Democracy on display at PTCC

We have witnessed an example of the people and the strength of our community. Such meetings held at the convention centre last Wednesday would not have taken place in Iran or Russia.

There is no disagreement that the city could benefit from a waterslide, the issue was placement. The contentious part of the issue has been removed as per the public’s request. Congratulations to all on both sides.

Of interest are the demographics and this was entirely evident in the room. I have spoken with people who supported the water slide, while none did I see at the meeting, which I also thought was significant, all are of an age who we could expect to still be here at the completion of the contract in 2050.

Those left with the final cost, supporting a waterslide, those most unlikely to ever go on a waterslide, against.

While council may have strayed from popular demand, I am not convinced it was anything but an error in execution and judgement, done with the best of intentions. However, at this point, whatever brought us here needs to become secondary to how we deal with this going forward

Mr. John Singleton did a great job and earned his crust. The mayor handled a quarrelsome crowd well, and made effort to an- swer every question. Council is listening to the public and responding in a very reasonable way, given the circumstance.

Writing a $200,000 cheque for nothing is not in the best interest of the public nor an expensive legal battle. We only need to remember Blackwell Stores and the District of Naramata.

I am okay with the term because the shorter term yields higher cost upfront. The people currently operating the concession should be given first option, and if on council this would be a sticking point.

This council was elected by you, the popular vote. As the editor of The Herald has pointed out, we are only half way through their mandate. We need to give this council the time to finish this work, to bring about an acceptable change, for there are many more difficult issues ahead.

The best suggestion is to operate the marina as a yacht club. The marina on Okanagan Lake has operated successfully as such for years.

I want to mention that I appreciated hearing from Ron Smuin, the young lady from De Renzy Place and the first gentleman that spoke. Steve Boultbee Penticton

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