Elvena reveals picks

DEAR EDITOR

A friend asked my opinion on Helena Konanz and Andrew Jakubeit running again for Penticton city council.

I remember standing outside city hall in 2015 as hundreds of people protested council’s decision to build a waterslide in Skaha Park and watched a disappointed crowd when notified Jakubeit had defiantly signed the contract.

That signature cost taxpayers $200,000 in penalty payments when subsequent public pressure forced council to rescind the contract. The public deserves an apology from both of these wannabes before they seek your trust again. Deleterious dictatorial actions should bear consequences: apologize for ignoring the will of the people, not seeking a referendum, egregiously wasting $200,000, and for replacing service with arrogance.

I attended last week’s all-candidates forum and the following are the candidates I personally would like to see given a shot at representing us, and as space allows my reasons for selecting them.

Mayor:

Too many candidates running for mayor lack sufficient knowledge. With a city budget of $100 to $150 million annually, experience is essential.

That leaves Julius Bloomfield and John Vassilaki. Bloomfield is a nice guy, but he lives in Naramata, doesn’t own property in Penticton, so can’t even vote for himself.

So why would I?

Councillors in alphabetical order: Amelia Boultbee is a young legal beagle capable of vetting today’s complicated contracts.

Ryan Graham is a bundle of energy with entrepreneurial skills. Most young people we have elected have been disappointing. I think Ryan may prove a worthwhile exception.

Lindsey Hall brings honesty and sincerity and is unlikely to betray the public trust.

James Miller has common sense combined with duty of service and adeptly adapts his skills to serve people.

Frank is an accountant who understands money as an essential element in handling the enormous budget.

Campbell Watt was the brand-new councillor and patsy who walked into the end of the secretive Skaha Park deal. Learning from this disaster, he asks the right questions and has a bright future ahead of him. School trustees

Lynn Kelsey is a council watchdog who deserves an opportunity to prove her capability.

James Palanio has proven his worth, bringing common sense and a steady hand to a challenged board in precarious times.

Kate Hansen, formerly with the RCMP, is familiar with the needs of children. I like her and find her trustworthy and sincere. She also has my vote.

We all have our own reasons for our choices. You have just heard mine. Elvena Slump Penticton