Hodge, Donn voice of reason

Dear Editor: Kelowna city council approved the latest sellout of our downtown, disregarding city planners’ adamant rejection of the placement and size of the building at the foot of Queensway.

Clearly we don’t need city planners, who are hired because they are educated professionals in this field, who work to create cohesive and organized growth in our community. Obviously their salaries can be better used elsewhere, possibly enhance council’s salaries, who feel qualified to make these decisions, in spite of the fact this position has no educational prerequisites, and experience is not required.

Councillors Charlie Hodge and Ryan Donn understand the process. Donn questioning, “Do we ignore the experts we’ve hired to guide us as we build our city?”

These were the only two voices of reason at the table.

It was noted there was little opposition to the project from the public. Possibly the lack of negative response stems from the sham that was the public meeting on the visitor centre.

The decision to give away our waterfront to huge opposition from the public had already been made long before the meeting and council bowed to a small interest group. Concerned citizens are feeling it is a waste of time to fight a flawed process going forward, as our voices go unheard. Jean Chute

Kelowna