RESPONSES

SOCIAL

Question 1 - The RDNO has recently developed a North Okanagan Regional Housing Strategy. Which actions of this strategy would you prioritise, and how would you implement them?

SCOTT ANDERSON

• Affordable housing (defined by BC Housing as subsidized and supportive housing) is important, but actually helps only a small fraction of the qualifying population, while attainable housing helps many more.  The plain fact is that we lack housing across the entire socio-economic spectrum, and BC Housing cannot even begin to fill this need without ruinous taxation and cut backs in other areas.
  

• The real answer to the problem of housing MUST be dealt with by the private sector.  That means no cost to the municipality, no cost to the taxpayers of BC, and no cost to the residents of Vernon. The major obstacle standing in the way of progress in home building is the permitting process at the municipal level.  If elected mayor, I will make this a priority.

Question 2 - Across Canada, First Nations and municipalities are strengthening their regions by collaborating on service agreements, land use planning and economic development. What efforts have you made in the past, and what efforts will you make to build powerful new relationships based on mutual respect, understanding and a common vision for mutual prosperity with the Okanagan Indian Band?

SCOTT ANDERSON

• As City liaison to O’Keefe Ranch, we have sought and achieved a much closer relationship with OKIB.  In fact, the Ranch hosted an exhibition of residential schools, and currently has an OKIB Band member seated as my counterpart on the board.  I have and will continue to advocate for closer ties with the band, and will continue to advocate for bridge-building measures like Indigenous public art.

Question 3 - In August of 2020 Council unanimously passed the following motion: “THAT the City of Vernon, including Council and Administration, firmly rejects racist acts of all types, and supports each individual who chooses to make Vernon home, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, creed or socioeconomic condition." The motion did not indicate what this support might look like, especially for minority groups. How would you rectify this? Specifically, would you follow the lead of other communities in the Okanagan and vote to adopt the anti racism policy already drafted by City lawyers? More broadly what types of programs, initiatives, and actions would you endorse or be a part of to ensure that Vernon is a welcoming place for all “regardless of race, gender, sexuality, creed or socioeconomic condition”?

SCOTT ANDERSON

• I made that motion, and of course it was passed unanimously.  I will not advocate for an anti-racism policy as I think it is divisive, unnecessary, and counter-productive.  I won’t reiterate my reasons in long detail, but here are some facts:

• 1  Any such policy would affect ONLY City of Vernon staff

• 2  When I asked administration, I was told that there had been no incidents of racist behaviour amongst staff.

• 3  When I asked administration what would happen if such an event took place, I was told it would fall under the Bullying policy and be dealt with in that manner.

• Given that an anti-racism policy would be a solution that already exists to a problem that hasn’t happened, I believe the only outcome to such a policy would be a slap in the face to staff, by suggesting that they need coercion to not hate each other on the basis of race.  I believe it needlessly highlights and exacerbates yet another division within our society, and does so for no good reason.

RESPONSES

economic

Question 1 - Please provide examples of the ways you would support business retention and expansion in the City of Vernon.

SCOTT ANDERSON

• If elected mayor, I intend to advocate for an “open for business” marketing plan across BC and western Canada (and further if advised convincingly of its value). That plan will be backed up by numerous measures, including but not limited to:

• 1     Building permit streamlining.

• 2     Property tax relaxation for choice businesses like high tech and suitable industrials;

• 3     Creation of industrial land base;

• 4     Adoption of suitable sports, recreation, and cultural amenities;

• 5     Regional discussions through the RDNO and GVAC over land use; and

• 6     Advocating to senior government for pro-market policies

Question 2 - Over 40% of businesses in every sector are experiencing labour shortages. How should the City support businesses in meeting their workforce needs?

SCOTT ANDERSON

• The municipal government has limited jurisdiction over workforce related issues, but housing is certainly one such issue.  I will continue to work toward streamlining building permits for both affordable and attainable housing, continue marketing Vernon as a more affordable and homier alternative to bigger cities like Kelowna, formulate enticements to family doctors, and continue working with police and Bylaw to reduce crime and enhance our reputation as a safe place to live.

Question 3 - How should the City support emerging and growing information technology, and manufacturing sectors including agriculture products processing?

SCOTT ANDERSON

• Creating more industrial land, enhancing regional transportation, and adopting new technologies.  I want to see Vernon break out of its wait-and-see stance and start leading the pack of BC municipalities.

Question 4 - How should the City assist businesses in the medium term (3-5 years) to become more resilient?

SCOTT ANDERSON

• Mostly by leaving then alone.  Entrepreneurs are risk takers and go-getters. However, when permissions are required, I believe the role of Council should be to issue them, as long as the impacts are positive overall.