Ex-mayor series continues today with Dan Ashton
Dan Ashton was mayor of Penticton from 2008 to 2013.
Prior to being elected mayor, he served as a city councillor from 1999 to 2008. During his tenure on council he was chair of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen for 11 years.
He is presently MLA for Penticton, serving in Opposition with the BC Liberals.
He spoke this week with Valley editor James Miller about his time as mayor in what's the sixth in a seven-part series of interviews with former mayors. Keeping with the theme of this series, the majority of questions were geared towards his previous job as mayor.
HERALD: How does being mayor differ from MLA?
ASHTON: As a mayor, many issues encountered are community driven. Should the community centre be upgraded? Where is the right location for a BMX track? What infrastructure projects are prioritized? These are a few examples. Provincially, issues often can be related to individual challenges with healthcare, social assistance, regulatory approvals and other provincial regulations.
HERALD: In what ways are the jobs of mayor and MLA similar?
ASHTON: Getting results for the citizens you serve and, in my opinion, that is done with good governance, not politics. Once there is a consensus on something like a hospital expansion, an affordable housing project or even a street paved, you need to be able to ensure it happens.
HERALD: You were mayor of Penticton from 2008 to 2013. What accomplishment are you proudest of?
ASHTON: Without question it was making sure the Penticton hospital expansion would become a reality. A tremendous amount of lobbying was taking place with Interior Health and the province by the RDOS and the City of Penticton from 1999 on. That project was a large part of the reason why I ran as an MLA and I was fortunate to be a member of the treasury board to make it happen sooner. A close second is the new community centre.
HERALD: What was your greatest regret as mayor?
ASHTON: The failed hockey dorm project. We knew of the need for it; some parents were not comfortable with the current billet system and the difficulty finding host families. A proper dorm would help enhance our competitive hockey community and be an asset to the new SOEC. Unfortunately, despite the best intentions, it did not happen, and I wish the issue had gone to court so the truth of what actually transpired could be heard.
HERALD: Your council discontinued the contract with Ironman. In hindsight, was that the right move?
ASHTON: It is said that hindsight is 20/20 for a reason. During that time we had a change in ownership of the race taking place and the opinion was the new ownership was not immediately forthcoming to work with the city, not only for the benefit of the athletes, but for the citizens paying the bills. We put together an advisory committee that, at the time, included some very wellrespected local triathletes and there was a consensuses that the Challenge format would be an asset for Penticton.
HERALD: It was mentioned during the last provincial election that with regard to Skaha Lake Park, the word “hotel” was on the marina RFP (request for proposal). You were mayor at the time. What was your vision for Skaha Lake Park at the time?
ASHTON: The intent at the time, as I recall, was to put out an RFP that indicated the city was openminded to hearing what ideas were out there for the marina property — not the park. I was on council when a proposal came forward for commercial use in Okanagan Lake Park and I heard loud and clear what the citizens of Penticton thought of that. My unpaid leave began before the RFP closed and I have never been privy as to the contents of the proposals the city ultimately received from that RFP.
HERALD: If it was ultimately up to Dan Ashton, would there be three- or four-year terms for municipal politicians?
ASHTON: Three-year terms. I often hear from good people who would consider a three-year term, but as some point out, four-year terms could be your child’s entire time at a middle school or secondary school and many do not want to miss out on that special time with family or taking that extended amount of time away from their lives — because, if it is done properly, it can be a substantial commitment.
HERALD: Which member of council did you most enjoy working with?
ASHTON: I enjoyed each and every one. Our council was very diverse in terms of different personalities, but every single member brought different strengths to the table. Please do not forget, we were elected at the start of the largest downturn in the economies of North America since the 1930s. Difficult decisions had to be made and the vast majority were made unanimously. There are always different personal styles on how decisions are made, but if I was to single out one individual, I would say that Coun. Mike Pearce had a very interesting way of speaking his mind.
HERALD: You are among the present and retired MLAs and MPs who has endorsed Helena Konanz for the federal Conservative nomination. You usually remain neutral on these things. Why have you specifically chosen to endorse Helena?
ASHTON: I am a small-C Conservative, with a large social conscience. In my time working with Helena, I have always found her to be someone who really cares about her community, returns calls to citizens and is always willing to try and help resolve a problem. That basic level of accountability, community dedication and service is important and I believe those attributes are an asset for a member of Parliament.
HERALD: How do you think the present council is doing?
ASHTON: Overall, I believe somewhat better than many give them credit for. The town remains vibrant and progress has been made in many areas. There are some serious challenges, as former mayor (David) Perry has also recognized, however those challenges are not insurmountable and listening to, and working with the majority of citizens you represent can go a long way in the right direction.
HERALD: Nova Scotia recently did away with school boards. You have been outspoken on school boards in the past, especially during the Trout Creek/Westbench controversy. Is B.C. well served by school boards?
ASHTON: Yes. I was and am outspoken on this issue. And yes, I believe an independent school board can hold the local administration in check much more effectively then the provincial government in Victoria can. Some examples of individuals that have been effective trustees that challenged the status quo are Bruce Johnson, Tracy St. Claire, Tom Siddon and David Perry. That is not to say there have not been more, but in my opinion, there needs to be good trustees who will put the students and their parents first.
HERALD: Getting back to municipal politics, there’s an election on Oct. 20. What advice do you give to those who are considering running for office?
ASHTON: To be effective the job requires a significant amount of time and dedication. Being a mayor or a councillor is much more involved than simply showing up at a council meeting. You also need to ensure that your family and your occupation can support the commitment. Also recognize you will, at times, potentially face intense criticism and you and your family need to be comfortable dealing with that. Finally you need to be willing to make decisions that are the best for the whole community.
HERALD: We’ve asked the other former mayors if they’ve ever considered a political comeback. For you we’ll ask, do you have a retirement date penciled in your mind as to how long you’d like to continue doing what you do?
ASHTON: No, I do not. Provincially there are still many important projects I would like to see move forward and more than a few in this area I would like to help facilitate. Our children and personal health are incredibly important, as they are to most, and so far so good. I can assure you I have no intention to grow long in the tooth as an MLA and I am very sure there are wonderfully talented, dedicated and community-minded individuals considering the position I am so honoured to have. At least for the next election, I will let the citizens decide if I am serving them to their expectations.