Boonstock before and after
Prior to Boonstock happening, many naysayers were outspoken about the event and what sorts of complications might arise.
There were those that praised the event; those that didn’t want the event to happen at all and those that had no feelings toward the event — one way or the other.
The event came off with few hitches as pointed out by local authorities and emergency services. Granted, there was the unfortunate incident that resulted in the passing of a young person. Thoughts and prayers from all walks of the event go out to the young girl’s family.
Prior to the happening, one of our civic reps presented her opinion in a jaundiced way. Her opinion was callousness at its worst.
It is okay not to be in harmony with something. However, to come down on something with no real basis for doing so other than press releases and other media coverage is, in my view, very wrong.
Ms. Robinson took Boonstock to task and made it very plain that she was opposed to such an event. Define the words “such an event.”
What was her benchmark here?
After realizing that she had sort of shot herself in the foot, so to speak, she offered a half-baked; half-hearted, token apology for things said. It was beautifully camouflaged language. However, words cannot be unspoken, Ms. Robinson.
However, it made me think of an old adage (trite saying, if you will) that has, in my opinion, stood the test of time over the years. It goes something like this:
“It is better to remain silent and thought the fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” Are you listening, Ms. Robinson?
Ron Barillaro
Penticton
Thanks for a great PeachFest
Since selling my car four years ago (my little bit for the environment), this is the first year that I’ve been able to attend evening concerts.
So, my thanks also to the City of Penticton, for budgeting for the additional PeachFest service on the #5 route, until midnight (sort of), for five days.
While not all the evening concerts were my music preferences, I did attend three concerts.
As a wee lass originally from Edinburgh, I was particularly interested to hear the Killarney Band. They said this was their fourth consecutive performance at PeachFest, but it was my first to enjoy their Celtic music, because there was a bus service.
It’s unfortunate that the City didn’t get the #5 special schedule out to transit users and bus shelters until the first day of PeachFest.
Nonetheless, I expect we can all learn to be more on the ball the next time, as well as thinking through the areas for this special service.
To end the last bus at midnight at Cherry Lane was not a great plan for someone living at the south end of town.
To promote this special service, to encourage car-users to leave their cars at home or at Cherry Lane, a few points needs to be considered.
How does a family, with all their park and festival paraphernalia, compare bus costs to free parking?
Two adults, return trip would be $8, plus any school age rates.
If the city can run a free bus service to see Christmas lights, maybe something similar could be considered during festival days, and not just one festival.
I’m also trusting that the city’s smart enough to not assess the outcome of this special new service on a bad selling job.
Maybe they should do some headbanging, and at least give the pretense they care about Penticton’s transit services and those who use the service, by choice or necessity.
Brigid Kemp
Penticton
Prison boom and bust
Another story of doom and gloom, with a side order of disappointment.
Why you ask?
Well there is much excitement among law enforcement and corrections personnel from the Lower Mainland, even further afield, back east and Kamloops etc. This is in regards to those professionals who hold seniority and expertise in the up and coming new prison, which has answered their prayers to living, working and retiring in a paradise, which they and their families, could only look forward to vacationing in two or three weeks out of the year.
These men and women will be called upon on first for their proven leadership and rank to get this new establishment up and running like a Swiss watch on day one.
This mass influx of professionals will be looking for a place to hang their hat, hence our new land development subdivisions and housing. On the bright side, if you choose a career in real estate you also have found what we all have been seeking at the end of the rainbow.
Did I mention that all vacancies left by those transferring will be giving a heads up and reference preference to their families and friends to fill their positions. Nepotism.
I hate to be the messenger of bad news for those looking to indulge in the most mundane and dangerous work in the job force, but you will be witness to a mass exodus into this town, similar to a flock of Canadian geese on migration, on completion of this big house on the hill.
Motels and hotels should enjoy the pleasure of being full during the construction period, because not all of the workers will wind up living here forever.
Andy Homan
Penticton
Investigation needed for spending habits
Now that the cat is out of the bag with reference to Alison Redford’s atrocious spending habits while holding the office of Premier, it is little wonder that she stepped down before the report was made public.
She used the government aircraft for 247 flights over a 17 month period. This equates to one flight every other day. She and her staff spent $659,690 on travel, meals and hospitality.
This equates to $38,800 per month during this same period. And these are only the things we are aware of.
An in depth investigation should be launched, and she should be made to pay back all inappropriate claims.
Then she should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to serve as a warning to other crooked politicians who may be thinking about abusing the system, abusing their power or overstepping their boundaries, whether they be municipal, provincial, or federal.
There is nothing that makes me happier than to watch a crooked politician go down in flames.
Mark Billesberger
Penticton
Sacrificing security for a vote?
There is absolutely no way anybody should be allowed special treatment at our borders because of their religious beliefs.
Our border security people have a very serious responsibility to make sure nobody is allowed the opportunity to use their religion to knock down our borders, our values and our traditions. Anybody who does not want to be processed by our border security people, male or female, is simply not wanted in our country, and should not be allowed to enter. Many of those religious zealots, whose fanatical devotion to a God, represent a serious risk to national security.
American border security people are completely autonomous in the administration of their duties, and barring a presidential order to the contrary, their decisions are final.
On the Canadian side of the border our Prime Minister is arbitrarily sacrificing national security hoping to get the immigrant vote.
Harper’s pre-occupation with protecting his political power base has prompted a disturbing development that is denying our Canadian border security people the undisputed authority they need to do their job.
Our border guards are charged with the responsibility of controlling the flow of people and products across our national borders.
Those men and women need to know that our government is backing their efforts and actions 100 per cent.
Today Prime Minister Harper is standing behind them saying “except you, you, and you.”
Andy Thomsen
Summerland