LOCAL ISSUES

I don't claim to have all the answers, and I don't know it all, but one of my greatest strengths is the ability to listen. Listening will help guide and assist me in working with the other City Councillors in order to determine what is not only the best for the City of Kelowna but also the right action to take.

JC Rathwell

Downtown Revitalization

Let's keep the downtown Alive. Typically other cities let the downtown core decay and THEN come in with revitalization.  Interim measures won't work.  We need a 20 year plan and direction and then implement it. We should entice people to come downtown to live and for entertainment and leisure.  It should be a destination and be treated that way.

Traffic Flow & Congestion

It is only going to get worse. The more our city grows, the worse it is going to get. We need to figure out the right traffic flow. I have been to general meetings regarding the traffic flow options and there is still more work to be done.

Property Tax

Property taxes should not increase every year. As long as your city is growing, the more people there are to share in the expenses. So in reality, your taxes should be going down. Yes, there is more wear and tear because you have more people to accommodate, but there should be a way to judge this.  I feel that there is a very simple way to show the citizens of Kelowna that their City Councillors are doing their job: It's called a report card. I feel that all members of Government including City Councillors, should be held responsible for their/our actions, and should be judged on their past and present performances.

Tourism 

Tourism is Key. Kelowna is a four seasons playground. There is so much to do here and the weather is incredible. We need to keep promoting it the way we have been. There are several different committees that are doing a GREAT job in showing what Kelowna has to offer. We all need to support them and prove that Kelowna is the best place on Earth.

Business Growth 

When it comes to small business growth, all we can do is put in place an atmosphere and environment that is conducive to growth and success. What we need to concentrate on is how to attract big business to Kelowna and the Okanagan. I feel that the next 5-10 years are going to be crucial in putting Kelowna on the world map. I believe that together we can do this.