Margaret and Mike de Salaberry from Osoyoos share a laugh with retiring MP Alex Atamanenko during an open house at his constituency office in Oliver last week. Atamanenko, 70, announced last year that he would not be running for re-election in the next federal election and was planning on retiring. He is holding a series of open houses throughout his federal riding to allow constituents to say goodbye as he heads towards retirement. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
Farewell to the king … or at least a darn good politician with integrity.
That was the sentiment last week when local constituents said goodbye to their retiring MP Alex Atamanenko.
“We’re losing someone who worked as a politician with integrity. It’s hard to find that nowadays,” said Orest Gulaga.
The Oliver resident joined many other constituents at Atamanenko’s open house on April 15.
“He was an easy person to talk to; he didn’t hide behind party lines,” said Gulaga, noting the Southern Interior MP helped many families with their problems.
Gulaga said he liked the fact that Atamanenko proposed a “Ministry of Peace,” a new way of thinking that, unfortunately, did not see the light of day.
Mike and Margaret de Salaberry from Osoyoos said they too appreciated Atamanenko’s honesty and integrity.
The couple first met the MP when he came to their door looking for support.
“He was the only one (campaigning) who came to our door,” Margaret said. “We felt he was honest,” Mike interjected. “When he speaks, he looks you in the eye and listens,” Margaret added.
Mike said he viewed Atamanenko more like a son than a politician.
Constituent Don Munro from Oliver said the MP had a knack for communicating with the public on important issues such as the environment and agriculture.
“If there was a community event, regardless of how small, Alex was there,” Munro said.
As far as Atamanenko’s successor, the constituent said he is quite impressed with NDP candidate Richard Cannings, who “seems to represent the same areas that concern me.”
Valorie Watson, another longtime Atamanenko supporter from Osoyoos, said the dedicated MP was everywhere.
“He’s open and easy to talk to, and gives the time of day to everyone. I think that’s what people will miss the most about him.”
Atamanenko said serving as MP was the most enriching experience of his life and the most intense job he’s ever had. After 10 years, it’s time to retire, he admitted.
The 70 year old noted it was very rewarding helping people solve their problems with various issues, such as immigration.
He dealt with many people who had “fallen through the cracks.”
Atamanenko was known for his strong stance on many issues, including food sovereignty and genetically modified organisms.
The MP also threw his support behind the proposed national park, a controversial topic that has divided the South Okanagan.
“I’ve heard from both sides and have come to the conclusion that it’s important that we move forward and re-engage in the talks.”
Atamanenko said a national park will be a real benefit to the area, but he acknowledged that the interests of ranchers must be protected.
“Nothing will happen unless people start talking.”
Filling the MP’s shoes won’t be easy, but Atamanenko said Cannings is the person to do it.
“Richard will do an excellent job… people feel comfortable with him.”
Atamanenko said it has been a privilege and an honour to serve the constituents of the the southern Interior for the past several years and he looks forward to continuing the many friendships he has made across the region when he moves into civilian life a few months down the road.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
