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Many issues need to be addressed
By Randy Tapp
Op-Ed Commentary
I love this community and what is happening here. Born in Kimberley, most of my life I have lived in this area, and in Cranbrook since 2003. I am truly excited at the opportunity of putting my experience and enthusiasm at work for you on city council.
I have been a school teacher and business owner in Cranbook. I was a Regional District of East Kootenay director for 10 years, have served on many boards including the East Kootenay Regional Hospital District, and participated in the founding committees that created the Columbia Basin Trust.
Enthusiastically devoted to our community, I volunteer for many charities and service groups. As well, I am a participant and leader in local arts, theatre, music and dance. This includes seventeen years running a weekly drop-in dance event and more recently as a founding member of Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society, where I continue to serve as a Director.
There are many great changes happening in Cranbrook, with improvements in beautification, infrastructure and roads, new businesses, and community driven events like the Farmer’s Market and Summer Sounds/ Dancing in the Park. With sound planning we can design a community that we want to live and do business in.
Visions, with hard work and patience can pay off. Ten years ago I had an idea that a regular, fun, family friendly event in Rotary Park might bring people together and lift some community spirit. Dancing in the Park began very small and eventually became Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society, which not only produces all the great shows in Rotary Park all summer but supports art and artists throughout the year.
This summer was amazing, with huge crowds gathering each Saturday at the park to take in the music, dance, and visit.
While there are many positive changes happening in our fair city, there are many issues that need to be addressed if we are to be forward thinking.
History would show that development has not always been planned well, and our City has become quite fragmented. Additionally there are too many vacant buildings, derelict buildings and unkempt empty lots about on our main streets. I will promote a directed movement to encourage the type of development and business that we want in those areas. This will enhance the City’s appearance and help to consolidate neighbourhoods and business areas making them more vibrant and even having effects like enhancing public safety.
My vision for positive change includes a plan to help vitalize our downtown core. With forward thinking design the downtown core can become a neighbourhood of boutiques and restaurants, where tourists and locals will want to meet and to stroll about. This will have to be a multifaceted plan that includes such issues as lighting, safety, and access to public washrooms.
I support the efforts of the good people working in social planning and service groups in our community. I intend to learn as much as possible about what is being done to address social needs in our community including immediate and crucial issues such as homelessness, low cost housing, and shelters that I may better assist in these and all areas of social need.
I will promote openness and transparency, and encourage the involvement of all people in all major decisions. An example is the proposed sports bubble being placed in Moir Park, decided by council In-camera.
In order to help insure that the city is being fiscally responsible to its taxpayers I intend to become informed in, review and assess all areas of city business.
I am forward thinking, and will work to fix some of the mistakes of the past, clean up where it is needed, and promote change that will enhance the feelings of comfort, safety and joy of the good people that live here.
Please come out and vote for me on Saturday, October 20. Remember that you only need to vote for those that you wish to be on council. Thank you.
– Randy Tapp is a City of Cranbrook council candidate in this week’s (Oct. 20) municipal election.
