Setting the record straight
Dear editor: Reading “Soccer Dome Saga Not Over,” (Daily Courier, Oct. 19) it’s hard to figure out where Mr. Bill Anstead’s head is at. It’s probably work best left to a Proctologist.
His letter is fortified with errors, deceit and malice.
First, the capital costs of the facility proposed by the Westside Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) were simple. Artificial turf costs $150,000. Teflon Dome costs $450,000. The deal with staff and council was also simple.We’d supply the capital costs – so local tax payers wouldn’t have to if the city agreed to:
a.) Provide a site (i.e. after they rejected Lower Kinsmen) b.) Site preparation c.) Ongoing management of the facility
WYSA kept their end of the bargain. Earlier this year, we cut a cheque to the city for $600,000.
Since then, the city has unilaterally and arbitrarily escalated costs (consultants, project managers, additional structures, upgrades on the Rose Valley Water Main).
Second, we didn’t delay the project. The city did.
Third, we never rejected any city- owned properties (the city didn’t have any). We rejected Webber Road as potential site. We would still. It’s a substandard location. It didn’t meet any of the criteria agreed upon.
Fourth, I never personally told Mr. Anstead anything. He’s delusional. I don’t recall meeting him prior to Oct. 2 at a Lakeview neighbourhood meeting. He had an opportunity to raise questions and concerns then.
Fifth, I regret his inference that I would be a spendthrift on council with projects like the wine trail. It’s deceptive. I’m fiscal conservative and I wouldn’t have supported the first phase of wine trail. Why lump me and our youth in with this other boondoggle?
Fact is, he neither acknowledges nor appreciates the lengths and efforts the Westside Youth Soccer Association players, parents, coaches, volunteers and board members have gone to ensure this project be been built with little reliance upon Westside tax payers. What part is so difficult to understand?
WYSA showed up with a need, a plan, a proven design and money to fund this project. We’d be happy to take our money back and do it privately. We thought the cash strapped city and Mr. Anstead’s band of curmudgeons and malcontents might jump at the chance to make this work. Our organization is among the largest community groups on the Westside. If we can’t get the city to work with us, who can? It’s why I’m running for council. Gordon Wiebe West Kelowna City Council candidate