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South Okanagan Photos

Dave Mattes – seeks re-election as Town Councillor

mattes11My name is Dave Mattes, and firstly I would like to thank you for your support and encouragement over the last three years.

I was born 57 years ago in Oliver. Raised and schooled in Oliver. My family has been in Oliver over 65 years. Left after high school for work and returned 17 years later with my wife Brenda.

I have operated several successful businesses in Oliver and am now retired. I am running for re-election for the same reason I ran 3 years ago. Keep taxes as low as possible, while improving our town. Our current council has worked well as a team to meet both of these goals. We have completed a $1 million  water, sewer and road improvement in the Hollow Street area.

We have cut commercial property taxes, passed tax incentive bylaws for new commercial development. We have held residential property increases to 1.5% average over each of the last three years. None of this is glamorous, all of it is necessary. The current council has plans for park, sidewalk, road and downtown improvements. All with no tax increase required. For these things to move forward, the town needs continuity in the council. I offer continuity for infrastructure improvement while holding the line on taxes.

In answer to the questions posed by ODN:

1. Homelessness, poverty,and low income, are they issues? what can be done?

Answer – Of course all of these are issues everywhere, including Oliver. Council can continue to provide a welcoming place for business to create jobs through low taxes and incentives. We can keep taxes as low as possible to make life more affordable for everyone. We can provide land for any developer willing to build lower rental or purchase housing.

2.  A report stated Municipal employees are overpaid versus provincial employees. What can be done?

Answer –  Reports are based on averages. We need to constantly work with our administration to understand and control our costs.

3. Main Street and Centennial Park. Should council take action to improve?

Answer – Absolutely. We have a wonderful town and any opportunity to improve should be taken.