Incumbent councillor Gary Thielmann:
1. What are your views with respect to village responsibilities regarding transient farmworkers and their needs?
The RDOS is arranging for a piece of crown land on which to put the farmworkers campground. I expect the village will cooperate with the RDOS.
2. What kind of industry (if any) would you work towards attacting to Keremeos?
Small family manufactories with two or three employees. And perhaps there is a market for some specialty value added products made from locally grown produce.
3. Do you have any suggestions or initiatives you would like to pursue with respect to improving small business in Keremeos?
The village has already reduced the business tax and has a painting program in effect for them. Perhaps the village could cooperate with Sim Country in promoting a “Buy Local” program.
4. Do you have any original thoughts on tax reduction for Keremeos ratepapyers?
The village has had an increase in taxes which is lower than the rate of inflation for a number of years. Effectively that is a tax reduction.