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Enderby race heating up RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe, with the support of her husband David O’Keefe, announces she will be running for Vernon mayor during her press conference at Davison Orchards Friday.
O’Keefe wants mayor’s job RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Mary-Jo O’Keefe insists she’s ready for Vernon’s top job. O’Keefe, who is in her second term as city councillor, announced Friday that she will let her name stand for mayor in the Nov. 15 election. “It’s a natural progression,” she said, adding that she was also a school trustee for 15 years. “I have the experience, knowledge of government and vision to lead this community in a positive and meaningful way.” O’Keefe, 61, insists her running is not a criticism of her council colleagues, but she admits she hasn’t been pleased with the overall direction of the city. “There are many things council has done that are fantastic but there are lots of areas where we lost sight of the ball,” she said. “We concentrated on the new parks agreements but while that was occurring, lots came up (for sale) on the lakeshore
and we lost those lots and won’t have access to them.” Raised in the Vernon area and married to former councillor David O’Keefe, Mary-Jo O’Keefe has a masters in business administration and was managing director of Community Futures. She also ran Vernon’s tourism office and currently operates two businesses, MJO Communications and MJO Tours. “I would like to see Vernon become a city that is not only sustainable but a city that is revitalized and vibrant,” she said. “A community that can facilitate achieving the goals and dreams of all of our citizens in an efficient and productive manner. I believe we need leadership that understands the value of the tax dollar and really can ensure we receive the fullest benefit for that tax dollar.” A priority will be the economy. “We need jobs not just for our children, but our children’s children,” she said, adding that targeted, achievable goals for economic development are required.
“We need to help our citizens achieve their full potential. We need to make it easier to thrive and do business here.” Among the focuses, according to O’Keefe, are sports and cultural activities. “Finally, I believe the downtown does act as the heart of our community and we need to support and enhance its development growth,” she said. For the city to proceed on major issues, O’Keefe says there is a need to maintain strong relationships with adjacent jurisdictions. “This council has made huge strides to work together with our neighbours. I intend to continue with that and make sure the whole region works together,” she said. The other declared candidates for Vernon mayor are economist Victor Cumming and former city councillor Klaus Tribes. “We have a very strong slate (mayoralty candidates) and it will be good for Vernon to hear what the issues are,” said O’Keefe.
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Howie Cyr’s challenger for Enderby city hall has come from within city hall itself. Greg McCune, a longtime city councillor, has decided to run against Cyr for mayor Nov. 15. “I’m a little more accessible and more of a cheerleader and that’s what the community needs,” said McCune, 52, who has served five terms. “It’s a job where you need to be involved with everyone, whether it’s Interior Health with the doctors, or with the regional district on various issues. You need to be on top of things at all times.” Cyr, who is a former counHowie Cyr cillor and completing his first term as mayor, welcomes McCune’s entry into the race. “That’s democracy in action. It gives the community a choice,” he said. “I believe I have done a good job as mayor and I like the opportunity to help effect change in the community. Greg McCune That’s what has happened with our team.” The 63-year-old Cyr, who is a retired RCMP officer, says he is proud of the open relationship that he has established with council and city staff. “I had a goal to instill a team approach at city hall. Everyone owns what’s going on in the community,” he said. Among the issues of concern for Cyr are upgrading infrastructure and pressuring the Ministry of Transportation to improve highway access. “We continue to need to work on economic development,” he said. “We need to find ways to attract business to town.” The owner of Sutherland’s Bakery, McCune insists the city must focus on making tourists and prospective businesses more aware of the opportunities that exist for them. “We need to let people know Enderby is an amazing place,” he said. When asked about priorities, McCune says there is a need for city councillors to be utilized more and keeping in contact with residents. “People ask why our taxes are so high,” he said. “It comes down to communications but it also comes down to watching our tax dollars and stretching them as far as we can. People need to understand where their money is going.”
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