By Lee Pratt

I have a long-term vision for the City of Cranbrook and am committed to moving our city forward by growing our tax base, providing continued services and keeping taxes low.

Crime and homelessness have dominated the discussion this election. Many have been asking how we solve a crisis of this magnitude and what my plan is to address it. As your Mayor, I have always been straight-forward and honest and I do believe that, together with your support, we can and will solve this crisis.

Here’s my plan:

Through relationships formed at provincial and federal government levels, I will continue to advocate for increased assistance and tangible results in the areas of housing, mental health and substance abuse so that root causes can be addressed. Council will keep an open line with Provincial partners and non-profits and will engage wherever there is an opportunity to move forward with meaningful results for the residents of Cranbrook.

Working with city council, I will:

Increase access to affordable housing. Five hundred new doors have been opened in Cranbrook and nine hundred more are in the queue, but more work needs to be done. I will continue working together with BC Housing, Aboriginal Housing Authority, Metis Housing and Ktunaxa Aqanttanam Housing and other levels of government to leverage funds for additional affordable housing projects.

Increased RCMP support. Council approved two new RCMP members and three watch clerk positions to address crime levels. I will continue to support the Cranbrook RCMP by working with Provincial Crown Council to ensure that our police maintain the right to arrest and detain criminals who break the law and create fear for the homeless, our families and businesses.

Increased bylaw services. Immediately following this election, I will seek council’s support on action that will update and equip our bylaw services department to be better positioned to safely address the escalating challenges. This is an area where city council can lead and play a direct role in enforcement. I will report back to you, via a press conference, within 90 days on the direction Council has provided.

Cranbrook is a gem, and I will ensure we protect our way of life and continue to grow so our people have good jobs, affordable places to call home, smooth roads to drive on and safe neighbourhoods where our businesses and families can thrive.

I am a committed Mayor, with heart, who is passionate about our city. Like many of you, I find it challenging to talk about accomplishments so I will leave you with these words:

“Politicians who actually do what they promise to do are rare. Mayor Lee Pratt promised he would keep taxes down in Cranbrook, start fixing our roads, attract new jobs and manage the town’s business with common sense. Lee has kept his promise to us and the town is strong and moving forward. I support Lee Pratt because Lee has proven that he’ll keep his promises to us and he’ll take the actions that will keep our community strong.”  ~ Bill Bennett, former MLA Kootenay East.

On October 15, vote Lee Pratt for Mayor and I will deliver four more years of a straight forward and honest approach where your voice is heard, continued action is taken and these difficult issues are addressed and solved.

– Lee Pratt is current Mayor of the City of Cranbrook

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