For several weeks now I have read just about every letter in your paper that dealt with the location of the new correctional facility for the South Okanagan.
I have lived in Penticton and worked in the mechanical industry for over 50 years, most of that time as a mechanical contractor. Over all this time employment opportunities where either feast or famine. We typically would employ between five and 20 employees. The trouble was whenever we had a good crew together, a slump would hit Penticton and we would have to lay off almost everyone. What a boost it would have been to have a facility in Penticton that would employ 270 people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at $30-$40 an hour (plus benefits).
Having lived in Penticton for 58 years I recognize and personally know most of the No sayers, and I can assure you that the vast majority has a steady monthly income like pensions or annuities. I can also assure you that they really don’t give a hoot whether you have a good-paying job or not. They would just like to keep Penticton at a status quo. Sure they tell you that the tourist industry is our salvation, they even promise you a job for $10 an hour (less benefits) for three month of the year. If they really could double the tourist industry, which of course is a fantasy, the economic benefit to Penticton would not even come close to what the correctional facility would do for our city and people.
Before you vote please consider what impact such a facility would have on your lifestyle. Vote Yes for longtime prosperity.
Bernie Strohmann
Penticton