While other candidates might not give you a straight answer on their view of a national park, Petra Veintimilla doesn’t beat around the bush.
“I absolutely believe that we should be leading the charge in asking the provincial and federal governments to re-enter talks.”
Veintimilla, who is vying for a seat on Town council, said a national park would bring jobs, people, and money to the area.
“This is a proven fact, not a guess, and this would be a direct injection into our local economy.”
Veintimilla admitted there are kinks to be worked out, but these kinks cannot be addressed until people are at the table talking.
The businesswoman and mother of two has had an interest in politics for some time. So she decided it was time to bring her voice to the council table.
“I am a great listener, a great team player, and I would like the opportunity to help make the decisions that are going to really put Oliver on the map.”
Veintimilla said she wants to be a voice that helps shape the local economy and makes it a family friendly, sustainable community.
The former president of the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce said council has done an excellent job of keeping things moving over the past few years. But a few issues have been overlooked, she pointed out.
One glaring example is local parks and trails during the summer months. “We hear the same complaint year after year – people sleeping in the parks, open drug/alcohol consumption, aggressive dogs running around off leashes, and the list goes on.”
She believes something should be done to rectify the situation.
Veintimilla said Oliver also needs to revisit the idea of having a specific group or committee lead the way on economic development.
“We need to look at ways, perhaps incentives, to keep our downtown relevant and vibrant. And a hotel . . . everyone wants a hotel! We need one, and we need to be able to show that we have the numbers to fill the beds year round.”
Veintimilla grew up in Oliver. After high school she attended university and sought some life experience abroad. But when it was time to settle down, she came back home to start a family.
“I believe in Oliver and I can see its potential. I want my two little boys to be raised in a town that has vision, a place where people know that the future is bright.”
Veintimilla said she comes with an open mind and the desire to listen and get things done.
“As a result of my experience working on various committees and boards, I have the skill set to work hard as part of a team.”
If elected, Veintimilla said she will work diligently to ensure that everyone feels that their voice is being heard.
“And I will work just as hard to make sure that the decisions being made are in the very best interest of both the present and future Town of Oliver.”
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
