Get answers on parkland stance

Dear editor: The Protect Penticton Parks Society Advisory Committee sent two parks-related questions to all mayoral and city council candidates whose email contacts were included on their nomination papers. The questions were:

1. Was the plan to lease part of Skaha Lake Park for a commercial water park a good idea that was poorly communicated? Or was it a fundamental mistake that represented poor judgement by council? Explain your reasons.

2. The recently accepted Parks and Recreation Master Plan identifies 11 priorities for the City of Penticton to pursue in order to preserve, protect and enhance public parkland. If elected, what will you do to ensure the city will work to achieve those community identified needs?

Two mayoral candidates (Jason Cox and Dominic Wheeler) did not respond to our questions. Seven city council candidates (Duffy Baker, Christopher Evasin, Joe Frocklage, Christopher Millin, Max Picton, Marie Prior and Connie Sahlmark) also did not respond.Two candidates (Isaac Gilbert and David O’Brien) did not list their email contacts on their respective nomination forms and therefore were excluded.

All other candidates’ responses can be seen on the PPPS website http://saveskahapark.ca/society-updates-2/ or by visiting our Facebook page.

You will notice the candidates’ answers range widely in the level of detail and awareness of parks’ issues, past and present. We urge readers to carefully review the responses and evaluate them for depth, sincerity and understanding of park concerns.

We hope this helps you choose candidates who will best preserve, protect and enhance public parkland in Penticton.

Lisa Martin PPPS Advisory Committee