LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
- February 20, 2007
To The Editor:
I feel an overwhelming sense of pride, and dare I say it, community. Despite the economic hardship and difficulties we face as a community, over 150 people showed up to say; we deserve better, and, we can do better. As you know Carol James came to town on February 3rd to discuss the coal issue. (Now I am a non-partisan voter myself, I like to vote for the guy or gal who looks the most honest. You know, the one with the uncoordinated pants and shirt - The least slick).
Here's what struck me; Carol James, Leader of the Provincial Opposition, who had to rush back to Victoria to get ready for the spring session of legislature, had more time for me than my own Town Council. In fact, Jim Manion was the only councillor present. (Whom I am ashamed to say I did not vote for, sorry Jim, catch you next time). Maybe there was goldfish to feed, maybe hair had to be washed and socks had to be sorted. Again, with them not looking downstream, the Official Opposition has a fair to middlin' chance at forming the next government.
If it were me, I'd want to spend as much time as possible glad-handing, regardless of the party, or the issue. Why? because maybe just maybe I might have to ask them for some help as a Township at some point. As my dear old mom used to say if you wanna play ballSyou gotta show up. This is an accountability issue.
Council is paid to represent the Town. As anyone who holds a public office, an elected official has an obligation to engage. If you can't reach local town councillors, what hope do you have of effecting government at a provincial or federal level?
So again for the councillors who may have missed the memo, (The Literacy Now Launch was February 1st, really, its sort of like playing Where is Waldo, maybe we could put councillors on the back of a cereal box - they'd be easier to spot) here are some stats from the ball game we are in:
- Mental Health - 2 out of 78 Local Health Area
- Health - 5 out of 78 Local Health Area
- Unemployment - 6 out of 78 Local Health Area
- Economic Hardship - 4 out of 78
- Income Share of Poorest Households - 5 out of 78 Local Health Area
- Percentage of Deaths in Princeton Due to Alcohol Age 0-75 years: 87%
Think of it as a test score out of 78 possible points we are averaging 4.4 out of 78 that, it would seem is a fail.
These are the facts as quoted by BC Stats 2005, and Interior Health 2006.
This is not a dress rehearsal or a drill and, unfortunately, this is not a test marked on paper. The results show in the overall health of our community. The future of our Township, and our children is at stake.
Please Show Up!
- Solana Allison, Princeton
To The Editor;
In regards to Mr. Doug Rebagliati and Friends of Princeton Pathway.
When you made your presentation to Town Council you made reference to property "currently owned by private individuals." As a private individual landowner in the North West corner do you honestly think that we will cooperate with a walking path through our backyards?
There is approximately fifteen (15) properties which the town would have to purchase access right-of-way for your path. With problems on the trails with motorized vehicles, why would we possibly agree to such an outlandish idea? Do you really think we want a bunch of yahoos screaming about and hanging out in our backyards?
I suggest you look for a new walking path that does not include the North West private owners properties because we are prepared to dispute this idea.
You will depreciate our property values which in turn will reduce our property taxes to the town which in turn reduces the monies available to town employees to look after an unfavourable project that will not generate any profit to this town.
There will be future submissions to Town Council.
Respectfully,
W. & G. Longstaff, North West Corner (Princeton).
Dear Editor,
The people of Princeton and the Similkameen Valley are relieved that the provincial government has brought into policy, effective immediately, that B.C. will become the first jurisdiction in North America, to require 100 per cent carbon sequestration for any coal-fired electricity project.
Thank you for listening, Gordon Campbell, and can we invite you for some of our world famous and coal free apple cider?
Sincerely,
Karen & Jim Manion, Princeton
