TIME TO CHECK THE ECONOMIC MODEL USED IN OSOYOOS?

Editor:

After listening to the candidates for Mayor and Councillor at the all-candidates meeting in Osoyoos, to Destination Osoyoos's presentation to Council, and to many people in the community, I can only conclude that the fundamental issue that matters to everyone in Osoyoos is the Town's economic development model. 

Reminding (us) that lasting quality of life, good health and a sound ecology entirely depends on investment in sustainable economic development and production. 

Businesses distribute wealth in the community via better paid employment “ rather than handouts and welfare.

Therefore, the society in Osoyoos should expect that the elected Mayor and Council finally will carry out an unbiased analysis and evaluation of the Town's economic development model and its contract with Destination Osoyoos.

The question should be whether the model is science-based and meets modern standards in terms of analysis, planning and control? 

Does the model address the social, economic and ecological realities facing Osoyoos andrnallow development to usurp social, economic and ecological realities?

Or does the model merely bolster the positive and take credit for development that would have happened anyway and fail to address the issues that really matter to society?

Does the model stimulate investment in economic production that creates better-paid employment in Osoyoos?

Does the model create uncertainties, whether it is the elected Council that is in charge for the Town (as it should be), or is it a small special interest group in a private closed society corporation that pulls the strings in the Town of Osoyoos “ as it should not be? 

Could the tax transferred to Destination Osoyoos have been better used in other directions “ the opportunity cost?

Does the model produce the understanding and foresight in the Town council and administration that the community depends on as it faces the future? 

Rather than decrease, does the model increase disparity in Osoyoos, contrary to Section 36 in our Canadian constitution?

Therefore, it would be natural that both levels of government and the Auditor General study thernOsoyoos economic development model “ to increase understanding.

I trust the board of Destination Osoyoos would welcome a current and past unbiased audit and evaluation of its operation, why wouldn't they?    

Kell Petersen,rnOsoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-November 19, 2008

READER SHOCKED BY BEHAVIOUR OF GIRLS IN LOCAL RESTAURANT

Editor:

At my age I thought that there would be very little that would surprise me, but two weeks ago, as I was enjoying my evening meal at a local fast food restaurant, a group of six or seven young teenage girls entered the restaurant and without so much as a by your leave, sat down and began opening and eating the box lunches they had purchased at a nearby convenience store.

They never made a purchase in the restaurant or asked permission of the employees on duty.

The young ladies behind the counter were so surprised and shocked that they were uncertain as to how to handle the situation so let it ride.

I could not believe the nerve of these girls in treating a place of business as a public indoor picnic area.

I feel guilty when using a gas station restroom when travelling unless I make at least a small purchase.
Maybe I'm just old and good manners are out of fashion.

Maurice MartyrnOsoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-November 19, 2008

SUGGESTIONS MADE FOR NAMES FOR TWO NEW OSOYOOS PARKS

Editor:

Re: Name them parks:

It only seems fair that the two parks that the Johnny-come-lately Council is seeking names for should have some local historical meaning. After all, when you're outta politics, you get something named after you, like the Slater Centre, where we voted.”

My thoughts: The one near Indigo should be called Hugo Johnson's Park as it was he who granted the orchardists lake access to get their water lines to the lake.

However, on the other park, I feel it only fitting that the park you know on Becker's Corner, the Johnny-come-latelies say, (For 30 years it was Les Goodman's home. After that Eric Lohlien lived there for 30 years) be named after one of the developers, the late and great J.G. Johnny Granville Goodman who, along with his brother Eric, donated the land as park in their development of Harbour Key subdivision.


PS “ Their dad never wanted the Goodman name to appear on any memorials, as he was very proud, but I think if Eric would consent, this would be a great name. It's time we recognize local movers and shakers of our community.

Bob Knight,rnOsoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-November 19, 2008