Jack Bennest – incumbent councillor Town of Oliver.
Served 3 terms in this century.
Presently serving on the Oliver Parks and Recreation Society as town representative
Experience with Okanagan Regional Library board (finance chair), Oliver Heritage (Museum and Archive) representative. Member of Oliver Elks, Royal Canadian Legion and the SO Chamber of Commerce.
Raised and schooled in Oliver – left for 15 year broadcasting career – returned in 1984. Thirty years as community worker/businessman.
Four questions posed to all candidates from ODN: Is homelessness, poverty, low income an issue and what could a Town Council do about it?
Yes they are an issue and I think the local food bank event each Wednesday shows the amount and regularity of the need. Town council is not charged with the care of the homeless or those in need but all elected officials must be aware or be made aware and advocate for change in our social safety nets. I believe Oliver has a good low income housing stock and system – with little or no “sleeping on the streets” community. Support local charity and keep the dollars in Oliver.
At least one report says employees and management in municipalities are paid more than provincial government employees on average – what would you do about it?
This report may be flawed as a number of organizations have stated that opposing view. Quality workers and professional management come at a price. It’s a competitive market to attract new employees. It is however the job of each council to hold the costs down, engage in tough bargaining, and find ways of settling issues and wages without following the lead of other cities. One fact escapes many people. The higher the compensation for ALL workers – the more money there is to fuel the economy. If everyone was paid a minimum wage – would you need banks.
Main Street and Centennial Park – do you think the Town could take a leadership role in enhancing “our look” to the outside world travelling by?
Yes. The look down town is starting to upset me and many others and it is time to act. Council has the power and resources to become an active partner in the downtown. Consistent leadership is needed to make this happen. Council has stated it plans to make changes on Station Street with park improvements. Time to act.
What unique subject is on your mind – suggestions for Oliver’s future?
The town cannot do it all. It needs partners. RDOS, School Board, business, community leaders and everyone who lives here. We can do more and should use our energy and dollars to make our small part of the world – better, greener, safer and prosperous. I believe you will see more park space, walking trails, more hike and bike routes in the next 4 years and this council is committed to it. We need to find a way to deal with apathy and complacency. We must engage our community – seek new ideas and approach the future by thinking outside of the rut.
Vote for consistency. Vote for leadership. Vote for a better Oliver.