Incumbent Town councillor Dave Mattes wants to continue monitoring how Oliver spends its money with the goal of keeping taxes affordable.
That’s one of several reasons why he is seeking re-election.
“I have fought hard to have budgets presented with a zero increase . . . my goal is to keep taxes where they are now.”
Mattes said he continually analyzes the Town’s budget line by line to understand where increases come from and where cuts can be made.
He said taxes are currently at a level where the Town can continue to provide services without a deterioration of local infrastructure.
Mattes has a thorough understanding of where the money is and how it can be used.
“I have personally ‘discovered’ over one million dollars that can be used for projects to improve Oliver without increasing taxes.”
In the past, tax increases were proposed by the administration and councils fought to lower them, Mattes pointed out. Now the administration starts at zero and must present a good business case for increases, he stated.
The incumbent said he was compelled to run again because he doesn’t want to lose the momentum of council’s projects
“We have road improvements, park expansion, and sidewalk network expansion planned. All this can be done without tax increases.”
Mattes said if there is a new group at the council table this fall, much of this will be lost as the newcomers “learn the ropes.”
Mattes said the Town has set up incentives to attract downtown development and “hopefully” the business that follows. He noted the Town has changed its administrative policies to lower costs, and has worked to plan for future growth while maintaining existing infrastructure.
“There are always new routes to explore. We need to keep an open mind for opportunity while we keep an eye on maintaining what we have.”
Mattes said it is the business of every town to provide and maintain roads, water and sewer. But there is also a duty to listen to the citizens, improve parks, and create a business friendly environment, he pointed out.
Mattes said he will continue to work to get a name brand hotel in Oliver. “Once we have put our infrastructure plans in motion, council needs to make direct contact with the people and companies that can help us.”
The incumbent said they must also continue to replace older water and sewer pipes in some areas of town.
Mattes admitted that economic development is difficult in every town. He noted that council has provided tax and parking space relief for new businesses to build, and has lowered taxes to help keep existing businesses afloat.
“We need to continue to work with business to help ‘set the table’ and make Oliver attractive for investment. The new prison north of town should provide additional spin-off opportunity for business to locate in Oliver.”
Mattes recalled when he first applied for the job in the last election.
“Former councillor Michael Newman said that if we could accomplish one thing in three years we will have done well. I didn’t believe him at the time, but now I do.”
Mattes said it is important to have continuity on council to prevent having to reinvent the wheel after each election.
