Community and non-profit leader to run for Vernon City Council

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Kennedy has been involved with the art gallery for 18 years. She said that experience has taught her about fiscal responsibility and budgeting, accountability, community service and making decisions with limited resources.

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“Running a charity teaches you quickly that every dollar matters,” Kennedy said.

“I believe City Hall should operate with that same discipline.”

Kennedy’s campaign is focused on three areas: building a healthy and balanced community, improving coordination across Greater Vernon and giving Vernon a stronger voice beyond the municipal level.

She said rising taxes and cost-of-living pressures on residents and businesses need to be considered when making long-term planning decisions, including those involving the Official Community Plan, Transportation Master Plan, water investments and regional initiatives.

“A healthy community is a balanced community,” Kennedy stated.

“Right now, project bottlenecks and delays are unfairly impacting our citizens, slowing down needed progress and placing unnecessary strain on taxpayers. We need a predictable, well-managed schedule of investment across all sectors, from core infrastructure to parks, recreation, and culture, so every part of our community moves forward together.”

Kennedy also wants to improve coordination on regional priorities such as water, recreation and shared infrastructure.

“I’ve seen firsthand how regional governance functions and where the friction points lie,” Kennedy said.

“There are clear opportunities to streamline how projects move between the City of Vernon and Greater Vernon Advisory Committee to eliminate unnecessary delays, project competition and strengthen communication for greater transparency.

“Residents shouldn’t have to navigate or worry about which government table a project is sitting at. They expect and deserve to see their elected representatives working collaboratively to deliver results efficiently.”

Kennedy said she would also advocate for Vernon when policy, funding or legislative changes are needed beyond the municipal level.

“I know how to fight for community needs,” Kennedy said.

“When Vernon needs a change, I’ll make the case. I won’t be afraid to push for Vernon”

She said elected officials work for the people they represent and should respect taxpayers, understand the realities facing residents and businesses, work collaboratively across the region and all levels of government, and advocate for citizens.

“This is about building the Vernon we want for the next generation,” Kennedy said.

“We can grow, we can invest, and we can move forward – but we need to do it thoughtfully and collaboratively.”

The local general election is Oct. 17.