Following are emailed reader responses to stories or letters to the editor for the fourth week of July 2024. They have been edited slightly for readability. 

Got something you want to add? Send an email to editor Marshall Jones at mjones@infonews.ca.

BC realtor on the hook $130,000 for 'fraudulent document scheme'

Just one of many, I'm sure.  — Shali Murphy

JONESIE: The mayor who cried wolf one too many times

As per your article the whole council needs to go. They have only succeeded at pursuing an ongoing witch hunt, which is getting quite boring, accompanied by Grade 9 catty remarks. Have they walked the streets of this city to help a down and out homeless person in need? No. Why? Because they are snobs and this kind gesture would be beneath them. Sincerely, a fellow citizen. — MaryAnn Pears

Our mayor and council have done a great deal to be criticized for during their nearly two years in office to be sure, but is an Albertan, who lives in Kelowna and never spent a night in Kamloops really the best messenger? Moreover, criticizing a 50 year veteran of the media and former two term mayor of this city, why on earth would you think you have a better feel for the community than him? Lastly, to call Brett Mineer a journalist is a bit of a stretch, another carpet bagger new to the city whom prides in trolling the mayor's followers, Peter Mansbridge he is not, Sean Hannity more like it. — Mac Gordon

—

Our city stands at a critical juncture. Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson, elected to lead with integrity and vision, has faced continuous undermining from the city council. Their consistent public statements criticizing the mayor’s behaviour and decisions highlight organized opposition and a lack of unity.

These public criticisms show the council’s deliberate effort to damage the mayor’s reputation and reduce his influence.

On March 28, 2024, Mayor Reid’s rightful suspension of the acting chief administrative officer was immediately countered and criticized by the council who emphasized the mayor acted unilaterally without consulting the council. Here is where they began what can only be accurately described as shenanigans. The council, without due process, and confused about their level of authority, undermined his executive authority as per legislation. Community Charter Section 116 emphasizes the mayor’s role as Chief Executive Officer. Nothing gives them the authority to overturn the mayor’s legally justified decision by a unanimous vote. They reinstated the CAO, and this proves a lack of respect for the mayor and his decisions. This violates the principles of fair governance. This act was not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern.

On December 9, 2022, the council excluded Mayor Reid from crucial meetings discussing legal matters, a move that not only overstepped their authority but also violated principles of fair governance. The council’s public criticisms and disproportionate sanctions against Mayor Reid, including financial penalties and imposed restrictions, are clear attempts to marginalize and discredit him.

On March 17, 2023, the council publicly criticized the mayor’s changes to committee structures which is a clear attempt to marginalize him and again, undermine his authority. Council Code of Conduct emphasizes respect in collaboration among members. Publicly attacking the mayor’s decisions without proper internal discussion is a violation of the code of conduct, contributing to if not creating a hostile working environment. Council had no authority on standing committees and those got removed altogether! Add in the fact that they sent letters to everyone they could think of in power in an attempt to further undermine our mayor’s authority, and we have a pretty strong and evident pattern of their efforts to overturn the mayor 8-1.

Then we have all the sanctions, in multiple instances, including financial penalties, mandated training and participation restrictions that target the mayor disproportionately. Those sanctions exceed the council's authority. Council Code of Conduct outlines the need for fair treatment and due process for all members. The sanctions and restrictions lack proper legal justification and procedural fairness, indicating a direct abuse of power by the council.

This hostile environment created by the council not only undermines our mayor but also wastes taxpayer money on unnecessary conflicts and legal battles when we need real leadership. They have spun the media to make Kamloops and Mayor Reid look like a joke. Because they are, in my opinion, currently, collectively better educated on the legislation that governs them than our honest and integral Mayor Reid, which they have made public claims to. They’ve been able to blatantly manipulate this entire situation. The council's actions which are very clearly in breach of nearly every principle of the Council Code of Conduct, have led to a huge misuse of resources, diverting attention from the real issues that matter to our community. We must end this nonsense. Mayor Reid’s alleged infractions all prove his integrity and his ability to fulfill his promise to electors to hold city staff to account. None of the councils’ decisions speak to proper leadership or governance.

This abuse of power to strip our mayor of any opportunity to make positive change is exactly why we, the citizens of Kamloops, must stand united against these injustices. It’s time to hold the council accountable for their overreach and support Mayor Reid in his efforts to lead our city with the integrity and vision we elected him for. Let's reclaim our city's governance and ensure that our leaders act in the best interest of Kamloops and its residents.

Join us in demanding transparency, fairness, and respect for our elected mayor. Together, we can restore trust and integrity in our local government by ensuring the council is held accountable.

