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Question number two

Town of Golden: Mayoral candidates say what the next step in cost sharing should be.

A big step was taken last week towards cost sharing between the Town of Golden and the CSRD. What do you think the next step should be?

Keith Hern

The agreement to fund the operating expenses for the swimming pool from the EOF is a gesture of good faith by the Regional Director, recognizing that the swimming pool is a shared service that benefits everyone. The decision by the Regional Director is a tremendous step towards a partnership. It is clear; many facilities and services are shared and these arrangements between the Town and Area A need to be reviewed and updated.

Shared service agreement is more than just money; it’s the spirit of partnership and creating constructive, productive, and beneficial relationships. As a member of the Town Council, I believe my involvement was helpful in building a cooperative bridge between the Town and Area A. Efforts such as these and continued open dialogue are crucial in supporting our Region’s development.

As Mayor, I will establish a Shared Services Task Force working in concert with the Regional Director to formulate a comprehensive Agreement. All facilities, services, and associated costs will be reviewed using sound asset management principles to meet our long-term plans. My commitment to the community is to build a mutually beneficial Shared Services Agreement between the Town of Golden and Area A by the end of 2015.

Ron Oszust

We have Shared Services.  The citizens of our community (both Municipal and Rural Golden) presently share the costs for the following:

-Golden / Area A Cemetery, Golden / Area A Curling Rink, Golden / Area A Airport, Golden / Area A Arena, Golden / Area A Library (Okanagan Regional Library), Golden and Area Emergency Management Program, Golden and District Museum, CSRD Feasibility Reserve, CSRD Solid Waste – Recycling, CSRD 911 Emergency Telephone, CSRD Noxious Weed Enforcement, CSRD Admin Cost Allocation & IT, CSRD General Government, CSRD Mosquito Control, Kicking Horse Culture

We, as a community (Municipal and Rural citizens), share the Whitetooth Legacy Fund, had conversations and partnerships in regards to Community Economic Development, Community Branding, Community Strategic Directions, Community Conversations; to name just a few.   Through Referendum, we, as a community, voted to not go forward with the new Aquatic Center.

Next step -Review and address the agreements so that we have appropriate cost divisions, strategic direction, accountability, deliverables and reporting.  How –by building relationships through shared vision, shared goals, mutual benefit and Win–Win.

Success in today’s world demands ‘WE’ leaders – people who look beyond narrow self-interest to build partnerships in pursuit of a greater good.