A veteran politician isn’t ready to abandon public life yet.
Pat Cochrane announced Monday that he will not seek a fifth term on Vernon council this November, but he is casting his eye towards a neighbouring community.
“I am giving some consideration to running for Coldstream council,” said Cochrane, who lives in Coldstream.
The primary reason for leaving Vernon council is the work load and its negative impact on his business, Vernon Lock and Safe.
“Everything we do, except public hearings, takes place during my work hours,” he said, adding that Vernon residents deserve someone who can give their needs full attention.
Cochrane believes being a councillor in Coldstream could provide better balance between work, family and public life because meetings are at night.
Cochrane was first elected to city council in 1996, and he readily admits that he will miss being part of it.
“I will probably be depressed and in withdrawal for months to come,” he said.
Cochrane’s time on Vernon council is garnering praise from his colleagues.
“He has been a good councillor and he brings a lot to the table. His input will be missed,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert.
With nomination papers now available for November’s civic election, all current politicians are considering their future.
Lippert has his nomination papers in hand and will seek a second term as mayor.
“During one term you learn a lot and I still have a lot to contribute,” he said. “I’ve made mistakes but I’ve also learned a lot.”
While there was considerable focus on issues like the failed civic complex issue, Lippert believes his council has had a positive impact on Vernon.
“You couldn’t walk through Cenotaph Park before without being accosted and now there is none of that criminal element,” said Lippert, who also insists that city hall is more open to residents.
“You can go to a public hearing now and people can give good input. They may not like the decision but they know they’ve had their time with council,” he said.
Lippert added that council has also established a good working relationship with city staff.
“I’m really proud of the change in morale.”
Coun. Jack Gilroy announced some time ago that he would run again in November, while no decisions have been made by Councillors Buffy Baumbrough, Patrick Nicol, Juliette Cunningham or Barry Beardsell.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interesting approach!
Pat Cochrane is leaving Vernon politics because: "...Vernon residents deserve someone who can give their needs full attention".
Does it mean that Coldstream residents do not deserve the same attention? Do these "country bumpkins" need only superficial attention from their politicians?
Or is there a hidden agenda to send a Trojan Horse her from the City? There were a lot of decisions by City Council that negatively affected Coldstream during Mr. Cochrain's time on City Council but he never voiced concern about those decisions. The $200,000 "policing cost" in order to extend the sewer agreement comes to mind as a glaring example.
*********************************************************************
No comments:
Post a Comment