Dear Editor:
I am a life-long Osoyoos resident, but I have family and many friends living in Oliver. I wish their community only the best in government services and facilities. That being said, I believe that a major factor holding back Osoyoos, is the fact that it is ‘lumped-together’ with Oliver as ‘one entity’ by our government.
We are not. We are called the Town of Osoyoos. When the government of British Columbia gives something to the Town of Oliver, that does not equate to giving it to the Town of Osoyoos.
That is blatantly obvious in the situation involving our schools.
Even though MLA Linda Larson is supposed to represent the interests of Osoyoos residents, she has said that she has “no words of comfort” for the people of Osoyoos. That is one true statement from her.
It would be comforting to have an MLA in Victoria representing and concerned about the residents of Osoyoos.
Osoyoos is not a ‘have-not’ community. It is a prosperous community with many things going for it and with lots of future potential.
We want and we deserve to have our own schools. If we allow them to close one of our schools, we would be the only town of our size in all of British Columbia without schools for K-12. That is totally unjustified. If the school board of trustees with School District 53 is determined to close an Osoyoos school, now or in the future, then I believe that it is time for Osoyoos to leave School District 53 and form our own. That way we will be able to move forward to the bright future that our community deserves.
Larry Miller
Osoyoos, B.C.