Erica Peltier

—

I have been in front of city council in chambers on multiple occasions and the entrenched behaviours adapted by incumbent mind sets was beyond reproach. Short story long, they gavel people from making a proposition or asking a question when it fits their group or individual purpose or purposes. Shady and obvious in all examples. They are a sad group of power mongering layabouts who pad their own purpose paying little or zero attention on agendas before council that did not originate from their inner circle. Too ignorant to be corrupt, but the picture in the dictionary given in definition of rotten is a picture of Kamloops city council. Have a great day! — Parry Dickie

—

A whole council against one which is the mayor. Good job Kamloops. What about the media leak? Naw, were more focused on the mayor and how bad we can paint him to the public. Kamloops councillors are bunch of kids. GROW UP. — Chris Webster

UBCO’s engineering report on downtown building came with warnings

Thanks, Jesse, for keeping up with this story. It's so sad that those 83 folk feel they are just 'tenants,' not worthy of care. It's truly criminal that they have had to move 'pillar to post' these last months. When will they be properly compensated and restored to their community? — Janis Joanne Thompson

Saxophone player adds relaxing charm to popular Kamloops park

My son didn't just survive a horrific life altering accident, he chose to thrive, testing his limits by being a volunteer firefighter, getting his scuba diving instructor certification, among other notable accomplishments. For anyone suffering the loss of a limb, please know there are no limits! — Melpha Gutoski

Kamloops mayor gets booted from regional district, airport society

The city council has sanctioned the mayor on numerous occasions using the Braun report to justify their continued actions. I’ve never seen multiple disciplines handed down where they can continue to use the same infraction or evidence time and time again. Enough is enough. The council needs to stop their punitive actions and stop piling on. Let’s demand they start behaving like the adults they claim to be. If they can’t then the whole lot of them should resign and we can start fresh. — Kathrine Blair

Oh look Canada's own Trump — Derrick LeBlanc

iN PHOTOS: Euro car show in Kelowna raises money for charity

I want to drive that green bus away - slowly, slowly! I had one, lots of fun and great camping! — Janis Joanne Thompson

BC nurse who pilfered narcotics left patients in pain

Suspension is not a sufficient penalty. Under supervision? What about rehab? She should have been fired. This just gives a clear indication of how shy of nurses we are in this province, especially after not hiring back all the ones that refused the COVID jab. What a nightmare. — Nellie Walraven

BC and Alberta toast wine deal after tiff over taxing direct sales to consumers

So how exactly does this 'help' BC wineries? BC wineries will need to collect and remit taxes/fees to the Alberta government for the privilege of direct sales of BC wines. Hardly a gain for BC wineries considering that this is yet another tax grab on the 'profit margin' of BC wineries. — Deborah Podurgiel

Layoffs set to trim Global Okanagan news

There was only 20 min of local news and the rest was a repeat of national news so really not a big deal. Local events are online as is the news which is usually more up to date than recycled stories from the day. — Dave Sackmann

Kamloops cop caught on video in controversial arrest charged with assault

No matter what, please stay out of the officer's way, to let him do his job. It is commendable to protect your friend, but if you stick your nose in an officer of the law trying to do his job, you will lose. He only became more assertive as you antagonized and the name calling began, and the dog did not help. Try to look at it from both sides. He now will learn, again, to be more tactful. But seriously, let them do their job and these escalated situations would not occur. — Nellie Walraven

Recently released Kelowna sex offender back behind bars for sex crimes

This person should not be able to be publicly free. He needs to be in a contained unit environment for mental health. No if, and, or but. — Nellie Walraven

iN PHOTOS: Baby quail bring extra dose of cuteness to Okanagan landscape

I live just outside of Falkland and have had them around my place for at least the last ten years. I’ve lived here for over 35 years and they weren’t here in the beginning. Unfortunately, I can also say the same thing about ground squirrels which are more of a nuisance because of their destructive behaviour. All a part of climate change, I guess. I liked your article on this, thanks. — AJ Plourde

B.C.'s top doctor ends four-year COVID-19 public health emergency

It's an election year. Enough said, as the other parties promised to end it. — Sandra Swaine Dever

What does this mean? Fired workers can apply although they will have to have the COVD vaccine? Or that they have to be tested to ensure that they do not have COVID? — Regina MacLean

JONESIE: The importance of local news? Please

Well done, Marshall! I rail against the lack of local news daily, I really do. It drives me a tad crazy not knowing who I can trust for BC and regional news. I do trust your team, but I know you folk, and can believe what I read. I recommend InfoNews to all I know, even ones who don't seem to care. Please keep banging the drum loudly, and never slowly. Best of luck to you all. — Janis Joanne Thompson

Burned lawns at Ben Lee Park in Kelowna are a disgrace

A May 9 news release from the City of Kelowna announced Irrigation improvements coming to Ben Lee Park:

"Construction will begin on Monday, May 13, on a $410,000 project to upgrade the aging irrigation infrastructure at Ben Lee Park. Construction is expected to be complete in August."

