Editor:
Re: Your editorials “Dog and Pony Show” and “Whose Meeting is it Really” in the April 21, 2010, and May 12, 2010, Osoyoos Times.
Kudos to Laurena Weninger for her April 21 article criticizing town of Osoyoos council for the way they conduct the town meetings.
I read Laurena Weninger’s editorial “Dog and Pony Show,” April 21, Osoyoos Times.
I am very grateful for her excellent article and it was perfect.
Three cheers for her.
Ms. Weninger hits the nail on the head when she points out that “there’s often no debate, no in-depth discussion of the pros and cons of an issue. They appear to have rehearsed their opinions and pre-assigned their lines.”
Unfortunately, Mayor Stu Wells then hits his thumb, and not the nail, by attempting to blame Laurena Weninger for her honest, constructive criticism of town council meetings.
Ms. Weninger as a reporter examines and indentifies a problem; she is a very courageous journalist to say the least.
Thank you Osoyoos Times for publishing her editorial.
Kudos to you editor for not dropping “this matter” and challenging Mayor Stu Wells in the May 12, 2010, issue of Osoyoos Times under editorial: “Whose Meeting is it Really?”
I couldn’t agree more with your editorial.
In response to Mayor Stu Well’s statement: “By all means, keep doing it, this is our meeting. This is my meeting.”
I disagree with the above statement, because as the editor of the Osoyoos Times stated, “council meetings do not belong to individual council members or the mayor.”
One of the well-known Canadian mayors stated that “city council is an extension of a community.”
In my opinion Mayor Stu Wells and councillors should not ignore Ms. Weninger’s excellent suggestions.
She did an enormous service to the taxpayers of this town.
At no cost to the taxpayers.
Ms. Weninger’s analysis was better than IPSOS Reid’s, which cost us $7,400.
In closing, Mr. Mayor and councillors, take my advice and treat Ms. Weninger with full respect, because she deserves it and she earned it.
Sy Murseli,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-May 19, 2010

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR ‘SPECIAL PROSECUTORS?’

Editor:
I have been following recent news stories regarding Members of Parliament and scandals, criminal charges and so on lately and almost without fail, the words “special prosecutor” appointed to “look into whether or not charges should be laid in this instance” jump out of the article in question.
It leaves me wondering: why is there a need for a special prosecutor?
Are politicians not subject to the same laws as any other citizens of this province or this country?
Witness the charge of driving under the influence by an MP recently in the provincial news.
Why was there a need for a special prosecutor when the police stopped this politician and charged this person?
It seems to me if this was a private citizen that there wouldn’t have been any question about whether or not they would be charged.
They would have been charged and likely have been to court by now.
But we haven’t heard anything in the news after the appointment of the “special prosecutor.”
Why is that?
Are there two sets of rules here?
One for politicians and one for the ordinary citizen?
Kinds of makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
Robert J. Dunn,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-May 19, 2010

WHAT ABOUT THE BIRDS?

Editor:
The birds at Bird Emergency and Kare Society (BEAKS) are in need.
There’s no meal worms, no crickets, no money.
There’s no Government funding for non-profit organizations and this year donations were $20,000 less than last year - that hurts!
BEAKS rescues and releases many birds of species at risk of extinction.
Without societies such as BEAKS, certain species would become extinct all the sooner.
BEAKS is proud to report an 85 per cent release record and are desperate to maintain this remarkable record.
Truth be told, non-profit organizations are among the most to suffer because in these tough economic times there’s no money to care for these rescued birds.
Imagine how hard it is for the dedicated rescuer to be forced to decide if these innocent beings must starve to death or be released to the wild before their time, knowing they will likely die or worse yet…to have to be turned away due to lack of funds?
Without money, without food, there is no BEAKS; no help to save precious beings necessary to our planet in order to maintain our eco system.
Humans need to protect those we share this earth with in order to survive the future…think of your grandchildren.
Teaching our young that birds and animals are an essential part of nature is important.
Learning that species are completely dying off, never again to exist on this earth is important.
Doing something about it is important.
If everyone in our town donated $5 it would help BEAKS for several months, maybe longer.
BEAKS is accepting recyclable bottles and cans to raise funds.
Hey, how about a lesson in generosity for your children or grandchildren?
May you suggest your little one knock on neighbours,’ friends,’ aunts’ and uncles’ doors asking for a few pop cans or make up a plan to earn money to send for the birds?
Wouldn’t they feel good about making a difference?
Every little penny counts.
If you can find it in your heart to help in any small way, please contact BEAKS at 250-365-3701.
The drop-off or postal address is 318 103 St., Castlegar, B.C., V1N 3G2.
Thanks to all of you kind folks who have given so generously in the past to help keep BEAKS afloat.
Let’s help save our birds now.
Lana Horan,
Creston

OSOYOOS TIMES-May 19, 2010