Penticton Election

[fluffy]

Is it fair to ask our local government to solve problems that are provincial, or even global in nature? I'm talking about the general state of the economy here. People in general are pretty quick to say "somebody should do something", my usual response to that is "what?" I get the feeling that a lot of people expect the impossible here, and think it's a scar on council's record that they can't solve the world's problems. Maybe Elvena Slump and roll shutters should be the major issues.

[livewire]

DblDwn, you raise a good point. However, the real issues that you bring up have been present for a very long time. Some of these councillors have been on council for a very long time and haven't done anything about it. I'm not confident we can change any of those Leopards spots? They can talk a talk but I'm also not confident any of them can or will walk the walk or they would have done that by now.

[fluffy]

DblDwn, you raise a good point. However, the real issues that you bring up have been present for a very long time. Some of these councillors have been on council for a very long time and haven't done anything about it. I'm not confident we can change any of those Leopards spots? They can talk a talk but I'm also not confident any of them can or will walk the walk or they would have done that by now.

This is my point, you are assuming that there is a solution that can be effected locally and I'm not sure that assumption is realistic.

[livewire]

This is my point, you are assuming that there is a solution that can be effected locally and I'm not sure that assumption is realistic.[/quote]

I do see your point. However solutions need to at least start locally. We need a Mayor and Council to start these conversations and take them higher. I have zero confidence that any of the current ones can or will do that.

[ToddT]

Welp, no Litke. Why did he go to UBCM again?

[XT225]

Welp, no Litke. Why did he go to UBCM again?

He likely has inclinations to be our next NDP MLA or MP....thats why he went (to gain experience on our dime), I would bet. In my opinion, he has been a complete dissapointment from day one.

[twobits]

This thread is starting to look like a discussion of Mayberry RFP with Ron Howard as Opie critiquing Aunt Bea's blueberry pies. A few of you will understand that.
I keep hearing about vague references to "issues", but no definition. How bout we make some one line posts of what we each think are "issues" that a council should deal with? And I would qualify that with....be at least close to specific and within the powers of a municipal council.

[XT225]

Ok, I will start it off. How about whichever candidates promise to remove those stupid whatemacallits (bollards?) on Martin Street and forgets about two-laning and spending millions on Main Street will get my vote.

[pentona]

Regarding Main Street, it looks like you're too late with that one, XT. City hall already has started the ball rolling. Watch for a tax increase coming our way (unless of course the citizens boot the present bunch out of office next month).
http://www.pentictonherald.ca/news/arti ... f6878.html

[XT225]

Ok, now you've really got my attention. That announcement P_sses me off. So much for Fiscal belt tightening in tough times. These lot of drunken sailors have to go for sure. Both candidates for mayor should not be commenting on upgrades in that area as they own businesses on Main Street. For Vassalaki to say that "forget the malls" is out of line. Why would the business owners ONLY have a say....they are going to hit the Capital fund for 1.8 Million, which WE the taxpayers built. Hold a Referendum. The ONLY good thing about two laning Main is that it will stop double parking; the ONLY good thing and it will cause congestion when three lanes merge down to two. ETA: Yep, that will really bring more shoppers downtown...about the same time that Pigs learn to fly!

[southy]

Who is this Vassalaki person we speak of? Is he really running for mayor? John needs a whole lot of coaching on how to respond to issues because he keeps putting whatever size shoe he wears in his mouth. Really a stupid comment about the malls - the malls pay taxes do they not? Owners of businesses in those mall pay taxes do they not? Employees of those business who live in Penticton pay taxes do they not? And here we have an individual who wants to be mayor making a stupid comment like "forget the malls". Tells you where his interest is doesn't it!

PS: How many buildings does he and his family own downtown?

[XT225]

I thought that Vassalaki was against spending but apparently not, at least not when HE might benefit somehow. We used to have a councillor that ran the Mall...he was likely in conflict if he voted against downtown (in some ways). People have to be careful when they open their mouths and are councillors. Best to think long and hard, beforehand. I give Mike Pearce credit; he often left council chambers when he suspected a potential conflict. I really think that all present council members just don't get it and will keep spending on beautification projects when times are tough and other projects need to take priority. Take a look at Government Street for instance; potholes and patches everywhere and who knows what lies UNDER the streets. Essential work needs to the main thrust. Glad to see more and more candidates stepping up to replace these present bunch of *&^%$#@!.

[southy]

Soooo Katie is running ... yippee skippee, we've almost got the whole gang involved ... could be good news (after the election)

[XT225]

Soooo Katie is running ... yippee skippee, we've almost got the whole gang involved ... could be good news (after the election)

Other than the headbanging comment...I think Katie was fairly harmless. Not sure that I would vote for her again though. One thing for sure though..either Vassalaki or Jackebeit will be gone and thats not a bad thing. I will be looking for candidates who will "reel in spending" on these beautification projects. Thats fine when the economy is booming but when our streets and whats under them are old and need redoing, thats where the tax dollars should be spent. Wonder if there are any REAL fiscal conservatives out there who will really walk the walk.

[pentona]

Soooo Katie is running ... yippee skippee, we've almost got the whole gang involved ... could be good news (after the election)

Max Picton is now also running. That will be an interesting combination if both he and Katie are elected. Not! (oil and water)