Mayor: talks with Celgar 'slow but steady'
By Kyra Hoggan
Photo: Castlegar mayor Lawrence Chernoff
Castlegar mayor Lawrence Chernoff said Wednesday that no new meetings are set with Celgar due to scheduling issues that arise over the summertime, but that he’s confident the process will continue in a productive and positive vein.
“Holidays and summer make scheduling difficult, but we’re still absolutely committed to moving forward toward a resolution, so I’m sure we’ll be meeting again soon.”
He also responded to comments from Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) directors regarding the impact Celgar’s delinquent tax bill is having on the regional district (see RDCK directors respond to conflict with city, The Castlegar Source, Aug. 5 issue)
Chernoff said that what’s really being missed here is that Castlegar is just the collector, not the debtor.
“The taxes (owed) are not our taxes,” he said. “I’m not looking to destroy any relationships we’ve established with the regional district. We’re partners, and partners support one another – that’s the way I look at it.
“It’s not like we haven’t paid into the recreation requistion. The only portion unpaid is the Celgar amount. That’s it.”
Chernoff said he’d like to see a co-operative problem-solving approach taken by all parties.
“We’re working to a resolution – that’s really what we want – there’s a common goal here, which is the well-being of local residents, both in the city and in the regional district.”
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