WF supportS multi-centre PAGE A3
local teen takes centre stage PAGE A11
going the distance PAGE A16
HAPPY HALLOWEEN Friday, October 25, 2013
VOL. 100 NO. 16
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City councillors, MultiCentre fundraising committee members and representatives of various sports and arts user groups pose for a photo. Annie Gallant photo
CRD director challenges appropriateness of fundraising photo-op AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter
Cariboo Joint Planning Committee/CRD, at large, sees itself as having a mandate to continue on with the fundraising until the existing referendum expires Dec., 2013, but we all know that it can take four to five months to complete the borrowing process for $15 million with the municipal finance authority. The deadline to apply to borrow $15 million is long past due. The NCJPC also has a mandate to ensure that the upcoming referendum is fair, equitable and residents are informed. “Fundraising photos ops at the expense of the taxpayer, are likely to be criticized and viewed by many as a promotion of the “yes” side. Given there is less than one month until
A fundraising photo op has elected officials questioning impartiality. Cariboo Regional District director area B, Heloise Dixon-Warren, along with her northern director colleagues and members of council were invited to take part in a MultiCentre fundraising photo opportunity earlier this week. “I do not feel it is proper to proceed with such photo opportunities and what could be considered fundraising rallies when a referendum on the extension of the project is going to be held,” Dixon-Warren wrote in reply to the request. “Perhaps the North
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the referendum, I feel we collectively need to listen to the taxpayer, represent the public (both sides), focus on getting residents out to vote and not participate in swaying voting for one side vs. the other using taxpayer funds.” In regards to the project itself, the director admitted she had “concerns with the project as status quo.” Coun. Laurey-Anne Roodenburg who attended the photo op, questioned Dixon-Warren’s own impartiality. “If you are concerned about elected officials looking like they support the “yes” side, perhaps you need to take a look at your Facebook page etc and note that you are constantly putting out infor-
mation in regards to the concerned citizens and the “November” web page,” Roodenburg wrote in response. “If that is not stating your opinion to the public then I don’t know what is. I have searched for any positive comments from you and I don’t see any on any of those publications.” City Coun. Scott Elliott, who also noted DixonWarren’s Facebook activity, said he couldn’t disagree with the director more. “I’m not impartial. As a referee for 30 plus years and seeing the conditions of that rink – we need it,” he said, pointing to his mandate as an elected official. “The referendum passed, the people voted on it,” he
said. “It’s my job to continue to work towards that goal. But personally am I for it? Yes, I am.” Coun. John Brisco agreed, highlighting the 2008 referendum and his position. “In 2008 the referendum on the Multi-Centre passed,” he said. “As elected officials it is our job to be for the MultiCentre, not impartial. This is not hard to understand.” Mayor Mary Sjostrom said she’s doesn’t believe any fundraising efforts centre around a yes or no vote, pointing to “creating awareness.” “The joint planning committee, city council and northern directors approved a recommendation for our Economic Devel-
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opment Corporation that Carol Pitkin should continue to fundraise for the project,” she said. “I recall no opposition to this vote. Elected officials have a mandate through a successful referendum to support these fundraising events if they wish to take part or are available when they are taking place. As individuals it is a personal choice.” However, Dixon-Warren remains firm on her stance. “I will not support this photo op,” she said. “To do so would be the equivalent of telling residents that voiced concerns about the project that their comments are not valid and we as elected officials don’t care.”
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