I missed the hotel rezoning because the only chance to question the obscene pay increase at the school board was on the same evening.
This arrogant anti-democratic board refused to allow any public questions on the actions of individual school board members. Not one trustee stood for the public’s right to ask questions of individual trustees, or questioned the decision of chairwoman Ms. Van Alpen. The only remedy is to vote in a complete new board next time around. Two of these trustees were acclaimed last election.
The city has lost their common sense and rezoned Power Street. Council’s actions show a complete lack of business acumen and open the question why we have an economic development officer that lacks understanding of the importance of competition in business.
The saving grace was Campbell Watt. He showed some understanding of this issue and perhaps as he matures as a councillor he will gain additional insight. Since the loss of John Vassilaki (a businessman) on this council, it has become rudderless — seeking direction from staff and an interim city manager.
When government gets involved in business through grants and subsidies without fail they always hurt other competing businesses. This has been proven time and again as businesses fail because a competitor received favoured treatment.
I am in favour of a high-end hotel catering to the needs of the SOEC and convention centre, but not under these circumstances.
A prime example of unwarranted government interference in the marketplace is the failure of the sale of El Rancho property. Interest drained away as the city pursued this project. That property would have been ideal for a high-rise hotel to serve convention needs and it would have been just another competing business.
So where is the negative influence coming from? The people of Penticton should ask themselves this question.
Elvena Slump
Penticton