Don Jefcoat runs for Coldstream council

Sep 2, 2022 | 6:30 AM

Don Jefcoat has run for political office before, but never in Coldstream.

The Vernon resident is seeking one of the six councillor positions on Coldstream council in the Oct. 15 civic elections.

in 2018, he ran for Vernon council, and prior to that, he tried his chances in the Vernon-Monashee provincial riding as the Libertarian candidate in 2017.

Jefcoat, who runs a garbage hauling business, said he has spent many days “working and playing” in Coldstream, and he feels the district is “intertwined” with Vernon, but residents should not view him as a “plant for amalgamation.”

“I don’t believe that’s a council’s choice. I will not be one to table a motion for such. I do, however, believe very strongly that you, the citizen of Coldstream, should make that choice if you want to join with another municipality. There are pros and cons to both amalgamation and remaining on our own,” Jefcoat said in a question and answer statement sent to Vernon Matters.

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When it comes to the district’s referendum to borrow $8.5 million for a new public works building, Jefcoat supports that.

“How many bake sales, quilt raffles, car washes would it take to raise almost $11 million? How long will it take to get to that goal? When we do get there, how much more would need to be raised to cover cost increases? While I would like to see that amount in reserves, It is not there. Borrowing is the best option,” he stated.

As for his goals, if elected, Jefcoat would push to see council meetings recorded on video.

“I believe in 2022, we should be recording meetings with a record of who said and did what. Council needs to be accountable to its voters.”

Jefcoat would also like to see transit improved so residents can get around without using their vehicles, and he would like to find ways to encourage businesses to set up shop in Coldstream.

“The old glass plant still needs tenants. The commercial center proposed beside the RDNO offices still needs to be built. Some things we can’t do as a council, but we can make it relatively easy to set up shop or bring the development to our area,” Jefcoat remarked.

For more information, visit his website www.donaldjefcoat.com.

by Pete McIntyre

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