Coun. Katie Robinson
Image Credit: City of Penticton
August 06, 2014 - 2:50 PM
PENTICTON - City Coun. Katie Robinson made an unexpected comment about Boonstock at last night’s council meeting, causing gallery members to gasp and other councillors to hold their heads in their hands.
“I’m not a head-banging druggie, so I wasn’t interested in it whatsoever,” Robinson said of the festival.
Robinson has been outspoken about her concerns for Boonstock in the past, and has publicly announced her lack of support for the festival.
Her comment was followed by gasps from people sitting in the gallery, who said the comment was out of line and Robinson was accusing anyone, including fellow councillors and the mayor, who went to the festival of being a head-banging druggie.
Robinson released a statement Wednesday appologizing for her remarks that were "out of character."
"As concerned as I am about public safety, the comment about Boonstock attendees was made without sufficient consideration for all the people who attended," she said. "I recognize that there are many music enthusiasts of all ages from the community and visitors alike who participated in the festival, enjoyed the event and were positive, peaceful and here to experience live music... It was not my intention to offend all those who attended the festival."
Coun. Helena Konanz, who sits beside Robinson at the council table, was one of the councillors who attended the festival over the weekend and has supported it from the beginning, saying it is a great opportunity for the city.
“I thought it was great. Everyone seemed to be in a really good mood, really enjoying it,” Konanz said. “I didn't see any issues with anyone being upset or anything.”
When asked about Robinson’s remarks at council last night, Konanz said she preferred not to comment.
As for next year’s festival, Konanz said she would like it if organizers approached the city early on for support if they needed it.
“(The festival) affects all of us in the area and it would be more constructive if they asked us earlier on,” she said. “We just have to make sure everyone is safe and it runs smooth for everybody.”
To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014