We give Town council candidates their last kick at the can before the election by asking a two-part question: What is the one issue you feel most strongly about in this election, and how can you make a difference to benefit your constituents?
Jeff Ashe
We need to look after our seniors and Youth, that would include making sure they have proper housing and programs in place to keep them healthy, and happy physically, and mentally.
With the Federal Government downloading issues that need attention to Provincial and in turn municipal governments we need to step up to the plate with new creative ways to find the capital to take care of the less fortunate residents.
I would also like to see the many residents/ new immigrants that live here, own houses, and pay taxes but have not got a vote, get a say or vote in local issues that involve them.
I believe we need to look at funds available to us at the moment and look at other projects that need that capital and are just as important as ones already being funded, an example would be expansion of Parks and Rec fitness facilities that at the moment have outgrown themselves, and give seniors, youth, and the rest of the population healthy lifestyle choices all year round especially in the winter months.
Programs we are funding that can generate capital need to repay that capital when up and running, or fund other projects that are desperately needed as we attract residents to Oliver
We also as councillors need to make sure that we are not in conflict of interest with any projects that are publicly funded .
You can contact me at www.jeffashe.ca
Jack Bennest
This group of council members has a plan and would like the opportunity to accomplish some part or all of a community improvement plan.
The downtown and Station Street need an upgrade and the Town can help with the right leadership.
I believe I have made a difference but as pointed out elsewhere – this is not a one person show – it takes a team.
I trust the voters to elect the people that can represent them and make the improvements that the Town needs in pathways, accessibility and “street beauty.”
Maureen Doerr
I am not sure there is a strong issue facing this election.
The Main Street is an area of concern especially as I operate a business on Main Street.
I know that this council is looking at some different options going forward.
I have been here since 1964, at age 9. I have seen so many changes, but one thing that has changed most is mobility.
People drive to Kelowna for the day, that was unheard of. Friday nights were the big shopping night on Main Street, it was abuzz with activity.
So this mobility has made a difference to the function of Oliver, in many ways we have become a bedroom community.
To draw new businesses to Main Street will take a creative individual.
I think we need to work with the wineries, to have a presence on Main Street especially in the summer and fall. Again this is an idea and needs to be strongly persued, but this would fit well with our Wine Capital theme.
I think the biggest benefit for all citizens is to continue working to enhance what we already have.
To promote and encourage businesses that offer good paying jobs. Poverty was brought up at the All Candidates Meeting.
One way to curb this is with good paying, steady jobs. That council keeps tax increase to a minimum, and continue working within our means.
Working with the OTA (Oliver Tourism Assoc.) to promote our community. Partnerships are very important in a small community to promote and sell our area.
I believe that most citizens of this community are interested in a small community feel, with the big town amenities, such as our schools and hospital. The jobs provided by these facilities are well paying and steady, which is good for the community.
We do have younger doctors coming into the community all the time and we need to keep encouraging this.
As I have learned in politics, patience is a virtue, nothing happens fast or overnight, but putting good measures in place will guarantee that there will be continued growth.
David Mattes
The biggest issue in this election for me is the referendum for funding for the operations of the Frank Venables theatre.
We have a great building that we need to use in the best way we can. The old auditorium was paid for by the school district. This is no longer allowed by the Province.
The school is now contributing $60,000 per year in the care, maintenance and utilities.
The town and Area C need to do their part. In the same way we contribute to the operation of the Oliver Heritage Society and the Parks and Recreation Society, we can operate the theatre.
While people may be concerned about the amount of money being asked for, there is control in place by having the yearly budget approved by the Town council and the Area C representative. If the theater fails to live up to expectations, I will be the first in line to cut funding to a minimum.
As an individual, I will continue to make my behind the scenes contributions to the organizations that make a difference in Oliver.
As a councillor I will continue to push hard for tax control and effective spending of tax dollars.
We need to leave more money in people’s pockets to improve the lives of all our citizens.
Larry Schwartzenberger
I believe that there is no one issue that is most important.
Broadening our tax base through managed growth while keeping tax increases to a minimum are important issues for this community.
I was also glad to hear at the All Candidates Forum that every candidate for Council was in favour of the referendum to supply funding for the Frank Venables Theatre.
The “Frank” is the best performing arts centre in the South Okanagan and it needs stable funding to be professionally managed and maintained.
As noted in the first question, I will work to broaden our tax base through managed growth while keeping tax increases to a minimum.
I am committed to allocating more funding for increased bylaw enforcement on our Parks and Hike & Bike Trails.
Oliver is a great place to live and I will work hard with the other Councillors to make decisions that benefit the citizens of Oliver in building a more vibrant community.
Petra Veintimilla
First on my list would be getting proper funds allocated to bylaw enforcement for the coming year.
It’s budget time, so that’s something that could be done right away with the result of having a positive impact on the community almost immediately.
Beyond that, I can not wait to start working on breathing some life into our downtown and our community as a whole – I believe that if we invest in our community, others will see its potential and follow our lead.
I can see the potential that Oliver has to be a world class place to live, work, and play. I bring both business sense and a love for my community that will translate into decisions that benefit us both now and in the future – think big picture and long term.
We are a diamond in the rough, and I will be a part of the decision making that will help to make us shine!
Lilly Zekanovic
Lilly Zekanovic did not respond to the questions by press time Monday.
See our coverage of the all-candidates forum to read some of her answers to the questions.
