Landing firefighters petition shut out
Vernon city council will not accept a petition on a contentious issue.
A majority of council voted Monday not to allow a resident to present a 1,670-name petition demanding that a service contract be renewed with the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association.
"I looked through the signatures and many were not city residents," said Coun. Juliette Cunningham.
Coun. Patrick Nicol wanted the petition to be formally received after Mayor Rob Sawatzky turned down a request from a resident to present the petition Nov. 26. Sawatzky stated the petition dealt with in-camera matters of labour and legal contracts.
"We've always received petitions. There is no obligation to debate it," said Nicol, adding that residents should have the right to appear before their elected officials.
The city decided not to renew the contract with the Landing association so it can proceed with a single command structure operated out of the Vernon fire hall.
Look for more details in Wednesday's Morning Star.
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