Mediocrity is not an option

Dear editor: After careful research and consideration, I have decided to vote for Tom Dyas as mayor of Kelowna.

I believe Dyas has the best qualifications to serve the city. He is a man of integrity, and he has the business acumen and proven leadership skills to create positive and much-needed change. He built a successful small business from scratch, while raising three children as a single parent.

Those comfortable with increasing crime rates, excessive taxation, traffic congestion and a closed-door communication policy may be inclined to choose Colin Basran. I prefer to use my vote to stand for positive change and better opportunities for our future, not the same status quo approach to leadership.

Also, I would like to say that I am a member of one of the many faith communities in Kelowna and I am not ashamed to say so.

Last week, I attended a breakfast meeting composed of a group of faith community leaders who represent about 20,000 citizens of Kelowna. We were informally discussing issues surrounding the homeless in Kelowna when I asked these leaders about their interaction with Basran over the past four years. Their almost unanimous reply was that, “Mr. Basran either doesn’t return our calls or doesn’t show up to our meetings when invited.” This response really concerns me and makes me wonder if Basran is as inclusive as he purports to be?

One final note, congratulations to Dyas and the Hamilton family for your hard work in securing the 2020 Memorial Cup for Kelowna. I sure hope Dyas will be our mayor when the Kelowna Rockets are showcasing the City of Kelowna to the entire country.

Whatever your choice, I encourage all to get out and vote on Saturday. Tim Young Kelowna