MONDAY
DECEMBER 24, 2012
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Vol. 60, Issue 248
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A year of learning for mayor Wayne Stetski reflects on his first year in office
ANNALEE GRANT Townsman Staff
It was his first full year as Mayor of the City of Cranbrook, and Mayor Wayne Stetski said there were too many highlights to count. From attending events to working with his fellow councillors, Stetski said he has had a fantastic year. His primary goal in 2012 was to improve the relationship between city hall and residents. “One of the major objectives I’ve had is to make sure everyone feels welcome at city hall,” he said. “I really think we’ve been able to accomplish that.” His original plan had been to open up city hall to the public, but instead, he took city hall to the people through his Coffee with the Mayor events. At a number of coffee shops around the city, the mayor has been able to chat with residents to hear their concern straight from the
horse’s mouth. Stetski also brouhgt back the popular Brown Bag Lunch event, held in Council Chambers to again welcome public feedback and discussion. A third piece is his weekly five-minute community updates on local radio. “All of those give people an opportunity to chat,” he said. As far as council motions, Stetski said a big success was the Downtown Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw. This issue became particularly important after several buildings on Baker St. were lost in a devastating fire in April. Stetski said that under the new bylaw, any new development or improvements in the downtown core will be exempt from property taxes for the first five years to encourage development.
See MAYOR , Page 3
CYNDI PORT PHOTO
Participants are pictured in front of MP David Wilks’ office in Cranbrook on Friday, Dec. 21, during the “Idle No More” rally. First Nations activists across the country took part in a week of rallies, as the grassroots movement known as Idle No More organized to protest Conservative government legislation, in particular the Government omnibus Bill C-45, which was passed by the Senate on Friday, Dec. 14. The movement is also concerned with several other bills which have not been passed, which Idle No More says threatens resources and environmental protection laws.
Nominations sought for 2013 Woman of the Year TOWNSMAN STAFF
The Cranbrook Club of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) is seeking nominations from the community for its 28th annual Woman of the Year award. Any woman in the East Kootenay region is eligible to receive the award based on the
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following criteria: her contributions to the education and/ or advancement of women, and how she has inspired and enriched the lives around her by her endeavours. The nominee’s contributions and achievements may have taken place in the last year or over a period of time.
Her efforts may have been part of paid employment, voluntary, or a combination of both. “Education” does not necessarily carry an academic meaning, but can be more widely interpreted to mean supporting and encouraging learning. “The women who have
Joanne Jeanne Ryan Rea Cathy Wayne Colette Corey
been honoured by this award are very much admired and respected by those with whom they come into contact,” said Cathryn Henley, President of the Club. “Often they are unsung heroines of the community.”
See WOMAN , Page 4
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