4 make case to replace Mund
Candidates for mayor outline qualifications, positions on issues at election forum
None of the four candidates running to replace Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund has any experience as an elected politician in civic government. However, each presented his case at a forum on Tuesday.
Darrin Taylor described himself as a father, husband and entrepreneur with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. He said his strength was leadership and he cited his involvement with government committees and boards of directors.
“We need economic development in order to create a community that people can call home . . . that is safe for seniors and children.”
Business owner Erik Olesen said he had been asked by politicians to run.
“I’m here to represent the community, to work as a team.”
He stated that economic development and infrastructure are key to moving the city forward.
Art Gourley, a professional union painter, has lived in Vernon for 12 years, and he noted that his son and daughter have a businesses in the city.
Victor Cumming, who moved to Vernon in 1992, said his specialty was making decisions, that he has worked in every province and territory in Canada and has international experience.
He finished second to Mund in the last municipal election. Mund is not seeking re-election as mayor but is running for council instead.
“My strength is facilitating and working with groups,” Cumming said, adding he can analyze complex data and come up with solutions. His goal is to maintain “the high quality of Vernon and enhance it.”
The candidates were asked to respond to four questions they received in advance of the forum.
Asked what is needed to support young families moving to Vernon, Cumming said the municipality has responsibilities in five areas: plumbing, pavement, protection, parks and planning.
Young families need parks, recreation and culture. There needs to be downtown revitalization, “a place to go to, to hang out,” and attainable housing, for which the city has a role to play in cost and infrastructure, he said.
Gourley said there was a need to find jobs for the new people, and to fill up the empty buildings around the city.
Olesen said people need the opportunity to bring their own business to Vernon.
“Housing is a big part of this,” he said. “It’s not easy to afford to live in Vernon. We need housing across the board.”
He stressed the need for a pool, and for an arts and cultural centre.
Taylor envisioned a city where “young families don’t just get by, but thrive.” He said he expects to be “out there, to be the face of Vernon, working to be a champion of the community, to bring entrepreneurs here, to bring high-tech industry to the city.”
He suggested laneway housing and secondary suites to ease the housing problem. He also said the city needs to stress safety.
“When our children can’t go to the parks and feel safe, we’re not doing something right.”
The second question noted there are many agencies to deal with the homeless population of the city, but asked what each candidate would do for the remaining 42,000.
Gourley said there needs to be more activities on the weekend.
“They’ve taken away the racetrack and car racing,” he said.
He said the Revelstoke mountain roller-coaster “would be kind of neat here too.”
Asked what he would do to encourage outside investment, Olesen said the city had to offer a good transportation system, resources and community involvement.
Taylor said there’s a role for the mayor to play in economic development.
“We need to embrace them as customers by having a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs,” he said.
He noted that the community was built by entrepreneurs, who started such businesses as Kal Tire, Tolko, Silver Star and Predator Ridge, and said entrepreneurs “will take us forward and provide the vitality for the next generation.”
Cumming noted that most of the growth will happen internally, from existing businesses. He said that Vernon doesn’t have much in the way of industrial land, so it is critical to partner with outlying areas.
Gourley brought up the potential amalgamation of the surrounding areas and said the reluctance to join Vernon was because the city taxes were too high.
Each of the 20 candidates for council had been invited to set up tables and meet those in attendance. The candidates for council will face questions at the Performing Arts Centre at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15.
The forum was presented by the Vernon Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Vernon Association.