Dave Mattes – Incumbent

If you were given a million dollars, what would you use it for in Oliver?

I would use part of the million dollars to bring back a campground and sani-dump to the north end of Station Street. Our downtown businesses can use all the customers they can get.

I would use the balance toward the repair of the water siphon at Gallagher Lake. Agriculture is still the lifeblood of our community and the risk of losing our water is too high.

Do you favour a national park reserve? Why or why not?

As a council we have not been asked by any of the other three governments for an opinion one way or the other. I do favour a level of protection for the area, but not a national park reserve. As a councillor, I am concerned with the stress on our town’s resources if 300,000 visitors per year show up as promised. The increased traffic would further stress the areas we want to preserve. There are about 300,000 people that presently live in the area from Vernon to the border. Can our highways handle a doubling of traffic for a park?

What is your solution to crime prevention in Oliver?

At the municipal level we are not authorized to increase the RCMP presence, but we will continue to push for the promised two additional RCMP officers. I would support more bylaw enforcement, financial support for Crime Watch, selective CCTV cameras to assist police and the hiring of assistance to give residents advice on the safeguarding of their property. I have taken the time to analyze our budget and there is money available for these initiatives.

Do you support the legalization of marijuana? Why or why not?

Although it has already been decided by the federal government and is not a council issue, I do support the legalization of cannabis. I support any initiatives that will lead to harm reduction from addictions of any type.

What is the best asset you can offer the town as councillor?

I bring experience both in business and on council. I have an innovative approach and a questioning perspective to the problems we face. I listen to and respond to people’s concerns, keeping them in mind when making decisions at council.