IN SUPPORT OF
J O H N Z E G E R
For Kelowna City Councillor
In my opinion, over the past 34 years, the Citizens of the City of Kelowna were most fortunate to have had a variety of outstanding, dedicated, committed individuals Elected the Office of City Mayor and Councillor. Some of these individuals were outstanding in the achievements that were accomplished. These people have spent many hours of their own personal time, well over and above the expected normal time spent, attending meetings, committees, meeting with the concerns of Kelowna Citizens, etc., all on behalf of the quality of life of the Citizens of Kelowna. Existing Mayor Sharon Shepherd is outstanding too and I hope that she will be our Mayor for many years into the future. I thank these individuals for their contribution.
We have now reached a point in time, where change and major re-focus is needed on the City Council and with the direction the City of Kelowna will follow. It’s time for a major change in thinking and planning of Kelowna’s Future ! We now have a good Mayor and we now need a good Council, a Council that will work together as a Team, who will build back the respect of the Citizen’s of Kelowna and who will give the necessary direction to the City of Kelowna Administration Staff.
* The Community Spirit of Kelowna Resident’s that was so outstanding during the era as a smaller community, was respected by all age groups of the entire community. This type of Community Spirt has rapidly eroded and has been discontinued and replaced by current Council thinking that does not have a focus on the quality and lifestyle of the majority of Long Time Residents/Average Families, Seniors and the Young, the roots, that built this community. Kelowna Citizens that want their concerns brought to a Public Council Meeting should have their business placed first on the agenda and not have to wait until the end of these meetings. Council should exercise full democracy.
* Population Growth is Now Rampant.
The City of Kelowna can no longer properly plan and budget Municipal Infastructure, including road maintenance, service maintenance/up-grading improvements to existinh established neighbourhoods and many similar needs, without large Property Tax Increases. With the Rampant Growth, Police and Fire Staffing Resources, City Employees are being strained. Many Service Requirements, are put on hold, but actually need to be expanded. Affordable Housing is being poorly handled, with little results accomplished. Many Residents no longer feel safe on the streets at night with the crime. Traffic flow through the City is in sad condition. Agricultural land needs to be preserved. New Industry is required in Kelowna, Including Employment and Jobs.
It is important for the City of Kelowna to build it’s Tourism for All Seasons of the Year, which helps to generate good cash flow to the Hospitality Industry and subsequently builds Employment and Jobs too.
* The Simpson Covenant was poorly and disrespectfully handled by the previous council in conducting this type of City Business behind closed doors. We need a new council that will be transparent to the Citizens of Kelowna and demonstrate respect, to this major contribution made by the Simpson Family.
* Downtown Comprehensive Development Zone.
A very important matter to all residents of the City of Kelowna, which was rushed through City Council and was not givem adequate time for the Citizens to digest. Recommend this import business be delayed, put on-hold for up to 5 years, to allow input from the entire community and that only local Architects and Planners be used. Not handled by City Council in a very Democratic manner.
Recommend this matter be presented to the Citizens of Kelowna in the form of Referendum in the Fall of 2012 or Spring 2013.
* Okanagan Mission Sports Centre & Swimming Pool.
These recreational facilities were badly needed in this section of the community, but the approach taken by City Council is another example of not having the costs and design building these facilities included in a Referendum, for the Citizens of Kelowna to make the decision. The approach take was not Democratic. Further municipal facilities should be included into a Full Referendum Process for the Citizens of Kelowna to make the decision.
Perhaps the B.C. Municipal Act should be amended too to remove the Alternate Approval Process?
TOURISM & COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE
* Annual Kelowna Regatta & Parade.
This event was downsized due to past problems with riots in the downtown area, mainly as a result of the sale and consumption of alcohol in the City Park. Hopefully lessions were learned from mistakes and corrections can be made to restore the Regatta to it’s original status.
The Kelowna Regatta was famous in the past throughout the entire Province of B.C. and brought Tourists into Kelowna with a magnitude. It is unfortunate that the old original old Aquadic/Regatta Building in the City Park, burned down and was not rebuilt. This old Acquadic Centre was outstanding for centralizing Water Sports We understand that the Insurance Coverage Claim for the Old Acquadic Building was not adequate and that these funds were contributed towards the Construction of the Parkinsons Recreation Centre. Not the same for Kelowna.
Hopefully the Regatta can have a full time year around office to centralize and to promote tourism. Hopefully this could be included in the pending New Kelowna Yacht Club Building. It would be great if the Regatta were turned over to the Jaycees with their skill in these areas ?
* The Wake Festival.
The Wake Festival was discontinued by the current City Council, in their wisdom due to problems and concerns. We understand the City Council will be giving the Wake Festival further consideration and hopefully can be reinstated for next year ?
* Children’s Fat Cat Festival.
Hopefully this too can be revived, as it was successfull from day one.
Vote for John Zeger
IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE
As a resident in Kelowna since 1974, I have voted in every Municipal Election. Over the years we have seen a number of New Mayors and Councils come and go. Some good, some not so good.
I am supporting “JOHN ZEGER” as a candidate for City of Kelowna Councillor and encourage you to do the same. “JOHN ZEGER” has an Outstanding Background, including leadership skills and I know that he will be an Excellant Hard Working Team Player and Spokesman on the New Council, for all of the Citizens of Kelowna and for every area of the City of Kelowna.
Don Mortison,
Okanagan Mission,
Kelowna, B.C.
Save Paradise 