for your campaign, but don’t sell your soul to the devil.
HERALD: We’ll end with a fun question. What one or two words do you think best describes Donald Trump?
KELSEY: Unstable maniac.