Kelowna Mayoral candidate BOB SCHEWE – the gloves are off
I just recently retired from the City Bylaw Dept. and was very much in the middle of the City bureaucracy for 12 years. I have been a self-employed renovation contractor and a landlord back east for over 20 years before moving here in 1995. My life experience has also included being in the Westside Fire Dept. for 4 years, and a dog control officer for 5 1/2 years for the RDCO. I have also worked part time for the last 5 1/2 years at Princess Auto as a salesperson. This community has been very good to my wife and I, and we wish this paradise continues to be one of the best places to live in the world. The public has for years pointed out a lot of what they see as major issues with our community. I would like to start out on a positive note that I agree with the current mayor rightfully promoting and supporting Journey Home, our arts, culture, diversity and total inclusion of everyone. Now I wish to clarify our great differences, and yes, these are my own words. My platform is really that of the public as per my open ear policy in life.
My main platform points are affordability, livability and safety of Kelowna. The current mayor and council policies and priorities have taken all 3 major issues in the wrong direction, and it continues to only get worse. I hope everyone has been paying attention to the very good articles by Ron Seymour on how everyone has voted on major expenditures in the last 4 years, apparently available on line.
On affordability, the City has to get it’s spending under control, and start placing the needs of existing residents and businesses first, instead of spending huge sums of money on development that only benefit a few. Some of the developments/major projects are just not smart or cost effective. A classic example was the relocation of the tourist bureau to the end of Queensway, instead of a cost effective reno at the highway location, against many residents wishes. Tourists try pulling your travel trailer into that location - if you can find it. I am not against development, but it has to be openly debated, cost effective and smart, and good for all the existing residents and businesses. Unlike the current Capri – Landmark – Sutherland Av. proposal, which adversely affects the the established property owners, businesses and residents of the area. As recently proposed the City was to contribute approx. 35 million to the project, 1/3 of the projected cost. Another related point is that the large expenditures have upped our property and business taxes excessively in the last 4 years, I would like to see a near freeze on civic taxes for the next 2 years. Affordable housing is a complex issue which certainly we have to address. Besides the many good suggestions with diverse housing options, I would also suggest we consider approaching the ALR to accelerate the unlocking of substantial in-active agricultural properties scattered about the City. An example is the very west end of McCurdy Rd. Another suggestion is that some modest single family housing be constructed already with a legal secondary suite, much more cost effective than renovations later, also assisting with mortgage payments. And the City is not later spinning it’s wheels chasing an illegal suite and forcing it to be brought up to code. As part of the City bureaucracy, I also saw first-hand many inefficiencies and duplication in several departments that also need to be addressed.
On livability once again the City council and mayor have to prioritize the infrastructure, facilities and needs of the existing residents and businesses. Why are we rushing to become a big city - with all the associated big city problems and costs. Our roadway infrastructure needs improvement especially in recognized bottlenecks of some of our main arteries. Public transportation has again been brought up by many residents, especially for seniors and young people. And why is the City dragging it’s feet on the longtime promise to develop the Cedar Av beach, which would benefit all our residents, visitors and tourists alike.
I dealt directly with the street people/transient camps that have now expanded to other areas of the City beyond the deplorable downtown. I know first-hand what does and what doesn’t work. The current policies and priorities of the City, as directed by our mayor and council are just enabling and prolonging the street life, which only benefits drug dealers and the segment of street people that prey upon the weaker. We have to recognize there are distinct different segments of the street people. There are those that qualify, are willing to co-operate with our social agencies, Journey Home and similar good programs, and live within the communities rules. These people we have to help, get them into affordable housing and get them out of the downward spiral of the street life as soon as possible. There is the other segment of street people which are unwilling to live within the community rules with their anti-social behavior. They are shoplifting, stealing, preying upon the weaker, dealing drugs, pimping, vandalizing etc. WE have to strongly clarify that they and their way of life are not welcome here. We have to remove the temporary short term shelters out of the downtown and relocate well away from all commercial and residential areas. The format, setup and rules of the shelters has to change so as those that wish to stay off the street and away from the bad influence can stay on site.
Why does the City continue to try to staff the RCMP detachment below the national per capita average in this very busy community? Why does Kelowna not have a loitering bylaw? Other Canadian cities do. Why do we not enforce the no riding bicycles on the downtown sidewalks? Why do the police not take away the stolen shopping carts? Why do we allow the dangerous and annoying panhandling from traffic? Why are the Bylaw Dept. and the RCMP discouraged from communicating and coordinating efforts on problem people and properties? And why is a parking complaint the same bylaw priority such as a transient camp along Mill Creek with associated needles and anti-social behavior. Once again the City mayor and council has to return to listening to the residents wishes. For strong leadership with an open door policy, please vote. To take back your City -