Candidates in the upcoming Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism board election shared their visions for the future of the community at a forum on Tuesday evening.
The forum, at the chamber board room, drew a total of 17 people, including seven of the eight candidates who took part.
Thor Clausen, the current president of the chamber, said the present board has been working to draw more involvement from chamber members.
“Something we’ve been working hard to change is to get rid of the apathy in the community,” he said.
He added that at time he has made controversial statements in order to spur discussion.
Brett DeWitt, who had served on the board in previous years, said the chamber needs to attract new businesses to Summerland.
“We need to get out there and bring in the potential businesses,” he said.
Jason Embree, who has been in Summerland since late 2008, said Summerland has the potential to improve.
“I’ve seen what’s been happening in this town during the last few years. As a business owner, it’s quite scary,” he said.
Darin Fair, another former chamber board member, agreed with Embree that the community has much to offer.
He said diversification is important as the town and its businesses need to appeal to a wide spectrum of people.
“We have something to offer. We just have to believe in this town,” he said.
John Lathey, a member of the present board, said the municipality needs to cut red tape for businesses.
“Having tried to do business here, I couldn’t believe how difficult it is,” he said.
He also would like to see property taxes trimmed.
Despite those challenges, he agreed Summerland has much to offer.
“The chamber exists to make our community a better place to live,” he added. “We need confidence in ourselves more than anything.”
Andre Roman said board members need to bring a variety of ideas to the table.
“The more ideas we have the better the brainstorming,” he said.
He added that Summerland needs to work to bring back the festivals which made the town stand out in the 1990s.
Maged Said said Summerland is still reeling from difficulties over the past three or four years.
“I think we’re in a crisis situation,” he said. “If we can’t get jobs in this town, we won’t have a town left.”
The eighth candidate, Bruce Charneski, was unable to attend the forum.
The chamber board election will take place at the chamber’s annual general meeting.
The meeting is on Tuesday, March 13, at the Summerland Seniors’ Drop-in Centre, 9710 Brown St. A reception will be held at 5 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Advance voting is on Thursday, March 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the chamber office, 15600 Hwy. 97.
