I am running for re-election for the position of Mayor of the District of Invermere because I feel that I have the experience, have been and can continue to be effective, and because I am motivated, for the right reasons, to keep moving the district and Columbia Valley forward.

I have served as mayor and director on the Regional District of East Kootenay for the last three years, and served on Invermere council for six years prior.  I was first elected at the age of 20.

Over the last three years I have fought hard to maintain and enhance government services in Invermere, including the re-development of the Invermere Emergency Room, the re-opening of the helipad, and the continuation of employment services in Invermere.  I also helped to guide a diverse council which set aside money in reserves, decreased debt, completed a comprehensive pathway network, saved a historical building, completed a comprehensive sustainability plan, increased funding for the Library, and decreased commercial taxes.

I feel that I have been effective as mayor because I have been approachable, available, and accessible for the last three years.  I have made time for the position.

I am motivated to do what is right for the entire community, and am not interested in continuing the work in the position of mayor for any personal benefit. I am motivated to continue to work hard to implement the Imagine Invermere ICSP (Integrated Community Sustainability Plan), as well as the Lake Windermere Management Plan.  I am also very interested in looking at ways to diversify the economy, and believe that the first step is to complete a Columbia Valley economic develop strategy study, and to identify the top action items to implement.  I believe that by partnering as a region with Columbia Basin Trust we can then successfully fund and implement the action items of an economic development strategy.  I do not believe that the best or only answer is an economic development officer.

There are a lot of harsh realities, such as the global economic situation, and the relatively small tax base of Invermere (a one per cent tax increase generates $30,000 in new revenue), that make the possibility of any new facilities- such as swimming pools, recreation centre, community halls, new library, or theatres- impossible to fund in the near future, especially considering the lack of government grants and very little potential for private sector donations.

Some of the immediate actions I would like council to take if I am re-elected, include: continued and increased support for the Whiteway and Winter Village, new Invermere entrance sign, construction of the Kinsmen Beach amenity building, continue development of regional recreational services and coordination, continued work to improve signage and access to Invermere’s business park (and also explore expansion opportunities).

In summary, I would like to continue on working to make Invermere resilient, inclusive, and successful- and I would like to this by being transparent and using common sense, humility, and consensus.  I believe in moving forward and making changes by taking incremental and realistic steps.  I offer proven leadership to guide a diverse and unique community.

By Gerry Taft – for e-KNOW

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