A MESSAGE FROM THE CONCERNED CITIZENS
Editor:
We, the Concerned Citizens of Osoyoos, wish to set the record straight.
Firstly, the Concerned Citizens of Osoyoos have not initiated, sent or produced any correspondence that has been erroneous, defamatory or lies as referred to by Mayor Wells on many occasions.
Secondly, we are NOT associated in any way with any Coalition organization that appears to have used our CCOO initials; if they have, it is without our approval.
CCOO does not send anonymous letters.
The actions taken by Concerned Citizens of Osoyoos were merely to review the process used in Council meetings in the time period 2006 to 2008.
It was found that Mr. Wells acted on a number of occasions in possible Conflict of Interest and should have recused himself from those meetings, but he did not.
Our research was supported with all documentation and was based on facts not fiction, the initial package was presented to the Osoyoos Town Administration to review on February 18, 2009, and a further package on February 27, 2009 for their review and action.
We, the Concerned Citizens of Osoyoos (CCOO) feel that the information that has been brought to the attention of the Osoyoos Town Council shows, in our opinion, Mayor Stu Wells as being in direct Conflict of Interest and we are expecting the Council to deal with this issue in a democratic, professional, ethical and timely manner.
Jean Clarke/Ray Vandenberg for the Concerned Citizens of Osoyoos
OSOYOOS TIMES-March 18,2009
'WHERE IS THE JUSTICE'
Editor:
I read your article in the March 4th edition regarding two wildlife photographers who were convicted of disturbing bird habitat by clearing an area causing a decreased availability of food.
These two gentlemen were fined a total of $6,000, 12 months probation and are prohibited from using or selling any of the photographs they took.
Several months ago a man was found guilty of hit and run.
He drove the victim three storeys in the air, killing him and then left the scene of the accident.
His sentence was a $200 fine, two years suspension of his driver's licence and 50 hours community work.
Where is the justice!
Maybe the judges should be fined for irresponsible decision making, placed on two years probation with no pay and prohibited from making any further brainless decisions.
Despite lot of talk, the system just doesn't seem to be changing!
Don Brunner,rnOsoyoos
OSOYOOS TIMES-March 18,2009
RDOS ON WRONG TRACK WITH PROPOSED BUDGET
Editor:
I've been following the reports of proposed property tax increases throughout the Valley.
Being shocked two weeks ago that the RDOS was considering an increase of over 13 per cent, I eagerly awaited the news after the March 7th special budget meeting.
In the March 11th edition of the Oliver Chronicle, Area 'C' Director Al Patton calls the proposed 10.2 per cent increase 'pretty hefty'; I call it outrageous!
Are our elected RDOS representatives living in a vacuum?
Summerland and Penticton have both reduced staff and services to try and hold their increase to 2.2 per cent and 0 per cent respectively.
Vernon has decided 0 per cent.
Kelowna even comes in at a reasonable 3.35 per cent.
I contacted the Towns of Oliver and Osoyoos and they have not yet set a target.
There's something amiss at the RDOS for it to even consider a double digit tax increase.
Unlike other local governments, there has been no news from RDOS of significant belt tightening initiatives but rather news of more extraordinary spending¦$100,000 for wood chipping for example.
I'd never suggest it's happening here at RDOS, but sometimes political leadership is very free at spending money and raising taxes when they don't have to face the electorate for another three or four years.
The failure at RDOS to responsibly 'cut back' just doesn't affect the taxes of the property located in the Region.
The towns and cities in the Region contribute to the funding of RDOS so the requisition to those municipalities will substantially increase.
The increases to Summerland and Penticton are 9.8 per cent and 8.4 per cent respectively, to fund the proposed RDOS budget.
Princeton's increase is 43.7 per cent (mostly due to swimming pool funding).
The other towns are more than likely to have increases, in addition of course, to their local taxes increase, and any other special taxes like the auditorium in Oliver and District.
This is a time of economic hardship but unlike other local governments in the Valley, RDOS continues its spendthrift ways, merrily raising taxes as a matter of course.
I believe this course should be reversed and taxpayers throughout the Valley should let their displeasure be known.
This proposed budget is to be approved March 19.
RDOS Directors' and your City/Town representatives' names, addresses, phone numbers and emails are listed under REGIONAL GOVERNMENT' on the RDOS website at www.rdos.bc.ca
Don Rudzcki,rnArea C (Oliver)
OSOYOOS TIMES-March 18, 2009
