Shawn Lee

 

Castanet posed a question on truth and accountability to all 24 candidates and gave them four days to respond. 

The candidates were asked to keep their responses to a maximum of 300 words and were asked to respond to the truth and accountability question no later than 12 p.m. (noon) Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018.

During elections, candidates are often elected based on promises they are unknowingly unable to keep.

How does your platform set you apart when it comes to truth and accountability? 

Answer

 In the heat of an election, many things are promised that are quite frankly beyond the scope of Vernon City Council, in violation of agreements with our regional partners or against the provincial legislation.

This is done by well-meaning candidates unfamiliar with the constraints under which council functions. 

The newly elected council will meet and together with city staff, hammer out Council priorities for the coming four-year term. 

What sets me apart from the vast majority of candidates is that I have experience in this process as a former city Councillor. 

I am aware as a member of council I will have only one vote and the influence I will exert will in large measure be determined by the committees on which I am asked to serve.

City governance is a balancing act between priorities and limited resources.

During the campaign, I have mentioned my priorities: restoring the sense of safety and security, examining budgets to determine the sustainability of tax increases, doing what we can to increase the supply of attainable housing and promoting the timely completion of infrastructural renewal with the least disruption to businesses and our citizens. 

Are these promises I can keep? 

Not alone. What I can promise is that as a Vernon City Councillor, I will promote these areas of concern, which are largely mentioned or alluded to in Vernon’s Official Community Plan. 

This will likely be common ground for the new Council. 

I can promise I will study the issues, ask questions, debate openly and vote with my conscience. 

The degree to which we are successful will be up to the Council.

Vote Shawn Lee for Vernon City Council.