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VOL. 100 NO. 85
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Grad grins Once again, Quesnel graduates crossed the stage in the annual grade ceremonies on the weekend. For more photos see Friday’s Observer. Whitney Griffiths photo
Simpson sets sights on mayor’s chair AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter
He says we’ve lost the luxury of time during our economic transition – one of many reasons Bob Simpson has announced his candidacy for mayor. “I warned council in 2007 that they had a short window to prepare for the loss of their major industrial base and informed the mayor that mill closures were imminent in 2010,” the former Cariboo North MLA said. “Yet, Quesnel still depends on heavy industry rate payers for 63 per cent of their property tax revenue and the city’s reserve accounts are being depleted.”
Simpson said mayor and council could have ensured reserve accounts were “topped up” and made a gradual shift from heavy reliance on industrial tax base. He also spoke economic opportunities in the biomass, agriculture, agritourism, recreation, mining, health care, industrial services and forest health sectors, adding “we’re well positioned to attract seniors and young families to the region because of its generally affordable real estate.” “However, the community needs to broaden its range of affordable housing options, including transition housing, quality low-income rentals,
Billy Barker Days July 17th - 20th, 2014 Special Events for All FREE Non-Stop Entertainment
in LeBourdais Park
and seniors’ housing and this must be an immediate priority for the new council,” he said, noting current council’s penchant for positivism, when faced with forecasted tough times. “It seems council just wanted to ride the positive mentality,” he said. “If I wasn’t positive about the future of Quesnel I wouldn’t be running for mayor, but we need to work for it and have a deliberate plan.” He pointed to the changing face of employment as a prime opportunity for the Gold Pan City. “The world of work is changing as more people tend to work away from
where they live, that’s a trend Quesnel is well positioned to take great advantage of,” he said. Other major priorities for Simpson include: • Engaging the Auditor General to assist the new council to review every program, service and revenue stream. • Rebalancing the city’s property tax revenue away from industrial ratepayers while ensuring the city has the reserve funds it needs to maintain and/ or replace ageing infrastructure. • Ensuring the new arena is the “right complex at the right price” as a result of active input from the community. • Streamlining and refo-
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cusing all economic development and sustainability planning initiatives. • Reviewing the City’s development permitting process to make sure the process is efficient and effective for investors and Quesnel is attracting capital investment. • Working with the seniors’ community to ensure Quesnel has the full range of quality programs and services seniors need to remain in the community. • Working with youth and young families to ensure the city has a broad range of childcare, youth support services and affordable child and youth recreational activities to retain and
attract youth and young families to Quesnel. • Developing a comprehensive climate change and environmental sustainability plan for the city. “No disrespect to mayor and council,” Simpson said. “But they continue to ride industry and a status quo budget. That time has passed. “I know we have serious challenges ahead but I’m excited and energized enough about the opportunities we have to actively re-invent our community that I’m willing to step back into the political arena and help lead Quesnel through this transition.”
July 1
Come out and support our Canada Day Celebrations 11 am to 4:00 pm at LeBourdais Park