Monk makes first political foray

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

Alan Monk laid out his platform in front of supporters Tuesday morning.

Alan Monk believes he has what it takes to be a fiscally responsible leader on Kelowna City Council for the next four years.

Monk, a business owner who has lived in Kelowna the past 21 years, unveiled his platform and candidacy to a small group of supporters outside the CNC Tuesday morning.

He says he has a two-fold approach to fiscal responsibility at City Hall.

"My over arching priority will be find efficiencies and to make every effort to reduce the tax burden for the citizens. Then, to ensure we invest wisely in infrastructure and keep Kelowna a great place to live," says Monk.

"I believe we should make these investments in an incremental manner and only within reasonable limits. Now is not the time for our city to engage in irresponsible or extreme financial measures."

As for how taxes will impact the general public, Monk feels a zero increase will not work.

"Never in my 40 years in the private sector have I heard of a business coming up with some kind of self-imposed, binding covenant that they can't invest in their business when that time comes up," says Monk.

"Having said that there are efficiencies we can find at City Hall. The biggest part of my job will be finding those efficiencies and reducing the tax burden on the citizens."

Monk also believes in supporting the businessman and entrepreneur in Kelowna and continuing to expand the city's transit system.

"By doing so we will be doing our part to reduce greenhouse gases. Secondly, by creating a more mobile labour force, we will be giving many businesses better access to more employees. It's simply the fair thing to do, to those who rely on that kind of transit."

His platform is available by clicking here.

Monk is one of 31 candidates to file nomination papers for councillor.

Voters go to the polls Saturday, Nov 15.