National Park issue raised again

Editor:rnIn response to the petition presented to our local MLA Bill Barisoff we should keep in mind that much of the information presented by the Grassland Park Review Committee was largely fiction and as such should be given very little weight. The following are some of the incorrect statements or insinuations:rn1. Land owners and leasees will be forced to sell to the National Park. Not so, we can keep or sell to anyone we want to.
2. The LRMP Parks are perfectly adequate. Not so. Even if the new Parks are taken into consideration less that 8% of the Okanagan rare, natural, and unique treasures will be protected. We are losing more every year due to indiscriminate and illegal use by dirt bikes, mud boggers, 4WD's, etc. There are not sufficient Parks staff to monitor the area.
3. Hunting, mining and logging will not be allowed in the Park. That is no change from the present policy in the parks initiated by the LRMP.
4. A National Park will eliminate cattle ranching in the South Okanagan. Not so. Ranchers who don't want to sell to the National Park will still be competitive with other ranches in the rest of B.C.
In conclusion, we believe this is a great opportunity to preserve our wonderful natural environment not just for ourselves but more importantly for future generations which only a National Park will do.
Harry NielsenrnOsoyoos

Editor:rnAs President of the South Okanagan Similkameen Teachers' Union I am often asked to justify why we're taking a political stand in this election. It's no secret to anyone in British Columbia that teachers around the province are making it loud and clear that they feel the future of quality public education is at stake in this election.
Under the Liberals we have seen a significant drop in services to students and larger classes. We have seen school closures. Why?
Because it was the only way school boards could deal with the downloading of expenses introduced by the government without an increase in funding levels. We currently have a government in place that stripped teachers' contracts in order to make that possible.
All of this has put added stress onto the public system. Perhaps that is a goal of the Liberal government. After all, they are the so-called bastions of free enterprise and what better way to promote private education than to worsen the learning conditions in our public schools.
Quality education is a right, not a privilege, and that's why we're taking this stand.
Richard KendrickrnPresident, SOSTU

Editor:rnRe: Ballet KelownarnOn Sat. Apr. 16 I had the pleasure of seeing this energetic touring ballet on its first visit to our town.
I am very sad to say that hardly anyone bought tickets. There were perhaps 25 in the audience. The mini theatre is a wonderful venue and the dancers were very talented. The program was 4 short ballets of tremendous versatility and fun. Toes were tapping!
So where was the support? Arts community? The many professionals in other fields, mothers & daughters etc. etc. – all missing and guilty of not supporting a most enjoyable cultural event that I hope returns, but will they with our disappointing turnout?rnN. Fraser