Although this issue is basically City of Vernon issue the fact that the City requested financial partnership from Coldstream it became a Coldstream issue as well. Interestingly, the City’s request was presented well after they declared a date for a referendum in Vernon which is quite extraordinary.Coldstream taxpayers should be alarmed by the recent accusation by the Vernon and District Taxpayers Association (VDTA) that the city is not providing sufficient details on the project. Their point was proven by the action of the City of searching for partners at this late date.
The VDTA also complains that there have been no opportunities for public input.
The City’s response: “We will have five open houses and the mayor has asked for a town hall meeting so people can ask questions,” said Leon Gous, chief administrative officer (MS).
An “Open House” is not a substitute for public input. Public input must come before the project is scheduled for a referendum. Asking questions is not enough to satisfy the public’s desire to have a say as to what they want for their money.
On Jan. 26, residents will vote on borrowing up to $30 million over 25 years for a civic building.
There VDTA submitted five questions to the City’s Chief Executive Officer regarding the Civic Complex and they are not satisfied with the response they received. Instead they are inviting the taxpayers to attend a public meeting on January 8 at 7 PM at the Schubert Centre.
With all these difficulties on their plate why would City Council even contemplate to invite Coldstream to partner in a quagmire such as this? Fortunately, Coldstream Council did not express great desires to join in a partnership.
The VDTA also complains that there have been no opportunities for public input.
The City’s response: “We will have five open houses and the mayor has asked for a town hall meeting so people can ask questions,” said Leon Gous, chief administrative officer (MS).
An “Open House” is not a substitute for public input. Public input must come before the project is scheduled for a referendum. Asking questions is not enough to satisfy the public’s desire to have a say as to what they want for their money.
On Jan. 26, residents will vote on borrowing up to $30 million over 25 years for a civic building.
There VDTA submitted five questions to the City’s Chief Executive Officer regarding the Civic Complex and they are not satisfied with the response they received. Instead they are inviting the taxpayers to attend a public meeting on January 8 at 7 PM at the Schubert Centre.
With all these difficulties on their plate why would City Council even contemplate to invite Coldstream to partner in a quagmire such as this? Fortunately, Coldstream Council did not express great desires to join in a partnership.
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