Mike Pearce - Council Candidate

[Jo]

A thread for Mike Pearce, council candidate.

[Mike Pearce]

Hello all, thank you for giving me this opportunity to get across my message publicly. I look forward to hearing from all of the readers in this forum. I would like to answer questions posed to other candidates and would like your feedback in general whether on the forum here or direct on my cell, 250-809-0425.

Mike Pearce

1. What is your view on (property) tax increases?
I have been on councils for 18 years and accordingly have prepared 18 budgets. I was a Mayor and leading 13 years of those councils. Tax increases generally come because the electorate wants things, or needs things. An example would be the new South Okanagan Events Center (SOEC). There was a referendum where 80% of the people voted in support of it. In this community now the fire fighters need a minimum of five more men. One of those men costs $88,000.00 per year. So what I am saying is in an ideal world if the taxpayers did not need any more services or good’s we may get away with cost of living tax increases; however I realize that isn’t the real world. In the budgeting process all members of council and staff prioritize all items. There is never enough to go around, even for basics. Then there are the extras. I usually find that with the application of many minds a consensus is reached. Philosophically I believe this budget will need to see us tightening our belts severely. Firstly because you are having to tighten your belt, and we should do the same thing. There are different methods of approach to obtain this, one of which is to direct key staff to reduce expenses in all departments by a percentage. The second is to go to a method of zero based budgeting, which basically would see all departments zero their budgets and be compelled to justify each and every dollar to be spent in the upcoming year, starting from zero.

I am sure there are other methods; I would look in my candidacy to keep taxes to a minimum but not jeopardizing services.

Have the past increases been necessary?
It is hard to comment on whether the past increases have been necessary. Everybody has his or her own personal view. I think there are areas of the budget, or certain programs that can be cut minimizing the impact on the city. All that would be part of this process. We have what we have, be it the SOEC or many other pieces of Municipal responsibility. We are charged with looking after the infrastructure and delivering the programs while being fiscally responsible. My vote will be cast to run the city in the most efficient manner keeping in mind our responsibilities.


Is there any way that these could be lowered, or would this not be advisable (if so, please explain).
In the previous paragraphs I have explained my thoughts on this question.

2. Do you support the existing property tax exemption for churches? (I heard a rumor that this was an issue with some candidates.
Yes! I have reservations about being vigilant about ancillary buildings on church property used to generate revenue, but the house of worship should be protected, as it is in every municipality in the province of British Columbia.

On November 15, 2008 I ask for your vote for Penticton City Council.

[Centurion]

I'm surprised to even see you running. Your reputation in this town is tarnished to say the least.

[onestop67]

I'm surprised to even see you running. Your reputation in this town is tarnished to say the least.

Why is that?

Hurry, I'm trying to finish my Yes list!!!

[iTard]

I'm surprised to even see you running. Your reputation in this town is tarnished to say the least.

I'm curious too, love to see some insight into this as opposed to just a comment from the shadows...

[Centurion]

*removed/Jo* .

[penticton23]

I will be voting for Mike Pearce.

I have known Mike since pretty much the day he moved here from Quesnel. All of my dealings with Mike have been on a professional basis. We have never become friends as he is not the sort of person I warm up to on a friendship level. I can separate Mike the lawyer/councillor/mayor from Mike the not very warm fuzzy person.

Mike is very good as a lawyer, he is fiscally sensible and conservative, he is pragmatic. Does he have good "bedside manner"? No, but who cares, he is the best person for the job.

[Centurion]

Sorry Jo. I removed the rest of my post as the part you left made the situation seem more ambiguous than it actually was.

[onestop67]

Sorry I asked. I just don't know the candidates at all. And I would take your explanation with a grain of salt as it is only a forum. It wouldn't have been an ultimate factor in my decision to vote or not vote for Mr. Pearce.

It's hard moving from somewhere that you knew some history on the majority of candidates as well as knowing some of them personally. I have a notepad full of names and pluses or minuses beside them based on what I've managed to research.

[hotrodz]

I too have known Mr Pearce for a long time, since he moved to Quesnel to begin his practice.

Question for Mr Pearce; How do you feel about a politician being able to have personal gains from their position and inside knowledge from sitting on council?

Very Concerned that you are back in politics………..