As some readers may be unaware of who Ben Lee was, what follows is some background information:

Ben Lee is a past recipient of The Freedom of the City Award, the highest award bestowed by the City of Kelowna.

On the City's website Lee is described as: "a longtime resident of Rutland and affectionately known as The Mayor of Rutland, Ben served as City Councillor between 1973 and 1996, promoting parks, recreation and healthcare. He was instrumental in the assimilation of Rutland into the City of Kelowna when the City’s boundaries expanded in 1973, and he played a significant role in the development of the City’s Heritage Management Plan and Guisachan Heritage Park. In recognition of Ben’s years of dedicated service, in 1996 the City of Kelowna named a new eight-hectare park in Rutland in his honour. Ben Lee Park officially opened on June 24, 2001... Ben passed away in March 2016 at the age of 86."

Ben Lee Park, located at 900 Houghton Rd. includes a water park, accessible playground, skateboard park, basketball courts and trails. Irrigation improvements to the park began in mid-May, with construction expected to be completed in August.

Why wasn't this work started in March? 

Does anyone seriously believe if Ben Lee Park was located near the shore of Okanagan Lake — where there are obviously more tourists  — or in any other Kelowna neighbourhood, that city crews would have waited until mid-May to begin a *major* overhaul of the irrigation system? 

But because the project is in Rutland, it has a much lower priority. It's just part of the decades-long built-in bias of how Kelowna city staff, crews, and councils have treated the residents of Rutland.

If the city has $180 million for a new Parkinson Rec Centre — plus a spare $62 million just to build it a few hundred metres north of the current one — I think it can afford to have a city crew, or contract out a temporary crew with water trucks, to water the lawns in the early hours of the morning, at least twice a week.

Is there going to be money for reseeding and rolling out new turf once the irrigation work is completed?

Drive along Houghton, Franklyn and Leathead Roads and have a close look at the state of the lawns at Ben Lee Park.

These brown and burned lawns are an utter disgrace to the memory of Ben Lee.

David Buckna - Kelowna

—

iN RESPONSE to Bank of Canada lowering interest rate

Hello Marshall,

Not to sound pessimistic, however I doubt that the Bank of Canada deals in the realities that we individuals of differing incomes face. They have been dealing with the big picture economy at the expense of all of us for decades if not more than a century? Adam Smith and his contemporaries or adversaries were never my favourite subjects in economics. As for prices, they fluctuate at times, especially those items that go for 50 per cent or less in the bargain baskets at different stores.

If I were prime minister or finance minister, I would end corporate subsidies unless those same corporations dial back their boards and cut their CEOs salaries while increasing their staff wages to a livable income. I am not against profitable corporations, but how are they profitable with million dollar CEOs except by gouging their customers and lowballing their front line and most important staff?

To illustrate, a store may need a manager, however unless that manager can do everything, they then need the staff that open doors, open and watch tills, put produce on the shelf etc.

Corporations and employers should be treating customers or clients and their staff equally well, not differently and not punishing their staff in the name of selfish customers.

Sincerely,
Patrick Longworth

PS: If what I describe sounds unbelievable, please believe me, I worked for bad managers in two grocery corporations that allowed customers to run amok if they wanted to as well as abusive managers or staff.

—

The Hungry and the Homeless in Penticton

I am seeing more and more people, from the working poor to homeless and seniors, having to use donations to food banks for their food source. Now I read that food prices are on the rise again. Why is the government of Canada not stopping these huge corporate food suppliers who are making billions of profits on the backs of ordinary Canadians?

I read that the price of roast, whoever can afford that at the price it is now, is going up as well as flour, which has always been a staple for a person to save money by baking their own bread. Cost of vegetables, another staple for poorer Canadians, has skyrocketed.

The government’s solution is to offer our taxes, paid in by ordinary Canadians, to the very poor to help with the food costs. Something is very wrong here. The corporations are gouging Canadians and making billions in net profits in the process and the government is, in essence, supplementing these corporations by not forcing them to lower their prices or at least capping them. Let’s throw a tax rebate at the poorest of the poor Canadian people to keep them from revolting. Excuse me, I am a taxpaying citizen and I don’t mind helping my poorer counterparts but this is not the solution. Taxes are meant for social services such as healthcare and infrastructure and not to appease the people so they can be ripped off by corporate greed.

Either step up to the plate Trudeau and the Liberal Party — and I have always been a supporter of the party — and hold these corporations accountable or step aside so another leader can.

Respectfully submitted,
Linda Lund

To contact a reporter for this story, email Marshall Jones or call 250-718-2724 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.

News from © iNFOnews, 2024