Finlay Makes Run for Council

By Corey Fischer

Sep 13, 2018 | 5:26 PM

The 15th candidate to announce a run for Vernon councillor says she’s been attending council meetings for two years, and fully understands what’s involved.

Jasmine Finlay says business owners, citizens, and members of council have urged her to run, with councillor Scott Anderson saying she is a rational thinker who is able to think outside the box.

“There will be a fair bit of turnover in this election, and Vernon deserves councillors who are ready to hit the ground running,” says Finlay. “Someone who understands what the job is and is willing to put in the work.”

Finlay says she is committed to pro-active communication, reaching out to citizens and the business community to seek ideas and input on solutions before issues escalate.

“As a private citizen attending council meetings, she has made a consistent effort over the past years to meet informally with business owners, parents and community members to hear their concerns and discuss ideas and creative solutions,” says a news release from Finlay.

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Finlay is a certified permaculture designer, having studied water harvesting and erosion control, surveying, composting and other technical elements under two highly qualified engineers. She has a 500 sq. ft. community garden plot in Vernon. She has researched sustainable urban planning strategies including “8/80” (Designing Urban Landscapes that Work for Both Young and Old), Vision Zero (strategies to mitigate inadvertent human error), and the City Repair movement (reclamation of public space and community building).

Finlay says Council needs a voice to speak for young families.

“If Vernon is to thrive, the city needs amenities to attract this demographic and provide health, fitness and recreation opportunities for all ages. As the city contemplates the next big infrastructure expenditure, I intend to advocate for a cost-effective new recreation centre, staring with a pool.”

Finlay is a working mother with a young son, and her husband, Derek, is a manager with a Vernon company.

“We need a Council made up of people willing and able to take on difficult issues and make decisions that are not always popular,” said Councillor Scott Anderson. “Jasmine has a first class mind and is a rational thinker, but more importantly is able to think outside the box without losing sight of reality.”

by Corey Fischer