Stage set for Coldstream vote -- By Jennifer Smith

Jim Garlick and Glen Taylor owned the stage as the two leading roles (mayor candidates) during their final performance Wednesday.

The supporting roles, played by 17 councillor candidates (Bill Firman failed to show), were also put under the spotlight before the curtain closed on the last public opportunity to reach out to voters.

More than 100 people came to the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society forum to hear from the candidates before heading to the polls Nov. 15.

The scenes ranged from taxes to the glass plant closure, amalgamation, Kalamalka Lake protection, a fire department debate and even some scenes out of Vernon, including the Highway 97 bypass and the smelly woes of Ogogrow.

A twist to the plot was when Coldstream Ratepayers Association members revealed themselves – Maria Besso, Gyula Kiss, Peter Peto and Lynn Spraggs. Peto said he wanted to become a CRA member after seeing the association’s performance during the sports complex referendum.

While the leading characters are generally expected to be in conflict, the mayoralty hopefuls did agree, in some form, on most subjects.

“We did nothing to stop the closure of the glass plant,” admitted Garlick, who echoed Taylor.

They also agreed that commercial growth might be best located in the town centre, next to the municipal office. Garlick said he will push for a library there.

The two mayor candidates also carried a similar stance on amalgamation, with both being against it.

One disadvantage Taylor pointed to is Coldstream’s low debt per capita versus Vernon’s high debt per capita.

“We’re going to pick up a lot of the debt load from the City of Vernon,” said Taylor, who supports sound co-operation with partners like Vernon.

Pat Cochrane also spoke up on the issue, but with a bit more explanation than his previous stance on amalgamation. He won’t lead the way or push for it, but Cochrane expects one day, it will happen.

“There is the threat that the government will step in.”

John Hegler is against it but also warns that there are those pushing for it.

“Vernon doesn’t have any land any more, they’re looking for land, they’re looking for amalgamation.”

Mary Malerby said the key to avoiding amalgamation is: “You really have to participate and co-operate but not join in.”

David Rossi is also against the idea of joining Vernon, but suggests that the idea might work with Coldstream’s neighbour down the lake – Oyama.

Protecting Kalamalka Lake was another topic.

Spraggs says there is an oil slick on the lake and part of the solution is stopping drainage from developments and parking lots seeping into the lake. But he warns, “we gotta start now.”

The boat launch parking lot on Kalavista Drive should be the first thing to go, according to Greig Crockett.

“That’s probably the lowest and worst use you could give to that property,” said Crockett, suggesting a park.

Ruth Moore would also like to see more parks, open space and trails and says she will work to ensure developments provide them.

Particularly when it comes to parks, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee involvement has been debated. But regional support was supported by some candidates.

“Especially with something like the Lavington glass plant closing you realize that you need the support of everyone regionally,” said Besso.

But Doug Dirk said there are opportunities during this next term where local control could be adjusted.

“We’re at a crossroads where our relationship regionally can be redefined,” said Dirk.

But when it comes to regional functions, water is one that hasn’t worked, according to Kiss.

“We have been sold a water plan which was originally acceptable but it has changed,” said Kiss.

Perrin Hayes says the real priorities for the next council need to be figuring out what to do with the closed glass plant and establishing a shopping area.

Becky Strube suggests a rural retail zone in existing commercial areas to prevent residents from having to commute to Vernon.

On the agricultural side, as a farmer, Allen Dubeski is concerned that nobody is looking after the farmer’s interests.

Whether it’s through farming or other areas, Richard Enns says it is important to ensure people can continue to live and be successful in this area.

“It’s always been my sincere hope that my children will grow up in this area and prosper,” said Enns.

Looking at the bigger picture, particularly with all of the resident complaints and suggestions currently being voiced, Dean Skoreyko says: “It’s extremely important right now that the residents are heard and listened to.”

Clair Methot promises residents that if they vote for him: “You won’t be sorry and my wife will love you because I won’t be hanging around the house so much.”

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