Editor:
I read with interest your editorial on requests for information from the Town of Osoyoos.
While I respect the Osoyoos Times in their responsibility as a vocal guardian of free speech and information, to express concern that the Town’s action was the start of a slippery slope, in this instance I do not agree.
I believe that the Mayor and the Town’s CAO were correct in not only pointing out frivolous use and taking steps to curb it, but as a taxpayer I feel that it is their responsibility to reduce the wasteful misuse of the process.
As both stated, it is a waste of taxpayers’ money.
As you alluded to in your editorial, this administration has done a good job of disseminating information to us taxpayers.
I for one will continue to give them my support until they prove otherwise.
Derek Noske,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-March 3, 2010

ANTI-IDLING BYLAW SHOULD BE FOLLOWED FOR ‘GENERAL GOOD’ OF COMMUNITY

Editor:
This anti-idling bylaw may well be difficult to enforce but, as with other forms of pollution, if some people have an anti-social habit born of laziness or attitude, surely it is the duty of the elected government to act for the general good where it can.
The letter writer of Feb. 24 makes several obvious points but instead of offering a solution he proposes to flaunt the bylaw and leave his vehicle running while it is stationary or unoccupied.
Several weeks ago in moderate temperatures I was on Main Street and noticed a white Ford passenger van idling and unattended while parked at the curb near the flower shop and jewellers store.
Over the next 55 minutes the vehicle remained running and unattended.
That is a lot of additional toxins in the air, not to mention wasted resources.
How difficult would that have been to ticket?
Not very, I would think.
Roger Horton,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-March 3, 2010

WRITER APPRECIATIVE OF SIMOES’ EFFORTS

Editor:
Re: Anarchist Mountain residents’ petition: p. A1, A16 and A17. Osoyoos Times, Feb. 24, 2010
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies in most cases – but not when dealing with the RDOS, a business run with our money, where (they say) “staff do not make mistakes”?
I applaud the efforts of Joe Simoes – we need more people who are not afraid to speak out, or tackle a job for the benefit of all.
Former Ombudsman Karl Friedman told us personally in 1981 – “publicity is your best weapon” (silence is not golden.)
Step forward, say your “party piece” as my friend Edna Warman was wont to say.
What harm can it do you?
Might even result in improvements to the system.
Who wants to “give” RDOS access without search warrants to their property?
As I see it, a ploy to gain complete control of almost every aspect of our lives – empire building, expanding the job to fill the time!
(Too many desks, too many cracks between).
It is time for the provincial government to put the brakes on them.
Limit their power.
Vis-à-vis the RDOS, most people only have to deal on one issue and, win or lose, “they just want it to be over” – so usually it is hard to get people to the “united we stand” position.
Evidently not so in this case – carry on, Joe!
Buryl (Slack) Goodman,
Anarchist Mountain

OSOYOOS TIMES-March 3, 2010

PROPOSED PASSING LANES UNNECESSARY

Editor:
Re: Deadman passing lanes
For several reasons I don’t see why improving this stretch of Highway 97 is a priority.
Driving in the Okanagan Valley requires patience and attention.
The speed limit between Oliver and Osoyoos is 80 km/h.
Traffic moves along at this speed or a little more and only those wishing to travel above the speed limit will benefit from passing the vehicles travelling at the typical 80 km/h.
Drivers who are able to pass the typical traffic are almost always slowed again by 80 km/h traffic, or new traffic entering the highway, usually within a couple of miles.
Due to the volume of traffic and the numerous access and egress points on Highway 97, having a passing lane really accomplishes almost nothing.
I drive Highway 97 everyday and it is rare to have farm equipment or a real slow vehicle delay me for more than a few seconds.
Because they are travelling slowly they are easy to pass or will readily pull over.
Between Graveyard Hill and Road 21, there are numerous farms, orchards and wineries which rely on the adjacent highway traffic to sell their products.
The highway ‘improvement’ in any form will have a deleterious effect on their business.
Also, this stretch of highway has a long straight-away where passing is allowed and in my experience it is readily available and used by those in a hurry.
It is notably one of the smoothest sections of ‘old pavement’ on Highway 97 in the South Okanagan.
Highway 97 is in poor condition in many places.
Two of the worst are from Osoyoos south to the U.S. border and from Oliver to just north of Gallagher Lake.
Both have continual faults including holes, cracks and heaves from side to side and surface deterioration.
The poor condition of the highway is a safety and mechanical hazard as well as an embarrassment to our region.
I have taken the opportunity to count the deficiencies in the southbound lane in two sections for comparison.
Between the McAlpine Bridge, 5.5 kilometres north of Oliver and the town of Oliver, they numbered well over 100 compared to the dozen between Road 21 and the bottom of Graveyard Hill.
It’s great to get grant money into our area but rather than spending it where there is little benefit for a very few, and a large negative impact on adjacent land owners, apportion funds to repair and resurface Highway 97 where it is sorely needed.
Don Rudzcki,
Oliver

OSOYOOS TIMES-March 3, 2010