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Gares Enters Council Race

Gares Enters Council Race

Aug 29, 2018 | 6:07 AM

The races for Vernon council this fall are starting to fill up.

Kari Gares is the latest to announce a run for councillor.

The mortgage broker and co-owner of MHC Mortgage says infrastructure development, attainable housing, business investment, and a policy that emphasizes a zero tolerance on the illegal activity are key parts of her platform.

“What’s certain, and I’m sure most will agree, is that we are too comfortable pointing fingers as opposed to having meaningful discussions where differing views are acknowledged,” says Gares, who has been a business woman in Vernon since 2003. “A different approach is certainly needed and the City of Vernon and its citizens must consider the positive and negative impact that comes into play when one viewpoint is considered more important. Falling too left or too right will only help to amplify the problems we are now seeing. A balanced approach is what Vernon needs and that can only come when your City’s representatives are willing to work together for a common goal.”

Gares says her platform is focused on five key factors;

1. Infrastructure Development that addresses the needs of our community with a focus on youth development and interaction

2. Attainable Housing – working with local non-profit groups, city planners and key business partners to help develop an affordable housing initiative that will help to increase rental stock

3. Encouraging Business Investment while focusing on small business development.

4. Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency.

5. Working with local law enforcement, community policing groups, and bylaw to implement a policy that emphasizes a zero tolerance on the illegal activity that is hindering our community

In her bio provided to Beach Radio, Gares says she is a mother, a wife, a business woman, and an individual who cares for the people she interacts with on a daily basis. She was born in Vernon and moved back to the community in 2005.

Gares has volunteered with the Elizabeth Fry society, The Vernon Land Trust and the North Okanagan Minor Lacrosse Association where she currently serves as local President.

Local businesswoman Sherrilee Franks also announced a run for a councillor seat Tuesday (see her story on this webpage).

The mayor’s race has three entrants so far, the latest being Erik Oleson, a 26 year old who operates Mac’s convenience stores in Vernon and Salmon Arm.

He ran for the NDP in last year’s provincial election in the Kelowna Lake Country riding.

The official nomination period for candidates starts Sept. 4 and ends Sept. 14.

Election day is Saturday Oct. 20.