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LETTERS: Franck was a great contributor to the city

I think the City of Penticton should hold a memorial service in her honour.

Someone should be holding a memorial service for Muriel Franck. She has likely outlived all her friends. What family she had lived far away and who knows whether or not she is still remembered.

We have seen articles in the newspapers over Muriel’s contribution to our town. From what I can gather Muriel spent around 50 years serving the community. She spent literally thousands of hours sitting through council meetings and keeping Penticton council accountable for their actions: Likely hundreds of thousands of hours researching; attending and reading.

Today in the age of information it is relatively easy to keep a watch on council compared to her day when, unless you were present, information was hard to come by. Did they have secretive in camera meetings back then? I believe not. I can remember how different in-camera meetings were when I first moved to Penticton in 2000.

In-camera meetings were a big deal. The purpose of the meeting (agenda) was announced and a press conference was held immediately to let us know the results of that meeting. Certain councillors recused themselves due to conflicting interests when the occasion warranted.

Today in-camera meetings on a particular subject can go on for over a year; far-reaching decisions are made without sufficient public knowledge or input. The Skaha Park/Trio deal is a good example of the disrespect shown to the citizens of Penticton today.

We have heard about her fantastic filing system from former mayor’s that enabled her to quote verbatim to them on their promises.

She was thought enough of at the time that she was placed in the time capsule in Skaha Park. When that capsule is opened she will become a one-day wonder as everyone will know how she contributed to our society but will they understand why we didn’t show our respect; admiration and appreciation for the role she undertook in our society when she passed away. Will they know she died alone; likely friendless and we didn’t care.

I think the City of Penticton should hold a memorial service in her honour. It is the least they can do for her 50 years of service to our community.

Elvena Slump

Penticton