Dear Editor:
Those of you who are attentive to events that appear to take place under the radar may have noticed a veritable dearth of bylaw personnel performing their usual patrols of Gyro Park and the lakefront over to the marina and beyond.
Many of us who count ourselves among those who care about the wellbeing of the jewel that is Osoyoos are more than curious … we are concerned.
What has changed? Where is bylaw? Has the town eliminated this important program?
And more importantly, where is Emerald, that beacon of tact, diplomacy and goodwill, which she successfully combined with a liberal sprinkling of tough love when doing her job.
Each summer, over the past three years, we have watched and marvelled at her dedication to her duties, her responsibilities and her obvious concern for protecting the town from those who would or could bring harm.
Our investigation thus far suggests she has found alternative employment in Oliver, also in bylaw enforcement, but with increased remuneration in spite of fewer hours. Oliver wins! Osoyoos loses.
My biggest worry is that this all came about because of a change in policy on the part of the town. If so, council must reconsider immediately. If this is not the case, could there possibly be a more concerning reason for the change?
Dianne Andrews
Osoyoos, B.C.
The town counsel has a real delema on their hands. What I was told is that issueing bylaw tickets of certain kinds, like noise bylaws, are something they don’t want to because when there is a dispute about the ticket the Town has to pay for a lawyer to show up at court. Something they can’t afford to do as the court costs are more than the ticket is worth even if the Town wins.
Emerald could have been a direct result of the Towns stance on ignoring bylaws they have written.