Candidate says he is well-qualified

Dear editor: Re: Experience vital in mayor’s chair, Herald, Letters, Aug. 28

I would like to thank Mr. Kimberley for his letter about experience needed for the mayor’s office. I completely agree with every point he made.

I acknowledge that in the past a traditional approach to public office was to start by getting elected to school trustee, then to city council, then maybe mayor. There is merit to that approach, however, it is not the only approach.

I have a university degree in politics, philosophy and economics. I believe that my education is one thing that has prepared me for the role I am seeking to take on. I have also been very active in city committees, task forces and planning processes for 15 years. I know the Community Charter and the byaws of the city.

A mayor should have practical hands-on understanding of finance and due diligence in order to be on top of not only the finances of the city, but also how to evaluate proposals under consideration.

I have also been a business banker and business builder in Penticton and I know that while running government is not the same as running a business, certain skills do cross over.

I have spent 13 years elected to the board of the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce and have been chosen to be chair three times.

In that role, I have learned how to chair a meeting, which is about knowing the rules and a proper governance model, but also about being able to foster a conversation without trying to force an outcome and to build consensus and believe in the wisdom of the assembly.

One thing Mr. Kimberley did not mention is the mayor needs to be the spokesperson for the community. The mayor needs to work with council to set the priorities and fight for made-in-Penticton solutions. The mayor is the lead advocate to other levels of government and the bridge builder within the community.

I have represented Penticton as an elected representative of the business community locally and at the provincial level. I have personally advocated for several initiatives which have resulted in actual progress from the federal and provincial governments. I have built a network across the province and the country that I will be able to leverage to bring investment, jobs and social support to improve our community.

I have the utmost respect for Mr. Kimberley and the path that he took to the mayor’s chair. I have been preparing for this role with my education, business experience and service to the community.

I believe that the reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do more, which is why I am putting my name on the ballot.

Jason Cox Penticton mayoral candidate