Ex-mayor series continues with Mike Pearce
Mike Pearce was mayor of Penticton from 1999-2002. Prior to that time, he served one term on council. He returned to civic politics for one term as councillor from 2008-11.
Before coming to Penticton, he was mayor of Quesnel from 1980-1990, having also served as a town councillor for one term. He resigned as mayor to run for MLA in Quesnel under the Social Credit ticket in a year that saw the party nearly wiped out.
He established a law firm in Penticton in 1993 and retired in 2014, and was honoured with the distinction of QC. He now resides in White Rock, where he is closer to family.
He spoke with Valley editor James Miller about Penticton politics, which he still follows online.
HERALD: What have you been doing since you left council in 2011?
PEARCE: I practised law until 2014 and have spent the last period of time basically enjoying life and my family, who mostly all live down here. I have been conducting discipline hearings in the federal penitentiaries. I have several hobbies I work at.
HERALD: Did you enjoy being mayor of Penticton?
PEARCE: Yes, I enjoyed that experience as I always believe in giving back to my community. Often people thought there were other motives, but they were wrong. I can say that clearly now.
HERALD: What accomplishment during that time were you proudest of?
PEARCE: Perhaps the development of the Elvis Festival, the upgrades to Government Street and the industrial park and the vision to proceed with Lakeshore 86 come to the top. It was not all me and involved many good people in each of those decisions.
HERALD: What was your biggest regret?
PEARCE: The early battle over the Okanagan Lake Park. Only one mayor has been elected to two consecutive terms since 1990. There were lots of controversial issues. Politics is often like trying to make a grapefruit out of a lemon or vice versa.
HERALD: You took a strong position in favour of the Okanagan Correctional Centre, which later located on Osoyoos Indian Band land, near Oliver. In your opinion, is the OCC worth having in the area?
PEARCE: Unequivocally, it is an economic necessity for this area. Just look at the growth that has occurred as a result partially of the facility being here. There will be issues with anything you build. You deal with them.
HERALD: There’s definitely been an increase in crime in Penticton over the past several years. How much of that do you think is the direct or indirect result of the prison?
PEARCE: Before pushing for the prison, I visited several communities to ask that question. I was satisfied they were not related. I guess you could check to see how many of the inmates are involved in this increase, if any. Perhaps senior governments should put more funds into mental health and policing.
HERALD: As someone who lobbied for casinos in the late 1990s, do you like the location of the present casino and the way city council handled that issue?
PEARCE: Now you are asking me to second guess the mayor and council. From what I know and see, I do not think the present location is the best. I would have put it behind Canadian Tire. I don’t think the process was open as much as it could have been.
HERALD: What strategy needs to be done to tackle homeless, not only here in the Okanagan but throughout the province?
PEARCE: There are numerous strategies: money into mental health, changing zoning to allow higher density, imposing on developers a social housing percentage. I, however, do not think we will ever cure the issue because, as I see it, the more housing units you create, the more that will look for government subsidy. It is human nature.
HERALD: How do you feel the present city council is doing?
PEARCE: The present city council has had some significant challenges. There was too much inexperience elected. But that’s what the people wanted, so the people generated their own angst.
HERALD: Which councillor, if any, have you been most impressed with?
PEARCE: Campbell Watt. I told him seven or eight years ago to run for the chamber. He did. I encouraged him to run for council. He did. I am now badgering him to run for mayor to give you voters a choice. He is saying no, so you people turn up the heat on him. I cannot break his neck from here. There has to be a horse race. Sorry Andrew (Jakubeit). As for other councillors, I also like Helena Konanz.
HERALD: How will you be voting in the referendum on proportional representation and why?
PEARCE: Proportional representation is a waste of time and money. The present system works just fine and rural areas that I come from will at least be heard. Vote it down.
HERALD: You were always a champion of regionalizing services and amalgamation. Would our area, in your opinion, be better served with amalgamation?
PEARCE: The greater Penticton area including Heritage Hills, Okanagan Falls, West Bench and Summerland should all be amalgamated. They won’t be. The province doesn’t have the jam to do this, so it will not be done. There is too much government in the area, costing you lots.
HERALD: Have you ever considered a political comeback?
PEARCE: Yes, I’m working on whether I will try one now. Having said that, I am a strong believer in youth and renewal. I have done my 24 years in elected office. However, there is still that desire to try to become a mayor of three cities in B.C. No one has ever done that before. I am not as well known here as I was in the last two cities. So time will tell.
HERALD: What advice would you give to someone who’s considering running for city council in the next election?
PEARCE: Check with your employer to see if he or she is alright with it. Check with your doctor to ensure your health is up to it. Check with your family to ensure they are ready for the sacrifice. If those issues are all in order — pitter, patter, fly right at her.
HERALD: For someone running for mayor, how important do you think it is to have previous council experience?
PEARCE: There are a lot of important attributes you need to run for mayor. There are the three issues in the last question, plus you need to understand the art of politics which isn’t easy at the best of times. You need to have your finger on the pulse at all times. You should be bright and flexible and able to make a deal. You have to understand which councillors will be best on each committee. You have to be able to take incoming flack, which is getting more rude each year. I could go on and on, but that’s enough. Next week: David Perry.