Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes said he felt “compelled” to write letters of apology following two posts that appeared on Oliver Daily News (ODN) recently.
Town Councillor Jack Bennest, who publishes ODN, posted a photograph of a pile of material on the Transwest Helicopters site on May 3. The caption under the photo read, “Pleasant View Drive.”
In the letter to Transwest, Hovanes felt the need to do some damage control, stating the photo and caption in no way represented Town council.
He noted the Town and Transwest have fostered a tremendous business relationship, adding the benefits of local businesses at the Oliver Airport are vital to the Town’s economic vibrancy.
“On behalf of council, please accept this apology and well wishes for a healthy 2016.”
The mayor said it has been communicated to the Town that the pile of material in question is only stored temporarily on the Transwest lot.
The second letter was addressed to the Town’s Public Works department after ODN posted a photo of the new linear park on Gala Street. The caption read, “Is this a park?”
Again, Hovanes said this post in no way represents Town council.
He stated that council appreciates the remarkable dedication and commitment required to maintain municipal parks.
The mayor said this park opened last year, with staff advising that plantings require time to mature. He noted there has been a huge amount of growth this spring, and it is understood that additional maintenance will be necessary for this park to develop.
“I’m being patient,” Hovanes said.
Until then, he has assured Public Works that council is not critical of the daily operations necessary to maintain the Town’s parks and infrastructure.
The mayor acknowledged that serving on council is not a full-time occupation, and councillors do wear a multitude of hats in the community. But after reading the two posts on ODN, Hovanes admitted that he felt the need to write the letters to set the record straight.
Bennest said the two items in questions were pictures that begged a question.
“Who said ODN speaks for the Town? Of course ODN does not speak on behalf of the town. And the mayor does not either unless directed by council.”
Bennest said one of the letters was inaccurate as the picture displayed on ODN was of the empty land adjacent to Gala Street with many neighbours complaining.
By Lyonel Doherty
