It is suspected that someone used a BB gun to puncture a hole in a downtown window that hosts a campaign sign for Joel Malcolm. See hole in the letter V. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
A local businessman finds it very disconcerting that someone would shoot at a campaign sign in downtown Oliver.
John Micka from Sunshine Café discovered on Wednesday that someone shot a hole in his window. The hole, which he suspects is a BB shot, was in front of Joel Malcolm’s campaign sign (in the window). Malcolm owns the building and is running for Area C director.
The candidate told Castanet that he didn’t know why his sign was targeted. Perhaps his political views angered someone, he surmised.
In any case, the incident won’t stop him from running for regional director, he said.
Micka told the Chronicle that he believes someone was targeting the candidate and not his business.
“I blame Joel . . . it’s your fault,” he said in jest.
Micka said he ran for Town council before and put signs in his window without incident. He pointed out that he isn’t well liked by local politicians and lawyers, so if anyone was to shoot a BB at a window, why not his?
Micka said he doesn’t suspect the culprit was a kid, noting that kids don’t just target one window in town.
The businessman said he was scared to ask how much it would cost to replace the large pane of glass.
“It’s an unnecessary expense.”
He said the incident reflects poorly on everyone in Oliver. It is particularly egregious when you’re targeting someone who is committed to help the community, he stated.
“No one should be intimidated out of putting his best foot forward.”
Micka said he did not report the incident to police.
“Why report it to the cops? They’re still looking for the people who burned the school down.”
The businessman said he doesn’t think a hole in someone’s window would be a top priority for the RCMP.
By Lyonel Doherty
