Now I have seen it all. The city’s decision to pull the fee-for-service contracts from the chamber of commerce is despicable and spineless. A group of self-serving individuals have finally stroked their own egos by convincing a city committee to give them the contracts to operate economic development, tourism development and the visitors centre.
The chamber has tirelessly managed these departments for many years only to be given a swift kick out the door. Mayor Ashton and city council are quick to say it was not their decision, that it was a ‘committee’ that made the recommendation to council. This is such a blatant political dodging of responsibility it makes my stomach turn. Council could have voted to not accept this recommendation, but they did nothing.
Will the chamber stay in the building they fought so hard to make a reality more than seven years ago? They will probably have to go. It sure is reassuring to know that election day is just around the corner. I know where my votes will not be going. Shame on you city council — you have scraped the bottom of the barrel and destroyed the synergy that existed in the Wine Country Visitor Centre; a unique synergy that has been recognized and identified as a role model by many chambers of commerce throughout the province.
Sandra James
Penticton