Once it was announced that Penticton City Councillor Helana Konanz was selected without competition to be the Tory hopeful in the next federal election ODN asked her to make a comment on this issue:
Should a National Park Reserve be imposed on the people of the south Okanagan without their formal assent.
” Thanks for the congratulations and the question. As you can imagine I am being approached by those both for and against the park. I plan to spend the next few months reaching out to all citizens and stakeholders throughout this riding to find out their views and concerns on all issues. Specifically with the issue of the National Park I would like to see a detailed business plan with information on boundaries and costs associated, including infrastructure costs, before I can support or denounce the project. I do not sign blank checks. ”
Thanks and have a good weekend
Helena
Jim Bowering says
I don’t blame her for dodging such a loaded question. Also, I think she’s right to wait until she has the facts before committing herself.
Publisher: Jim – it’s a done deal – no arguments – you would think if the feds have made up their mind – all the facts would be known. Why are you in denial?
This process has been going on for more than ten years. What are the facts? – you cannot even find definitions for a park reserve. It stinks the feds are spending my money to convince me this is good for me.
I hate quoting George Bush, Jr. – but you are for it or against it. If you are not against it – then you are for it.
I think is quite simple.
Dave drought says
The one “fact” common throughout this entire fiasco is that no-one is providing any. Facts are researchable and verifiable. To be spouting anything that forwards your cause without backing it up is pure opinion and prejudice. These eloquent responses, like “yes – park!” and “No no no park” are heard at preschool, not among debating adults. Let’s grow up a bit here folks. Name calling and the like are just not acceptable. Or maybe just volunteer a couple of hours at a daycare to see how it looks.
Publisher: Thanks Dave for NOT providing one fact. Kids are great we all great. This is serious biz – and no facts presented. Time to stand up for what you believe when the predator is at your door. OR do you see the feds as your friend and benefactor?
Dave drought says
With no information from the concerned parties, how is the general public to make their choice? If someone has a platform, they can speak up. But, somewhere, they may have to back it up. Just because I, or someone else, says something, it doesn’t mean it is true. I did provide one fact, by the way. There still has been no information published by either side of the debate. I believe that to be true. And defendable.
Publisher: Dave – maybe I am missing something here. There is no choice. The decision has been made by a high level of government – The Crown as in crown land in the rights of her Majesty. A lot has been published by both sides – but little on what it will cost, the effect on the area and the damage it will do to a (NOT pristine area but) a heavily developed residential, farming, agricultural, touristy area).
The question to Konanz was – are you in favour of this act of the Liberals or are you going to rise up and represent the people you want to vote for you.
Dave drought says
And Helena has seemed to answer your question. Conservatives, eh? Doesn’t sound like she’s much for Liberal policy. But you never know. As for “A lot has been published”, mostly opinion, as you well know.
Rick Knodel says
Helana wants to represent the area but is just now starting to think about an issue that has been this contentious for so long and has been this divisive. REALLY!!
Not looking to good so far Helana.
Jack, the pipeline was a done deal also, it had passed most of its legislative hurddles and the fed’s wanted that too.
This is far from over and now that the environmentalists are starting to realize that this will actually destroy much of that area for the commercial goals of a few and the examples of other parks being trampled. Lots of those who drank the kool-aid did not die from it and are now starting to see the truth here.
Jim Bowering says
That false challenge (for or against) is the desperate jingoism of scoundrels who have painted themselves into a corner.
We do not have all the facts. The proposed boundaries aren’t set, nor are the proposed accommodations for people currently using the area, etc. As for Konanz, it’s good to see someone who doesn’t lead with their mouth.
Publisher: Jim I can take the insults – (we are both good at it) but you miss the point. The feds have no facts but on the merit of local recommendations have decided to proceed.
Ms Konanz, Mr. Bennest, Mr. Bowering can yelp like dogs – but really have no say in the matter. The difference of the three people – one has never run for anything.
Jim Bowering says
You take everything personally, Jack. I was calling Bush the jingoist. Actually, probably his handlers. I always thought of him as a sock puppet president.
Publisher: I provide push back to arrogance. I do not take our relationship personally. We are the Bickersons – plain and simple. We are part of the entertainment on ODN.
Jim Bowering says
Okay Jack, if you want to be a Bickerson, I won’t stop you.
Publisher says
You have to decide whether you are Blanche or John Bickerson – or if you decide to continue to perform. Jim you might be too young to remember.
The Bickersons was a radio comedy sketch series that began September 8, 1946, on NBC, moving the following year to CBS where it continued until August 28, 1951. The show’s married protagonists, portrayed by Don Ameche and Frances Langford, spent nearly all their time together in relentless verbal war.
Lawrence Green says
I recall listening to The Bickersons in the mid 1960s . Roll on the floor funny stuff . Must have been a repeat of earlier sketches and wonderful they were .
With all due respect , I don’t think that you and Jim Bowering will attain that level .
Publisher: LG – I do agree.
Shirley Zelinski says
I am sincerely hoping that security is part of the vital infrastructure for the proposed National park. As it stands, Oliver RCMP is running drastically short with many vacant RCMP positions now, no relief in sight, and we are still waiting for 2 extra filled positions promised when the new prison was opened, if our few officers were called in to assist at the prison, which they frequently are. The crime rate in Oliver and the adjacent reserve has been rapidly escalating for several years. We have been running with vacant RCMP positions for several years. How could our elected government even consider supporting any more people coming to the area, more traffic accidents, traffic violations, and yes, more theft reports. Our Bill of Rights and Constitution state that we have the right to security, which we are sadly lacking. Lets think this through and prioritize with ethics and integrity. Use your vote wisely, South Okanagan.