For the campaign, I will pull no punches. There will be need for that should you decide to elect me as councillor for our village, Keremeos.
My name is Arlene Arlow. I grew up in Alberta on a mixed farm: grain and cattle. My work ethic was founded on the farm.
I promise to listen to you, my fellow citizens, and not shut you down. Since January 1 of this year, I have attended probably ten village council meetings as a member of the gallery. At first, I experienced considerable resistance to my input, even being told, “I think we should limit the number of questions to two!” The immediate resistance has abated somewhat, but not entirely. As a councillor, I will not presume I am above you nor that I have all the answers. I want to hear from you, and work with you for our mutual benefit.
I promise to pursue stepping up By-Law enforcement. I have had cause to submit formal complaints of village By-Law violations, without results. I have heard too many times, “We can’t do that.”
Policing is another issue I feel needs attention. But one example was an annual local sporting event this year. I watched uniformed police officers sit in the bleachers by the hour, enjoying the show. Are we paying them to have fun?
I perceive that in the municipality and the regional district, there are a lot of “official plans”. Fancy-sounding names for committees and plans are great, but are the results being measured? I will pursue cooperation, accountability and results, not just “plans”.
Somehow, with input from you, local businesses, fellow councillors and village staff, I will pursue a better environment for new businesses. I also believe in pursuing a strong identity and branding for the Similkameen Valley outside of the valley: currently, our valley seems to be an addendum to the “Okanagan”. I want to change that.
I want to get to know the movers and the shakers, including the volunteers who make this one heck of a community so that we can pursue common goals.
I am self-employed with two businesses, and embrace the “KISS” principle: Keep It Simple Sweetheart.
Your vote for me will ensure a down-to-earth, determined, intuitive, solution-minded person represents you. I can be diplomatic, but I have also learned that as a woman, there is a time to be blunt in order to be heard. I want to see you November 2 at the All-Candidates Forum. Or send an email to aarlow@telus.net and I will listen to your concerns. “What Can I Do For You?”