Offer point-by-point analysis and data Judicial teeth will improve enforcement
Summerland council should reconsider the solar project.
Coun. Richard Barkwill has presented a detailed analysis based on published, up-todate information that shows Summerland solar project as currently conceived presents a threat to the environment and the financial well-being of the community.
If there are flaws in his analysis, they should be presented to the public in the letters to the editor section of the Penticton Herald where Barkwill first informed readers of his findings.
His analysis should be addressed point-bypoint and substantiated by published data, not glossed over with vague terms about the value of solar energy.
Barkwill’s concerns and that of many Summerland residents is about this specific project, not the use of solar energy in general.
A precedent for discussing council matters in the letter to the editor section of the Penticton Herald was set by former mayor Janice Perrino who presented rebuttals to information published in articles in the paper.
Susan McIver Summerland
There has been much said about crime, policing, judicial short-comings, homelessness, rights, freedoms, choices, liberties, etc., over the years since we have arrived in Penticton, along with many suggestions of how to fix the system, but in order to fix something, you have to know what the problem is and prepare a timeline business plan to fix it with built in variables.
I’m not saying those of us who write in, or persons holding meetings to discuss the issues, know the answers, but maybe it will give a better understanding to the complexity of the problem facing those who can make a difference. Obviously a self-analysis is required by all.
At first glance, there seems to be a hidden divide-and-conquer attitude by persons of various political persuasions (or others), unknowingly or knowingly having a deliberate will to keep the confusion going so that very little is accomplished.
On the other hand it might be misunderstandings of the current cultural terms; or definitions.
What is the definition of “freedom?”
The writer’s understanding as “freedom” is only “freedom” as long as it doesn’t impede upon the “freedom” of others “rights.”
That which is normally correct, just or honourable “liberty” — the state being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority or one’s way of life, behaviour or political view.
It is understood political freedoms can be limited by laws that protect public safety.
Also, we senior Canadians know these meanings lean toward a “collectivistic culture” (rules which encourage selflessness). However, it may be the authorities of the day, wishing to encourage the current culture more toward a individualistic view. Notwithstanding which way the current government is leaning, there is currently enough judicial teeth in the system to improve enforcement.
The question is “what is the political will and how much persuasive forces are they placing upon it?”
Notwithstanding what the cultural point of view, the judicial community and the community at large must be supportive and respectful of our policing community.
It’s not all about cost because it will cost to correct things, given the current situation.
Insurance companies don’t often go broke. Premiums will rise and underwriters do disappear.
Merv Jones
Penticton
West Kelowna’s Marco Kacic has signed with a new auto racing team for the 2021 season, inking a deal to drive for JMF Motorsports.
Kacic is one of two drivers for the Mercedes-AMG GT4 team starting in the National Auto Sports Association’s Western Endurance championship.
“Opportunities such as this do not come along every day,” Kacic is quoted as saying in a news bulletin. “The fact that I get to be part of it is amazing. I am incredibly excited to get to work with the team.”
JMF also signed an American driver, Michai Stephens from Evanston, Ill.
The team is based out of Buttonwillow, Calif., and founded by longtime motorsport enthusiast John Farrow.
He had high praise for the new recruits. “These two drivers impressed us way beyond our wildest expectations,” he said. “They showed speed, maturity and didn’t put a wheel wrong throughout the tests.
“With both drivers having primarily an open-wheel background, there is a lot to learn for them.”
The team is busy preparing for their first race event in Sonoma on March 28. There will be more testing and preparation over the next few weeks, Farrow said.
“It has been a whirlwind couple of months putting this together, and I have a lot people to thank that put in a lot of effort behind the scenes, and I simply couldn’t have done this without their help,” he said.