(Submitted by Kerry Cook's office - unedited.)

The crime reduction in Williams Lake over the past few years has been impressive. We’ve seen huge drops of more than 50%, 60%, even 80%, in some crime categories, and that is something to be celebrated. But as I’ve always said, there is always room for improvement. Domestic violence is a great cause for concern. While domestic violence occurs behind closed doors, it is a community problem.

So I’m pleased a number of community groups are working together to address domestic violence by bringing counsellor and speaker Kamal Dhillon to Williams Lake this week. She will do a presentation Friday night, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cariboo Bethel Church for the whole community, and a workshop Saturday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at WLSS on awareness and prevention of domestic violence. There is a materials fee of $25. I encourage everyone to participate in these events. We all have a role to play in eliminating domestic violence, understanding that it is not acceptable, not to be kept in the shadows.

(Photo credit: Craig Smith.)

Council has given the first three readings to the five-year financial plan, which includes the 2012 budget. It’s not a flashy budget; but is a change of direction. It contains deep cuts to address uncontrollable fixed costs, including $303,000 in increases in policing costs (representing a 3% tax revenue increase on its own), and to allow future projects such as South Lakeside widening and repaving to be done without long-term borrowing. This plan takes a strategic long-term view, so that decisions made now lay the groundwork for continued fiscal responsibility.

I spoke to two Grade 10 Planning classes at WLSS last week, and I thoroughly enjoyed the students’ questions and their enthusiasm. It was a great opportunity to highlight one of my passions – the importance of education, and a dedication to life-long learning. It’s important to plant seeds that education opens doors to future success, and that high school graduation is only the beginning.