READER 'SMELLS A RAT' BEHIND LIBERAL APPEAL PROCESS

Editor:rn
It seems that the B.C. Liberal candidate's nomination is up for discussion.

After 25 years of avoiding being a member of any political party, I took the plunge and joined the Liberal Party of B.C. last year.

I felt that with a new riding being created, this offered a chance for change.

I attended the nomination meeting in November in Osoyoos.

That meeting had over 750 people come out to exercise their vote for a nominee of their own choice, in their own party.

Now in a recent news article in a Penticton paper, it seems that the duly nominated person, Joe Cardoso, may not be allowed to run.

When I read the quotes in the press by the other candidates saying I don't know exactly what is going on (Slater) and I'm not in a position to confirm or deny anything (Hovanes); and when the president of the B.C. Liberals refers comments to the press to their communications people – it makes my skin crawl.

Am I the only one here that smells a rat in this mess?

How naive do these folks think the public is?

The nominee that walked away from the constituency meeting in November as the clear winner was Joe Cardoso.

He won the confidence of the B.C. Liberal members of this constituency fair and square.

It would be perverse if he is not allowed to run.

Canadians are cynical, even despondent, about our political process.

We have a federal parliament that can't seem to work even in crisis times, we have senators that put their foot in their mouths daily and a B.C. Liberal party that doesn't seem to respect democratically nominated candidates. 

It is no wonder people don't participate in the democratic process.

This kind of behind the scene interference is not about one candidate's ability to run in an election.

If nominations don't mean anything “ let's just have all MLA candidates appointed by the party rather than by constituency members. 

What is really in jeopardy here are our rights as citizens to be members of political parties, with the democratic freedom to choose who we want to represent us in government.

Mark McKenney,rnOsoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-February 18, 2009

OWNER OF PROPERTY NEIGHBOURING DESERT VALLEY CARE SHARES CONCERNS

Editor:

So, the province wants to purchase 22 Jonagold for a home for the homeless and mentally disadvantaged.

As a property owner of a four-plex almost next door to this facility I cannot help being concerned.

Naturally no one ever wants it in their backyard.

Don't get me wrong about this as I believe something should be done about the homeless, too.

Here's my thoughts in the order of my concern:

What about my tenants, would they want to live there now?

How will this affect their safety?

And will I be able to attract new tenants in future?

Even as an absentee landlord we work hard at monitoring and selecting suitable tenants for the neighbourhood, someday soon I want to be able to relocate to Osoyoos myself.

All my future tenants are told that we have a ZERO tolerance for drugs and I do report to the authorities any illegal activities.

My desire is to provide a decent safe place for people who are renting and I believe I have done this up to this point.

This cul-de-sac already contains apartment blocks, four-plexes, and duplexes so population density is high.

Having a senior's residence did not pose any problems other than parking.

Will this be the same now?

Shopping carts do come to mind and are not terribly scenic.

Here's hoping we can keep the same quiet, safe neighbourhood that our tenants have come to expect.

This type of accommodation is better suited to either a commercial or light industrial location for obvious reasons.

Maybe there is just nowhere else suitable but if there is it should be considered.

Perhaps if as a property owner I had an input that would be some justification for a decision such as this; this may impact my tenants and my investment substantially.

I welcome any other thoughts.

Brenda and Dave Deverill,
Edmonton

OSOYOOS TIMES-February 18, 2009

RELAY ORGANIZERS INVITE SURVIORS TO JOIN VICTORY LAP

Editor:

February is Valentine's Month. As thoughts often shift to buying that perfect gift or planning a romantic evening, we still need to remember that at the root of it all is caring, support and compassion.

It's at this time of year that the Canadian Cancer Society and its 20,000-plus B.C./ Yukon volunteers, send its love out to all those affected by cancer. 

Whether you're a newly diagnosed patient, a long time cancer survivor, or that caregiver who lent emotional support during their cancer journey, we wish you lots of love, caring and support this Valentine's month.

To continue with the love and caring throughout the year, we want to celebrate your cancer victories! 

All cancer survivors and caregivers are invited to walk the first lap of the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life in Osoyoos for your very own Victory Lap. 

Come out on Saturday, June 20, 2009 and feel the love of over 350 participants cheering you on! 

Register at www.cancer.ca/relay or call 250-495-3963 for more information.

Let's love, honour and remember all those touched by cancer today and every day!

Audrey McCulloch and the Relay for Life Volunteer Planning Committee,rnOsoyoos and Oliver

OSOYOOS TIMES-February 18, 2009